2 Chronicles 1:4

Authorized King James Version

But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath-jearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲבָ֗ל
H61
But
nay, i.e., truly or yet
#2
אֲר֤וֹן
the ark
a box
#3
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙
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
#4
הֶֽעֱלָ֤ה
brought up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#5
דָּוִ֑יד
had David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#6
מִקִּרְיַ֣ת
H0
#7
יְעָרִ֔ים
from Kirjathjearim
kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine
#8
בַּֽהֵכִ֥ין
had prepared
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#9
ל֖וֹ
H0
#10
דָּוִ֑יד
had David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#11
כִּ֧י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
נָֽטָה
for it for he had pitched
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#13
ל֛וֹ
H0
#14
אֹ֖הֶל
a tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#15
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
for it at Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 establishing foundational concepts crucial to 2 Chronicles's theological argument.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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