2 Samuel 7:4

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֖י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּלַּ֣יְלָה
And it came to pass that night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#3
הַה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#4
וַֽיְהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
דְּבַר
that the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#6
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
נָתָ֖ן
came unto Nathan
nathan, the name of five israelites
#9
לֵאמֹֽר׃
saying
to say (used with great latitude)

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

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 salvation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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