2 Chronicles 18:10

Authorized King James Version

And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
had made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
ל֛וֹ
H0
#3
צִדְקִיָּ֥הוּ
And Zedekiah
tsidkijah, the name of six israelites
#4
בֶֽן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
כְּנַעֲנָ֖ה
of Chenaanah
kenaanah, the name of two israelites
#6
קַרְנֵ֣י
him horns
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#7
בַרְזֶ֣ל
of iron
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
#8
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#10
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
בְּאֵ֛לֶּה
these or those
#13
תְּנַגַּ֥ח
With these thou shalt push
to butt with the horns; figuratively, to war against
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
אֲרָ֖ם
Syria
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#16
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#17
כַּלּוֹתָֽם׃
until they be consumed
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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