2 Chronicles 15:2

Authorized King James Version

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּצֵא֮

H3318

And he went out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

to meet

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֔וֹ

שְׁמָע֕וּנִי

H8085

unto him Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אָסָ֖א

H609

Asa

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

וְכָל

H3605

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

יְהוּדָ֣ה

H3063

and all Judah

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

#10

וּבִנְיָמִ֑ן

H1144

and Benjamin

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#11

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

The LORD

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

#12

עִמָּכֶם֙

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#13

בִּֽהְיוֹתְכֶ֣ם

H1961

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

#14

עִמּ֔וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#15

וְאִֽם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#16

תִּדְרְשֻׁ֙הוּ֙

H1875

is with you while ye be with him and if ye seek

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

#17

יִמָּצֵ֣א

H4672

him he will be found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#18

לָכֶ֔ם

#19

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#20

יַֽעֲזֹ֥ב

H5800

him he will forsake

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

#21

יַֽעֲזֹ֥ב

H5800

him he will forsake

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

#22

אֶתְכֶֽם׃

H853

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

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