1 Chronicles 16:20

Authorized King James Version

And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽתְהַלְּכוּ֙
H1980
And when they went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
גּ֔וֹי
H1471
from nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#3
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
גּ֔וֹי
H1471
from nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#5
וּמִמַּמְלָכָ֖ה
H4467
and from one kingdom
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#6
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
עַ֥ם
H5971
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
אַחֵֽר׃
H312
to another
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection