1 Chronicles 5:22

For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חֲלָלִ֤ים

H2491

slain

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

רַבִּים֙

H7227

down many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

נָפָ֔לוּ

H5307

For there fell

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

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵהָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

was of 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

הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה

H4421

because the war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֥וּ

H3427

And they dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

תַחְתֵּיהֶ֖ם

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#10

עַד

H5704

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

#11

הַגֹּלָֽה׃

H1473

in their steads until the captivity

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Chronicles chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?