2 Chronicles 13:14

Authorized King James Version

And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּפְנ֣וּ
looked back
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#2
יְהוּדָ֗ה
And when Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#3
וְהִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#4
לָהֶ֤ם
H0
#5
הַמִּלְחָמָה֙
behold the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#6
פָּנִ֣ים
was 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
#7
וְאָח֔וֹר
and behind
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
#8
וַֽיִּצְעֲק֖וּ
and they cried
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
#9
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
וְהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
and the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#11
מַחְצְצרִ֖ים
sounded
to trumpet, i.e., blow on that instrument
#12
בַּחֲצֹֽצְרֽוֹת׃
with the trumpets
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection