2 Chronicles 17:3

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֥י

H1961

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

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט

H3092

was with Jehoshaphat

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

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

הָלַ֗ךְ

H1980

because he walked

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

בְּדַרְכֵ֞י

H1870

ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

דָּוִ֤יד

H1732

David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִיו֙

of his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#10

הָרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים

H7223

in the first

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

#11

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#12

דָרַ֖שׁ

H1875

and sought

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

#13

לַבְּעָלִֽים׃

H1168

not unto Baalim

baal, a phoenician deity

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 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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?