2 Samuel 23:1

Authorized King James Version

Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵ֛לֶּה
these or those
#2
דִּבְרֵ֥י
words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
דָּוִ֣ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#4
הָאַֽחֲרֹנִ֑ים
Now these be the last
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
#5
וּנְאֻ֤ם
said
an oracle
#6
דָּוִ֣ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#7
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
יִשַׁ֗י
of Jesse
jishai, david's father
#9
וּנְאֻ֤ם
said
an oracle
#10
הַגֶּ֙בֶר֙
and the man
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
#11
הֻ֣קַם
who was raised up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#12
עָ֔ל
on high
properly, the top; specifically, the highest (i.e., god); also (adverb) aloft, to jehovah
#13
מְשִׁ֙יחַ֙
the anointed
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
#14
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
of the God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#15
יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב
of Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#16
וּנְעִ֖ים
and the sweet
delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative)
#17
זְמִר֥וֹת
psalmist
a song to be accompanied with instrumental music
#18
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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