2 Samuel 5:24

Authorized King James Version

And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וִ֠יהִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְּֽשָׁמְעֲךָ֞
And let it be when thou hearest
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
ק֧וֹל
the sound
a voice or sound
#5
צְעָדָ֛ה
of a going
a march; (concretely) an (ornamental) ankle-chain
#6
בְּרָאשֵׁ֥י
in the tops
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#7
הַבְּכָאִ֖ים
of the mulberry trees
the weeping tree (some gum-distilling tree, perhaps the balsam)
#8
אָ֣ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#9
תֶּֽחֱרָ֑ץ
that then thou shalt bestir
properly, to point sharply, i.e., (literally) to wound; figuratively, to be alert, to decide
#10
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
אָ֗ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#12
יָצָ֤א
go out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#13
יְהוָה֙
thyself for then shall the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
לְהַכּ֖וֹת
thee to smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#16
בְּמַֽחֲנֵ֥ה
the host
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#17
פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃
of the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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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