1 Chronicles 25:8

Authorized King James Version

And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּפִּ֜ילוּ

H5307

And they cast

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

גּֽוֹרָל֣וֹת

H1486

lots

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

מִשְׁמֶ֗רֶת

H4931

ward

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

לְעֻמַּת֙

H5980

against

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

כַּקָּטֹ֣ן

H6996

ward as well the small

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

כַּגָּד֔וֹל

H1419

as the great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

מֵבִ֖ין

H995

the teacher

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

תַּלְמִֽיד׃

H8527

as the scholar

a pupil

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?