2 Chronicles 17:6

Authorized King James Version

And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּגְבַּ֥הּ
was lifted up
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
#2
לִבּ֖וֹ
And his heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#3
בְּדַרְכֵ֣י
in the ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#4
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
וְע֗וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#6
הֵסִ֛יר
moreover he took away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַבָּמ֥וֹת
the high places
an elevation
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הָֽאֲשֵׁרִ֖ים
and groves
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
#11
מִֽיהוּדָֽה׃
out of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation 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 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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