2 Samuel 6:21

Authorized King James Version

And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
דָּוִד֮
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מִיכַל֒
unto Michal
mikal, saul's daughter
#5
לִפְנֵ֥י
It was 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
#6
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
בָּֽחַר
which chose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#9
בִּ֤י
H0
#10
מֵֽאָבִיךְ֙
H1
me before thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#11
וּמִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
בֵּית֔וֹ
and before all his house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#13
לְצַוֹּ֨ת
to appoint
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#14
אֹתִ֥י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
נָגִ֛יד
me ruler
a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
עַ֥ם
over the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#18
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#19
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
over Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#21
וְשִֽׂחַקְתִּ֖י
therefore will I play
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
#22
לִפְנֵ֥י
It was 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
#23
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights kingdom of God 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources