2 Samuel 22:24

Authorized King James Version

I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֶֽהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
תָמִ֖ים
I was also upright
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#3
ל֑וֹ
H0
#4
וָֽאֶשְׁתַּמְּרָ֖ה
before him and have kept
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#5
מֵעֲוֹנִֽי׃
myself from mine iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

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 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

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