2 Chronicles 12:13

Authorized King James Version

So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּתְחַזֵּ֞ק

H2388

strengthened

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ

H4428

So king

a king

רְחַבְעָ֨ם

H7346

Rehoboam

rechabam, an israelite king

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֗ם

H3389

himself in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

מָלַ֣ךְ

H4427

and he reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בֶן

H1121

old

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַרְבָּעִ֣ים

H705

and forty

forty

וְאַחַ֣ת

H259

was one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#10

שָׁנָ֣ה׀

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

#11

רְחַבְעָ֨ם

H7346

Rehoboam

rechabam, an israelite king

#12

מָלַ֣ךְ

H4427

and he reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

#13

וּֽשֲׁבַ֨ע

H7651

seventeen

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#14

עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה

H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

#15

שָׁנָ֣ה׀

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

#16

מָלַ֣ךְ

H4427

and he reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

#17

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֗ם

H3389

himself in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#18

הָ֠עִיר

H5892

the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#19

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#20

בָּחַ֨ר

H977

had chosen

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

#21

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

which the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#22

לָשׂ֨וּם

H7760

to put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#23

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#24

וְשֵׁ֣ם

H8034

his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#25

שָׁם֙

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#26

מִכֹּל֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#27

שִׁבְטֵ֣י

H7626

out of all the tribes

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#28

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#29

וְשֵׁ֣ם

H8034

his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#30

אִמּ֔וֹ

H517

there And his mother's

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

#31

נַֽעֲמָ֖ה

H5279

was Naamah

naamah, the name of a place in palestine

#32

הָֽעַמֹּנִֽית׃

H5985

an Ammonitess

an ammonitess

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?