2 Samuel 24:17

Authorized King James Version

And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֨ד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בִּרְאֹת֣וֹ׀

H7200

when he saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמַּלְאָ֣ךְ׀

H4397

the angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

הַמַּכֶּ֣ה

H5221

that smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בָעָ֗ם

H5971

the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#10

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

הִנֵּ֨ה

H2009

lo!

#12

אָֽנֹכִ֤י

H595

#13

חָטָ֙אתִי֙

H2398

Lo I have sinned

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#14

וְאָֽנֹכִ֣י

H595

#15

הֶֽעֱוֵ֔יתִי

H5753

and I have done wickedly

to crook, literally or figuratively

#16

וְאֵ֥לֶּה

H428

these or those

#17

הַצֹּ֖אן

H6629

but these sheep

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#18

מֶ֣ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#19

עָשׂ֑וּ

H6213

what have they done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#20

תְּהִ֨י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#21

נָ֥א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#22

יָֽדְךָ֛

H3027

let thine hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#23

בִּ֖י

#24

וּבְבֵ֥ית

H1004

house

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

#25

אָבִֽי׃

I pray thee be against me and against my father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

David

Study Resources

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