| 27. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with the narrative marker vayehi {וַיְהִי | wayyêhî} introducing a new event. The infinitive construct kevo {כְּב֥וֹא | kə-ḇōʾ} functions temporally, marking the occasion of David’s approach. The proper name Mahanaim {מַחֲנָ֑יְמָה | maḥănāyim} establishes location context. A paratactic series of conjunctions veshovi {וְשֹׁבִ֨י | wə-šōwî}, umakhir {וּמָכִ֤יר | ū-mā-ḵîr}, and ubarzillai {וּבַרְזִלַּ֥י | ū-ḇar-zî-lay} introduces supporters in sequence. Each individual is defined by a patronymic (ben-nahash, ben-ammiel) and an origin phrase (merabbat bənē-ʿammōn, millo devar, merogelim), and the gentilic hagileadi {הַגִּלְעָדִ֖י | ha-gi-lə-ʿā-dî} highlights Barzillai’s regional identity. The absence of subordinate clauses emphasizes collective solidarity rallying to David. |