2 Chronicles 19:8

Authorized King James Version

Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְגַ֣ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

Moreover in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

הֶֽעֱמִ֨יד

H5975

set

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

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֜ט

H3092

did Jehoshaphat

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

מִן

H4480

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

הַלְוִיִּ֣ם

H3881

of the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִ֗ים

H3548

and of the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וּמֵֽרָאשֵׁ֤י

H7218

and of the chief

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָֽאָבוֹת֙

of the fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#10

לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

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

#11

לְמִשְׁפַּ֥ט

H4941

for the judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#12

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#13

וְלָרִ֑יב

H7379

and for controversies

a contest (personal or legal)

#14

וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ

H7725

when they returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#15

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

Moreover in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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 this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?