2 Samuel 20:2

Authorized King James Version

So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֜עַל

H5927

went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

כָּל

H3605

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

וְאִ֤ישׁ

H376

So every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י

H310

and followed

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

דָוִ֔ד

H1732

David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י

H310

and followed

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

שֶׁ֣בַע

H7652

Sheba

sheba, the name of a place in palestine, and of two israelites

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#10

בִּכְרִ֑י

H1075

of Bichri

bikri, an israelite

#11

וְאִ֤ישׁ

H376

So every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#12

יְהוּדָה֙

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#13

דָּֽבְק֣וּ

H1692

clave

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

#14

בְמַלְכָּ֔ם

H4428

unto their king

a king

#15

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#16

הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן

H3383

from Jordan

jarden, the principal river of palestine

#17

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#18

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

even to Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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