2 Samuel 22:44

Authorized King James Version

Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽתְּפַלְּטֵ֔נִי
Thou also hast delivered
to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver
#2
מֵֽרִיבֵ֖י
me from the strivings
a contest (personal or legal)
#3
עַ֥ם
a people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
תִּשְׁמְרֵ֙נִי֙
thou hast kept
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#5
לְרֹ֣אשׁ
me to be head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
גּוֹיִ֔ם
of the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#7
עַ֥ם
a people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יָדַ֖עְתִּי
which I knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#10
יַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃
not shall serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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