2 Chronicles 20:10

Authorized King James Version

And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֡ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הִנֵּה֩

H2009

lo!

בְנֵֽי

H1121

And now behold the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֨וֹן

H5983

of Ammon

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וּמוֹאָ֜ב

H4124

and Moab

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וְהַר

H2022

and mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

שֵׂעִ֗יר

H8165

Seir

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

אֲ֠שֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

נָתַ֤תָּה

H5414

whom thou wouldest not let

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#11

לְיִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

Israel

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

#12

בְּבֹאָ֖ם

H935

invade

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#13

בָהֶ֔ם

#14

בְּבֹאָ֖ם

H935

invade

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#15

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#16

מִצְרָ֑יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#17

כִּ֛י

H3588

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

#18

סָ֥רוּ

H5493

but they turned

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#19

מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֖ם

H5921

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

#20

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

הִשְׁמִידֽוּם׃

H8045

from them and destroyed

to desolate

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation 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 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?