1 Chronicles 26:14

Authorized King James Version

And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִפִּ֙ילוּ֙
fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#2
גֽוֹרָל֖וֹ
And the lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#3
מִזְרָ֖חָה
eastward
sunrise, i.e., the east
#4
לְשֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֑הוּ
to Shelemiah
shelemjah, the name of nine israelites
#5
וּזְכַרְיָ֨הוּ
Then for Zechariah
zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites
#6
בְנ֜וֹ
his son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
יוֹעֵ֣ץ׀
counsellor
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#8
בְּשֶׂ֗כֶל
a wise
intelligence; by implication, success
#9
הִפִּ֙ילוּ֙
fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#10
גֽוֹרָל֖וֹ
And the lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#11
וַיֵּצֵ֥א
came out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#12
גֽוֹרָל֖וֹ
And the lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#13
צָפֽוֹנָה׃
northward
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

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