2 Chronicles 18:31

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֡י
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כִּרְאוֹת֩
H7200
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#3
שָׂרֵ֨י
H8269
And it came to pass when the captains
a head person (of any rank or class)
#4
הָרֶ֜כֶב
H7393
of the chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
יְהֽוֹשָׁפָט֙
H3092
Jehoshaphat
jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem
#7
וְהֵ֤מָּה
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
אָֽמְרוּ֙
H559
that they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
מֶ֣לֶךְ
H4428
It is the king
a king
#10
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
ה֔וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#12
וַיָּסֹ֥בּוּ
H5437
Therefore they compassed about
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#13
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
לְהִלָּחֵ֑ם
H3898
him to fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#15
וַיִּזְעַ֤ק
H2199
cried out
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
#16
יְהֽוֹשָׁפָט֙
H3092
Jehoshaphat
jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem
#17
וַֽיהוָ֣ה
H3068
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
עֲזָר֔וֹ
H5826
helped
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
#19
וַיְסִיתֵ֥ם
H5496
moved
properly, to prick, i.e., (figuratively) stimulate; by implication, to seduce
#20
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
him and God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#21
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection