2 Samuel 22:16

Authorized King James Version

And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּֽרָאוּ֙

H7200

appeared

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֲפִ֣קֵי

H650

And the channels

properly, containing, i.e., a tube; also a bed or valley of a stream; also a strong thing or a hero

יָ֔ם

H3220

of the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

יִגָּל֖וּ

H1540

were discovered

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

מֹֽסְד֣וֹת

H4146

the foundations

a foundation

תֵּבֵ֑ל

H8398

of the world

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

בְּגַֽעֲרַ֣ת

H1606

at the rebuking

a chiding

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מִנִּשְׁמַ֖ת

H5397

at the blast

a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal

#10

ר֥וּחַ

H7307

of the breath

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#11

אַפּֽוֹ׃

H639

of his nostrils

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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