2 Chronicles 15:12

Authorized King James Version

And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ

H935

And they entered

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

בַבְּרִ֔ית

H1285

into a covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

לִדְר֕וֹשׁ

H1875

to seek

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

אֶת

H853

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

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

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

אֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֑ם

of their fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בְּכָל

H3605

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

לְבָבָ֖ם

H3824

with all their heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#10

וּבְכָל

H3605

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

#11

נַפְשָֽׁם׃

H5315

and with all their soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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

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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?