2 Chronicles 12:2

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֞י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּשָּׁנָ֤ה
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#3
הַֽחֲמִישִׁית֙
And it came to pass that in the fifth
fifth; also a fifth
#4
מֶֽלֶךְ
king
a king
#5
רְחַבְעָ֔ם
Rehoboam
rechabam, an israelite king
#6
עָלָ֛ה
came up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#7
שִׁישַׁ֥ק
Shishak
shishak, an egyptian king
#8
מֶֽלֶךְ
king
a king
#9
מִצְרַ֖יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
against Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#12
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
מָֽעֲל֖וּ
because they had transgressed
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
#14
בַּֽיהוָֽה׃
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection