2 Chronicles 20:22

Authorized King James Version

And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבְעֵת֩

H6256

And when

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הֵחֵ֨לּוּ

H2490

they began

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

בְרִנָּ֜ה

H7440

to sing

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

וּתְהִלָּ֗ה

H8416

and to praise

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

נָתַ֣ן

H5414

set

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

יְהוָ֣ה׀

H3068

the LORD

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

מְ֠אָֽרְבִים

H693

ambushments

to lurk

עַל

H5921

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

בְּנֵ֨י

H1121

against 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

#10

עַמּ֜וֹן

H5983

of Ammon

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

#11

מוֹאָ֧ב

H4124

Moab

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

#12

וְהַר

H2022

and mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#13

שֵׂעִ֛יר

H8165

Seir

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

#14

הַבָּאִ֥ים

H935

which were come

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

#15

לִֽיהוּדָ֖ה

H3063

against Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#16

וַיִּנָּגֵֽפוּ׃

H5062

and they were smitten

to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?