1 Chronicles 28:4

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּחַ֣ר
H977
chose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#2
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
Howbeit the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֱלֹהֵי֩
H430
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
בִּ֜י
H0
#6
מִכֹּ֣ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
בֵּ֣ית
H1004
and of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
אָבִ֔י
H1
of my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#9
לִֽהְי֨וֹת
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
לְמֶ֤לֶךְ
H4428
to be king
a king
#11
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#13
לְעוֹלָ֔ם
H5769
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#14
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
יְהוּדָ֖ה
H3063
Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#16
בָּחַ֣ר
H977
chose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#17
לְנָגִ֔יד
H5057
to be the ruler
a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes
#18
בֵּ֣ית
H1004
and of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#19
יְהוּדָ֖ה
H3063
Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#20
בֵּ֣ית
H1004
and of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#21
אָבִ֔י
H1
of my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#22
וּבִבְנֵ֣י
H1121
and among the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#23
אָבִ֔י
H1
of my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#24
בִּ֣י
H0
#25
רָצָ֔ה
H7521
he liked
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
#26
לְהַמְלִ֖יךְ
H4427
me to make me king
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#27
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#28
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#29
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights kingdom of God 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection