2 Samuel 7:2

Authorized King James Version

That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙
That the king
a king
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
נָתָ֣ן
unto Nathan
nathan, the name of five israelites
#5
הַנָּבִ֔יא
the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#6
רְאֵ֣ה
See
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
נָ֔א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#8
אָֽנֹכִ֥י
i
#9
יֹשֵׁ֖ב
dwelleth
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#10
בְּבֵ֣ית
in an house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
אֲרָזִ֑ים
of cedar
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
#12
וַֽאֲרוֹן֙
but the ark
a box
#13
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#14
יֹשֵׁ֖ב
dwelleth
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#15
בְּת֥וֹךְ
within
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#16
הַיְרִיעָֽה׃
curtains
a hanging (as tremulous)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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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