2 Chronicles 15:4

But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֙שָׁב֙

H7725

did turn

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

בַּצַּר

H6862

But when they in their trouble

a pebble (as in h6864)

ל֔וֹ

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

unto 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיְבַקְשֻׁ֖הוּ

H1245

and sought

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וַיִּמָּצֵ֥א

H4672

him he was 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

#10

לָהֶֽם׃

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?