2 Chronicles 17:13

And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמְלָאכָ֥ה

H4399

business

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

רַבָּ֛ה

H7227

And he had much

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

הָ֥יָה

H1961

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

ל֖וֹ

בְּעָרֵ֣י

H5892

in the cities

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

יְהוּדָ֑ה

H3063

of Judah

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

וְאַנְשֵׁ֧י

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִלְחָמָ֛ה

H4421

of war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

גִּבּ֥וֹרֵי

H1368

mighty men

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

#10

חַ֖יִל

H2428

of valour

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#11

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

were in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 salvation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?