2 Samuel 5:23

Authorized King James Version

And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל
enquired
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#2
דָּוִד֙
And when David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר
he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
תַֽעֲלֶ֑ה
Thou shalt not go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#7
הָסֵב֙
but fetch a compass
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
אַ֣חֲרֵיהֶ֔ם
behind
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
וּבָ֥אתָ
them and come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#12
מִמּ֥וּל
upon them over against
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
#13
בְּכָאִֽים׃
the mulberry trees
the weeping tree (some gum-distilling tree, perhaps the balsam)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

Questions for Reflection

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