2 Samuel 24:4

Authorized King James Version

Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֤ק
prevailed
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#2
דְּבַר
word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
Notwithstanding the king's
a king
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
יוֹאָ֜ב
And Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#6
וְעַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
וְשָׂרֵ֤י
and against the captains
a head person (of any rank or class)
#8
הַחַ֙יִל֙
of the host
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#9
וַיֵּצֵ֨א
went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#10
יוֹאָ֜ב
And Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#11
וְשָׂרֵ֤י
and against the captains
a head person (of any rank or class)
#12
הַחַ֙יִל֙
of the host
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#13
לִפְנֵ֣י
from the presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
Notwithstanding the king's
a king
#15
לִפְקֹ֥ד
to number
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#16
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
הָעָ֖ם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#18
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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