2 Samuel 18:25

Authorized King James Version

And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
cried
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הַצֹּפֶה֙
And the watchman
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
#3
וַיַּגֵּ֣ד
and told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#4
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#5
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#7
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
לְבַדּ֖וֹ
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#9
בְּשׂוֹרָ֣ה
If he be alone there is tidings
glad tidings; by implication, reward for good news
#10
בְּפִ֑יו
in his mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#11
הָל֖וֹךְ
apace
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
הָל֖וֹךְ
apace
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
וְקָרֵֽב׃
and drew near
near

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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