2 Chronicles 20:16

Authorized King James Version

To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מָחָר֙

H4279

To morrow

properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter

רְד֣וּ

H3381

go ye down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם

H5921

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

הִנָּ֥ם

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

עֹלִ֖ים

H5927

against them behold they come up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בְּמַֽעֲלֵ֣ה

H4608

by the cliff

an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority

הַצִּ֑יץ

H6732

of Ziz

tsits, a place in palestine

וּמְצָאתֶ֤ם

H4672

and ye shall find

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

אֹתָם֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

בְּס֣וֹף

H5490

them at the end

a termination

#11

הַנַּ֔חַל

H5158

of the brook

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

#12

פְּנֵ֖י

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

#13

מִדְבַּ֥ר

H4057

the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

#14

יְרוּאֵֽל׃

H3385

of Jeruel

jeruel, a place in palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?