2 Samuel 2:29

Authorized King James Version

And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַבְנֵ֣ר

H74

And Abner

abner, an israelite

וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֗יו

H582

and his men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙

H1980

walked

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בָּֽעֲרָבָ֔ה

H6160

through the plain

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַלַּ֣יְלָה

H3915

all that night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

הַה֑וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיַּֽעַבְר֣וּ

H5674

and passed over

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן

H3383

Jordan

jarden, the principal river of palestine

#11

וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙

H1980

walked

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#12

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

הַבִּתְר֔וֹן

H1338

all Bithron

bithron, a place east of the jordan

#14

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ

H935

and they came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#15

מַֽחֲנָֽיִם׃

H4266

to Mahanaim

machanajim, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Samuel.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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