2 Chronicles 11:14

Authorized King James Version

For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the LORD:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
עָזְב֣וּ
H5800
left
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#3
הַלְוִיִּ֗ם
H3881
For the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#4
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶם֙
H4054
their suburbs
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
#6
וַֽאֲחֻזָּתָ֔ם
H272
and their possession
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
#7
וַיֵּֽלְכ֥וּ
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
לִֽיהוּדָ֖ה
H3063
to Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#9
וְלִירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
H3389
and Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#10
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
הִזְנִיחָ֤ם
H2186
had cast them off
reject, forsake, fail
#12
יָֽרָבְעָם֙
H3379
for Jeroboam
jarobam, the name of two israelite kings
#13
וּבָנָ֔יו
H1121
and his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
מִכַּהֵ֖ן
H3547
from executing the priest's office
to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia
#15
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
H3068
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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

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