2 Chronicles 14:12

Authorized King James Version

So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּגֹּ֤ף

H5062

smote

to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

So 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)

הַכּוּשִֽׁים׃

H3569

and the Ethiopians

a cushite, or descendant of cush

וְלִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

and 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

אָסָ֖א

H609

Asa

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

וְלִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

and 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

וַיָּנֻ֖סוּ

H5127

fled

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

#10

הַכּוּשִֽׁים׃

H3569

and the Ethiopians

a cushite, or descendant of cush

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

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 14 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?
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?