2 Chronicles 12:15

Authorized King James Version

Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּדִבְרֵ֨י

H1697

Now the acts

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

רְחַבְעָ֛ם

H7346

between Rehoboam

rechabam, an israelite king

הָרִֽאשֹׁנִים֙

H7223

first

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וְהָאֲ֣חַרוֹנִ֔ים

H314

and last

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

הֲלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֵ֨ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כְּתוּבִ֜ים

H3789

are they not written

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בְּדִבְרֵ֨י

H1697

Now the acts

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

שְׁמַעְיָ֧ה

H8098

of Shemaiah

shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites

#10

הַנָּבִ֛יא

H5030

the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#11

וְעִדּ֥וֹ

H5714

and of Iddo

iddo (or iddi), the name of five israelites

#12

הַֽחֹזֶ֖ה

H2374

the seer

a beholder in vision; also a compact (as looked upon with approval)

#13

לְהִתְיַחֵ֑שׂ

H3187

concerning genealogies

to enroll by pedigree

#14

וּמִלְחֲמ֧וֹת

H4421

And there were wars

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#15

רְחַבְעָ֛ם

H7346

between Rehoboam

rechabam, an israelite king

#16

וְיָֽרָבְעָ֖ם

H3379

and Jeroboam

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

#17

כָּל

H3605

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

#18

הַיָּמִֽים׃

H3117

continually

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 revelation 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?