2 Samuel 22:12

Authorized King James Version

And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֥שֶׁת
And he made
to place (in a very wide application)
#2
חֹ֛שֶׁךְ
darkness
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
#3
סְבִֽיבֹתָ֖יו
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#4
סֻכּ֑וֹת
pavilions
a hut or lair
#5
חַֽשְׁרַת
him dark
properly, a combination or gathering, i.e., of watery clouds
#6
מַ֖יִם
waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#7
עָבֵ֥י
and thick clouds
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
#8
שְׁחָקִֽים׃
of the skies
a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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