1 Chronicles 28:8

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְ֠עַתָּה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

לְעֵינֵ֨י

H5869

Now therefore in the sight

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כָל

H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל

H3478

of all Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

קְהַל

H6951

the congregation

assemblage (usually concretely)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

וּבְאָזְנֵ֣י

H241

and in the audience

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם

H430

of our 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

שִׁמְר֣וּ

H8104

keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#10

וְדִרְשׁ֔וּ

H1875

and seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#11

כָּל

H3605

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

#12

מִצְוֹ֖ת

H4687

for all the commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#13

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#14

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם

H430

of our 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

#15

לְמַ֤עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#16

תִּֽירְשׁוּ֙

H3423

that ye may possess

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

#17

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

הָאָ֣רֶץ

H776

land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#19

הַטּוֹבָ֔ה

H2896

this good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#20

וְהִנְחַלְתֶּ֛ם

H5157

and leave it for an inheritance

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

#21

לִבְנֵיכֶ֥ם

H1121

for your children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#22

אַֽחֲרֵיכֶ֖ם

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#23

עַד

H5704

you for

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#24

עוֹלָֽם׃

H5769

ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?