1 Chronicles 23:31

Authorized King James Version

And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּלְכֹ֨ל

H3605

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

הַֽעֲל֤וֹת

H5927

And to offer

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עֹלוֹת֙

H5930

all burnt sacrifices

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לַשַּׁבָּת֔וֹת

H7676

in the sabbaths

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

לֶֽחֳדָשִׁ֖ים

H2320

in the new moons

the new moon; by implication, a month

וְלַמֹּֽעֲדִ֑ים

H4150

and on the set feasts

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

בְּמִסְפָּ֨ר

H4557

by number

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

כְּמִשְׁפָּ֧ט

H4941

according to the order

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

#10

עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם

H5921

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

#11

תָּמִ֖יד

H8548

commanded unto them continually

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

#12

לִפְנֵ֥י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#13

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Chronicles.

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 salvation 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Chronicles chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?