2 Chronicles 13:13

Authorized King James Version

But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambushment was behind them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָֽרָבְעָ֗ם
H3379
But Jeroboam
jarobam, the name of two israelite kings
#2
הֵסֵב֙
H5437
about
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
וְהַמַּאְרָ֖ב
H3993
and the ambushment
an ambuscade
#5
לָב֖וֹא
H935
to come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
מֵאַֽחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃
H310
behind
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#7
וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
לִפְנֵ֣י
H6440
them so they were before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
יְהוּדָ֔ה
H3063
Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#10
וְהַמַּאְרָ֖ב
H3993
and the ambushment
an ambuscade
#11
מֵאַֽחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃
H310
behind
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection