2 Chronicles 17:12

Authorized King James Version

And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֧י

H1961

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

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֛ט

H3092

And Jehoshaphat

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

הֹלֵ֥ךְ

H1980

waxed

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְגָדֵ֖ל

H1432

great

large (literally or figuratively)

עַד

H5704

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

לְמָ֑עְלָה

H4605

exceedingly

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

וַיִּ֧בֶן

H1129

and he built

to build (literally and figuratively)

בִּֽיהוּדָ֛ה

H3063

in Judah

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

בִּירָֽנִיּ֖וֹת

H1003

castles

a fortress

#10

וְעָרֵ֥י

H5892

and cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#11

מִסְכְּנֽוֹת׃

H4543

of store

a magazine

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of 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?