2 Chronicles 17:9

Authorized King James Version

And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְלַמְּד֖וּ

H3925

And they taught

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

in Judah

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

וְעִ֨מָּהֶ֔ם

H5973

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

סֵ֖פֶר

H5612

and had the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

תּוֹרַ֣ת

H8451

of the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

וַיָּסֹ֙בּוּ֙

H5437

with them and went about

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֵ֣י

H5892

throughout all the cities

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

#10

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

in Judah

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

#11

וַֽיְלַמְּד֖וּ

H3925

And they taught

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

#12

בָּעָֽם׃

H5971

the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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

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 sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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?