2 Samuel 5:2

Authorized King James Version

Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֶתְמ֣וֹל
Also in time past
heretofore; definitely yesterday
#3
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#4
שִׁלְשׁ֗וֹם
trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday
#5
בִּֽהְי֨וֹת
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
שָׁא֥וּל
when Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#7
מֶ֙לֶךְ֙
was king
a king
#8
עָלֵ֔ינוּ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
אַתָּ֗ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#10
הָיִ֛יתָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
מּוֹצִ֥יא
over us thou wast he that leddest out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#12
וְהַמֵּבִ֖י
and broughtest in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#15
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#16
יְהוָ֜ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
לְךָ֗
H0
#18
אַתָּ֨ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#19
תִרְעֶ֤ה
to thee Thou shalt feed
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#20
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
עַמִּי֙
my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#22
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#23
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#24
וְאַתָּ֛ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#25
תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#26
לְנָגִ֖יד
and thou shalt be a captain
a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes
#27
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#28
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
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 simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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