2 Chronicles 20:21

Authorized King James Version

And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּוָּעַץ֙
H3289
And when he had consulted
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#2
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הָעָ֔ם
H5971
with the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
וַיַּֽעֲמֵ֤ד
H5975
he appointed
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#5
מְשֹֽׁרֲרִים֙
H7891
singers
to sing
#6
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וּֽמְהַלְלִ֖ים
H1984
and that should praise
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
#8
לְהַדְרַת
H1927
the beauty
decoration
#9
קֹ֑דֶשׁ
H6944
of holiness
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#10
בְּצֵאת֙
H3318
as they went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#11
לִפְנֵ֣י
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
הֶֽחָל֔וּץ
H2502
the army
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
#13
וְאֹֽמְרִים֙
H559
and to say
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
הוֹד֣וּ
H3034
Praise
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
#15
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
לְעוֹלָ֖ם
H5769
endureth for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#18
חַסְדּֽוֹ׃
H2617
for his mercy
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of mercy connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about mercy, 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 mercy. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection