2 Chronicles 13:9

Authorized King James Version

Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְלֹ֥א

H3808

of them that are no

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

הִדַּחְתֶּם֙

H5080

Have ye not cast out

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

אֶת

H853

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

כֹהֵ֖ן

H3548

the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

אֶת

H853

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

בֶּן

H1121

himself with a young

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

אַֽהֲרֹ֖ן

H175

of Aaron

aharon, the brother of moses

וְהַלְוִיִּ֑ם

H3881

and the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

#10

וַתַּֽעֲשׂ֨וּ

H6213

and have made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#11

לָכֶ֤ם

#12

כֹהֵ֖ן

H3548

the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#13

כְּעַמֵּ֣י

H5971

after the manner of the nations

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#14

הָֽאֲרָצ֔וֹת

H776

of other lands

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#15

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

הַבָּ֗א

H935

so that whosoever cometh

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

#17

לְמַלֵּ֨א

H4390

to consecrate

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#18

יָד֜וֹ

H3027

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

#19

בְּפַ֤ר

H6499

bullock

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

#20

בֶּן

H1121

himself with a young

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

#21

בָּקָר֙

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

#22

וְאֵילִ֣ם

H352

rams

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

#23

שִׁבְעָ֔ה

H7651

and seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#24

וְהָיָ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#25

כֹהֵ֖ן

H3548

the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#26

לְלֹ֥א

H3808

of them that are no

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

#27

אֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

gods

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?