2 Chronicles 14:14

Authorized King James Version

And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּכּ֗וּ

H5221

And they smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֵ֤ת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

הֶ֣עָרִ֔ים

H5892

all the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

סְבִיב֣וֹת

H5439

round about

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

גְּרָ֔ר

H1642

Gerar

gerar, a philistine city

כִּֽי

H3588

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

הָיָ֥ה

H1961

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

פַֽחַד

H6343

for the fear

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

#10

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#11

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם

H5921

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

#12

וַיָּבֹ֙זּוּ֙

H962

came upon them and they spoiled

to plunder

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

כָּל

H3605

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

#15

הֶ֣עָרִ֔ים

H5892

all the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#16

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#17

בִזָּ֥ה

H961

spoil

booty

#18

רַבָּ֖ה

H7227

for there was exceeding much

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

#19

הָֽיְתָ֥ה

H1961

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

#20

בָהֶֽם׃

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?