| 13. Linguistic Exegesis The verse employs a chain of vav-consecutive Qal imperfect verbs (vayyiqqāḥ, vayyimšaḥ, vattiṣlaḥ) to signal narrative progression. The direct object marker ʾēt {אֶת־ | ʾēṯ} identifies the specific object. The construct qeren ha-shemen introduces the anointing horn as a ritual instrument. Bekerev {בְּקֶ֣רֶב | bəqerev} ‘in the midst of’ underscores communal witness. The feminine verb vattiṣlaḥ agrees with rūaḥ-Yahweh {רֽוּחַ־יְהוָה | rūaḥ Yəhōwāh}, depicting the Spirit as the active agent. The temporal clause mê-hayyôm ha-hûʼ wamā‘ālāh {מֵהַיּ֥וֹם הַה֖וּא וָמָ֑עְלָה | mê-hayyôm hahûʼ wamā‘ālāh} ‘from that day onward’ conveys enduring impact. The sequence closes with two vav-consecutive imperfects (vayyiqām, vayyēleḵ), a customary Hebrew narrative closure marking Samuel’s departure. |