2 Chronicles 14:9

Authorized King James Version

And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּצֵ֨א
And there came out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
זֶ֣רַח
against them Zerah
zerach, the name of three israelites, also of an idumaean and an ethiopian prince
#4
הַכּוּשִׁ֗י
the Ethiopian
a cushite, or descendant of cush
#5
בְּחַ֙יִל֙
with an host
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#6
אֲלָפִ֔ים
of a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#7
אֲלָפִ֔ים
of a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#8
וּמַרְכָּב֖וֹת
chariots
a chariot
#9
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
and three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#10
מֵא֑וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#11
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#13
מָֽרֵשָֽׁה׃
unto Mareshah
mareshah, the name of two israelites and of a place in palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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