2 Chronicles 13:16

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּנ֥וּסוּ

H5127

fled

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

בְנֵֽי

H1121

And the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מִפְּנֵ֣י

H6440

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

יְהוּדָ֑ה

H3063

Judah

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

וַיִּתְּנֵ֥ם

H5414

delivered

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

and God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּיָדָֽם׃

H3027

them into their hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?