2 Chronicles 1:9

Authorized King James Version

Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַתָּה֙
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
יְהוָ֣ה
Now O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
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
יֵֽאָמֵן֙
be established
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#5
דְּבָ֣רְךָ֔
let thy promise
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#6
עִ֖ם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#7
דָּוִ֣יד
unto David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#8
אָבִ֑י
H1
my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#9
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
אַתָּה֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#11
הִמְלַכְתַּ֔נִי
for thou hast made me king
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
עַ֕ם
over a people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
רַ֖ב
in multitude
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#15
כַּֽעֲפַ֥ר
like the dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#16
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection