2 Samuel 5:17

Authorized King James Version

But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים

H6430

But when the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

כִּֽי

H3588

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

מָשְׁח֨וּ

H4886

that they had anointed

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֶת

H853

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

דָּוִ֔ד

H1732

David

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְמֶ֙לֶךְ֙

H4428

king

a king

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

over Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#10

וַיַּֽעֲל֥וּ

H5927

came up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#11

כָל

H3605

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

#12

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים

H6430

But when the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#13

לְבַקֵּ֣שׁ

H1245

to seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

דָּוִ֔ד

H1732

David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#16

וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#17

דָּוִ֔ד

H1732

David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#18

וַיֵּ֖רֶד

H3381

of it and went down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#19

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#20

הַמְּצוּדָֽה׃

H4686

to the hold

a fastness

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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