2 Samuel 3:7

Authorized King James Version

And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּלְשָׁא֣וּל
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#2
פִּילֶ֥גֶשׁ
concubine
a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour
#3
וּשְׁמָ֖הּ
whose name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#4
רִצְפָּ֣ה
was Rizpah
ritspah, an israelitess
#5
בַת
the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#6
אַיָּ֑ה
of Aiah
ajah, the name of two israelites
#7
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
and Ishbosheth said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
אַבְנֵ֔ר
H74
to Abner
abner, an israelite
#10
מַדּ֥וּעַ
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#11
בָּ֖אתָה
Wherefore hast thou gone in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
פִּילֶ֥גֶשׁ
concubine
a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour
#14
אָבִֽי׃
H1
unto my father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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