2 Chronicles 13:5

Authorized King James Version

Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֲלֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לָכֶם֙

לָדַ֔עַת

H3045

Ought ye not to know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֞י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָ֣ה׀

H3068

that the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

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

נָתַ֨ן

H5414

gave

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

מַמְלָכָ֧ה

H4467

the kingdom

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

#10

לְדָוִ֛יד

H1732

to David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#11

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

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

#13

לְעוֹלָ֑ם

H5769

for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#14

ל֥וֹ

#15

וּלְבָנָ֖יו

H1121

even to him and to his sons

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

#16

בְּרִ֥ית

H1285

by a covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#17

מֶֽלַח׃

H4417

of salt

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing covenant contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of covenant differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?