2 Chronicles 1:8

Authorized King James Version

And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁלֹמֹה֙

H8010

And Solomon

shelomah, david's successor

לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים

H430

unto 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

אַתָּ֗ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עָשִׂ֛יתָ

H6213

Thou hast shewed

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

דָּוִ֥יד

H1732

unto David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֖י

my father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

חֶ֣סֶד

H2617

mercy

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

#10

גָּד֑וֹל

H1419

great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#11

וְהִמְלַכְתַּ֖נִי

H4427

and hast made me to reign

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

#12

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃

H8478

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

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of mercy reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 2 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes mercy in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?