2 Chronicles 18:4

Authorized King James Version

And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט

H3092

And Jehoshaphat

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

unto the king

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

דְּרָשׁ

H1875

Enquire

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

נָ֥א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

כַיּ֖וֹם

H3117

to day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

דְּבַ֥ר

H1697

I pray thee at the word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#11

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?