1 Chronicles 18:14

Authorized King James Version

So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ

H4427

reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

דָּוִ֖יד

H1732

So David

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

over all Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֹשֶׂ֛ה

H6213

and executed

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִשְׁפָּ֥ט

H4941

judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וּצְדָקָ֖ה

H6666

and justice

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

#10

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

עַמּֽוֹ׃

H5971

among all his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 justice contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of justice differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?