2 Chronicles 12:4

Authorized King James Version

And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּלְכֹּ֛ד

H3920

And he took

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

אֶת

H853

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

עָרֵ֥י

H5892

cities

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

הַמְּצֻר֖וֹת

H4694

the fenced

a hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of siege), or (subjectively) a rampart (of protection), (abstractly) fortification

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה

H3063

which pertained to Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיָּבֹ֖א

H935

and came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

to Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 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 physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?