2 Chronicles 2:18

Authorized King James Version

And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ
And he set
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
מֵהֶ֜ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
שִׁבְעִ֥ים
threescore and ten
seventy
#4
אֲלָפִים֙
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#5
סַבָּ֔ל
of them to be bearers of burdens
a porter
#6
וּשְׁמֹנִ֥ים
and fourscore
eighty, also eightieth
#7
אֲלָפִים֙
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#8
חֹצֵ֣ב
to be hewers
to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave
#9
בָּהָ֑ר
in the mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#10
וּשְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת
and three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#11
אֲלָפִים֙
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#12
וְשֵׁ֣שׁ
and six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#13
מֵא֔וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#14
מְנַצְּחִ֖ים
overseers
properly, to glitter from afar, i.e., to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the temple services and its music); to be permanent
#15
לְהַֽעֲבִ֥יד
a work
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#16
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
הָעָֽם׃
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection