2 Samuel 20:19

Authorized King James Version

I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָֽנֹכִ֕י
i
#2
שְׁלֻמֵ֖י
I am one of them that are peaceable
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#3
אֱמוּנֵ֣י
and faithful
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#4
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
אַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#6
מְבַקֵּ֗שׁ
thou seekest
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#7
לְהָמִ֨ית
to destroy
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#8
עִ֤יר
a city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
וְאֵם֙
and a mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#10
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
לָ֥מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#12
תְבַלַּ֖ע
why wilt thou swallow up
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
#13
נַֽחֲלַ֥ת
the inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#14
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, 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 covenant 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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