2 Samuel 23:5

Authorized King James Version

Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כֵ֥ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

בֵּיתִ֖י

H1004

Although my house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֵ֑ל

H410

be not so with God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

כִּי֩

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְרִ֨ית

H1285

covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

עוֹלָ֜ם

H5769

with me an everlasting

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#10

שָׂ֣ם

H7760

yet he hath made

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#11

לִ֗י

#12

עֲרוּכָ֤ה

H6186

ordered

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

#13

בַכֹּל֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

וּשְׁמֻרָ֔ה

H8104

in all things and sure

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#15

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

יִשְׁעִ֥י

H3468

for this is all my salvation

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

#18

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#19

חֵ֖פֶץ

H2656

and all my desire

pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)

#20

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#21

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

יַצְמִֽיחַ׃

H6779

although he make it not to grow

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing salvation encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification in the ordo salutis and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show rescue narratives from ancient literature that would resonate with the audience, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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