2 Chronicles 16:12

Authorized King James Version

And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֶּֽחֱלֶ֣א

H2456

was diseased

to be sick

אָסָ֡א

H609

And Asa

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

בִּשְׁנַת֩

H8141

year

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁלוֹשִׁ֨ים

H7970

in the thirty

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וָתֵ֤שַׁע

H8672

and ninth

nine or (ordinal) ninth

לְמַלְכוּתוֹ֙

H4438

of his reign

a rule; concretely, a dominion

בְּרַגְלָ֔יו

H7272

in his feet

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

לְמַ֖עְלָה

H4605

was exceeding

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

#10

בְּחָלְיוֹ֙

H2483

great yet in his disease

malady, anxiety, calamity

#11

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#12

בְּחָלְיוֹ֙

H2483

great yet in his disease

malady, anxiety, calamity

#13

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

דָרַ֣שׁ

H1875

he sought

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

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

not to the LORD

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

#17

כִּ֖י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#18

בָּרֹֽפְאִֽים׃

H7495

but to the physicians

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights kingdom of God 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

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 kingdom of God 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?