2 Chronicles 19:3

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲבָ֕ל

H61

Nevertheless

nay, i.e., truly or yet

דְּבָרִ֥ים

H1697

things

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

טוֹבִ֖ים

H2896

there are good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

נִמְצְא֣וּ

H4672

found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

עִמָּ֑ךְ

H5973

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

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בִעַ֤רְתָּ

H1197

in thee in that thou hast taken away

to be(-come) brutish

הָֽאֲשֵׁרוֹת֙

H842

the groves

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#10

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

וַֽהֲכִינ֥וֹתָ

H3559

and hast prepared

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

#12

לְבָֽבְךָ֖

H3824

thine heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#13

לִדְרֹ֥שׁ

H1875

to seek

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

#14

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

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

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

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?
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?