2 Chronicles 2:4

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִנֵּה֩

H2009

lo!

אֲנִ֨י

H589

בֽוֹנֶה

H1129

Behold I build

to build (literally and figuratively)

בַּ֜יִת

H1004

an house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לְשֵׁ֣ם׀

H8034

to the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ

H430

my 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

לְהַקְדִּ֣ישׁ

H6942

to dedicate

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

ל֡וֹ

#10

לְהַקְטִ֣יר

H6999

it to him and to burn

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

#11

לְפָנָ֣יו

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

קְטֹֽרֶת

H7004

incense

a fumigation

#13

סַמִּים֩

H5561

him sweet

an aroma

#14

וּמַֽעֲרֶ֨כֶת

H4635

shewbread

an arrangement, i.e., (concretely) a pile (of loaves)

#15

תָּמִ֤יד

H8548

and for the continual

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

#16

וְעֹלוֹת֙

H5930

and for the burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

#17

לַבֹּ֣קֶר

H1242

morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

#18

וְלָעֶ֔רֶב

H6153

and evening

dusk

#19

לַשַּׁבָּתוֹת֙

H7676

on the sabbaths

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

#20

וְלֶ֣חֳדָשִׁ֔ים

H2320

and on the new moons

the new moon; by implication, a month

#21

וּֽלְמוֹעֲדֵ֖י

H4150

and on the solemn feasts

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

#22

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#23

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ

H430

my 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

#24

לְעוֹלָ֖ם

H5769

This is an ordinance for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#25

זֹ֥את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#26

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#27

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

to Israel

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

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 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?