1 Chronicles 26:17

Authorized King James Version

Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לַמִּזְרָח֮
Eastward
sunrise, i.e., the east
#2
הַלְוִיִּ֣ם
Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#3
שִׁשָּׁה֒
were six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#4
לַצָּפ֤וֹנָה
northward
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#5
לַיּ֖וֹם
a day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#6
אַרְבָּעָ֑ה
four
four
#7
לַנֶּ֥גְבָּה
southward
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#8
לַיּ֖וֹם
a day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#9
אַרְבָּעָ֑ה
four
four
#10
וְלָֽאֲסֻפִּ֖ים
and toward Asuppim
collected (only in the plural), i.e., a collection of offerings)
#11
שְׁנָֽיִם׃
and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#12
שְׁנָֽיִם׃
and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection