2 Samuel 22:43

Authorized King James Version

Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶשְׁחָקֵ֖ם
Then did I beat
to comminate (by trituration or attrition)
#2
כַּֽעֲפַר
them as small as the dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#3
אָ֑רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
כְּטִיט
them as the mire
mud or clay; figuratively, calamity
#5
חוּצ֥וֹת
of the street
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#6
אֲדִקֵּ֖ם
I did stamp
to crush (or intransitively) crumble
#7
אֶרְקָעֵֽם׃
and did spread them abroad
to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand (by hammering); by implication, to overlay (with thin sheets of metal)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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