2 Chronicles 18:20

Authorized King James Version

Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּצֵ֣א

H3318

Then there came out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הָר֗וּחַ

H7307

a spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙

H5975

and stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

him And the LORD

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

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲנִ֣י

H589

אֲפַתֶּ֑נּוּ

H6601

I will entice

to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

him And the LORD

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

#11

אֵלָ֖יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

בַּמָּֽה׃

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty 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 sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?