2 Chronicles 15:3

Authorized King James Version

Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָמִ֥ים
H3117
season
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#2
רַבִּ֖ים
H7227
Now for a long
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#3
לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
H3478
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
וּלְלֹ֥א
H3808
hath been without
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
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
#6
אֱמֶ֗ת
H571
the true
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#7
וּלְלֹ֥א
H3808
hath been without
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
כֹּהֵ֥ן
H3548
priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#9
מוֹרֶ֖ה
H3384
and without a teaching
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
#10
וּלְלֹ֥א
H3808
hath been without
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
תוֹרָֽה׃
H8451
and without law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection