2 Samuel 3:17

Authorized King James Version

And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּדְבַר
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#2
אַבְנֵ֣ר
H74
And Abner
abner, an israelite
#3
הֱיִיתֶ֞ם
had communication
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#5
זִקְנֵ֥י
with the elders
old
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#9
תְּמוֹל֙
in times
properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday
#10
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#11
שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם
past
trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday
#12
הֱיִיתֶ֞ם
had communication
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
מְבַקְשִׁ֧ים
Ye sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
דָּוִ֛ד
for David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#16
לְמֶ֖לֶךְ
to be king
a king
#17
עֲלֵיכֶֽם׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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