2 Chronicles 14:7

Authorized King James Version

Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

Therefore he said

to say (used with great latitude)

לִֽיהוּדָ֜ה

H3063

unto Judah

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

וַיִּבְנ֖וּ

H1129

Let us build

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

הֶֽעָרִ֣ים

H5892

these cities

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

הָאֵ֗לֶּה

H428

these or those

וְנָסֵ֨ב

H5437

and make about

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

חוֹמָ֣ה

H2346

them walls

a wall of protection

וּמִגְדָּלִים֮

H4026

and towers

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

#10

דְּלָתַ֣יִם

H1817

gates

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

#11

וּבְרִיחִים֒

H1280

and bars

a bolt

#12

עוֹדֶ֨נּוּ

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#13

הָאָ֜רֶץ

H776

while the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

לְפָנֵ֗ינוּ

H6440

is yet 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

#15

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#16

דָּרַ֕שְׁנוּ

H1875

us because we have sought

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#17

אֶת

H853

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

#18

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#19

אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ

H430

our 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

#20

דָּרַ֕שְׁנוּ

H1875

us because we have sought

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#21

וַיָּ֥נַֽח

H5117

him and he hath given us rest

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

#22

לָ֖נוּ

#23

מִסָּבִ֑יב

H5439

on every side

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

#24

וַיִּבְנ֖וּ

H1129

Let us build

to build (literally and figuratively)

#25

וַיַּצְלִֽיחוּ׃

H6743

and prospered

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

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 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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?