2 Chronicles 12:10

Authorized King James Version

Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king's house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ
H6213
made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
H4428
Instead of which king
a king
#3
רְחַבְעָם֙
H7346
Rehoboam
rechabam, an israelite king
#4
תַּחְתֵּיהֶ֔ם
H8478
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#5
מָֽגִנֵּ֖י
H4043
shields
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
#6
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
H5178
of brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#7
וְהִפְקִ֗יד
H6485
and committed
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#8
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
יַד֙
H3027
them to the hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#10
שָׂרֵ֣י
H8269
of the chief
a head person (of any rank or class)
#11
הָֽרָצִ֔ים
H7323
of the guard
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
#12
הַשֹּׁ֣מְרִ֔ים
H8104
that kept
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#13
פֶּ֖תַח
H6607
the entrance
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#14
בֵּ֥ית
H1004
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#15
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
H4428
Instead of which king
a king

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Chronicles.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection