| 3. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with the narrative marker vayikrot {וַיִּכְרֹת | váy·yi·k·rōṯ}, a vav consecutive + Qal imperfect linking covenant formation to the preceding account. The quantifier-noun phrase kol-ha-qahal {כָּל־הַקָּהָל | kôl·ha·qā·hāl} ‘the whole assembly’ functions as subject in the locative phrase be-beit ha-Elohim {בְּבֵית הָאֱלֹהִים | bə·bêṯ·hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm}, highlighting the temple as the worship center. The prepositional clause im-ha-melekh {עִם־הַמֶּלֶךְ | ’im·ha·me·l·ekh} links the assembly with royal authority. The conjunction vayomer lahem {וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם | váy·yō·mer lā·hem} introduces direct speech, with the demonstrative hinneh {הִנֵּה | hin·nēh} emphasizing the announcement of ben-ha-melekh yimlokh {בֶן־הַמֶּלֶךְ יִמְלֹךְ | ben·ha·me·l·ekh yim·lō·ḵ}, and the clause ka-asher dibber Yahweh {כַאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה | ka·’a·šer dib·ber yə·hō·wāh} anchoring the promise in divine speech, underscoring covenant continuity and Davidic legitimacy. |