2 Chronicles 20:24

Authorized King James Version

And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וִֽיהוּדָ֛ה
And when Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#2
בָּ֥א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
הַמִּצְפֶּ֖ה
toward the watch tower
an observatory, especially for military purposes
#5
לַמִּדְבָּ֑ר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#6
וַיִּפְנוּ֙
they looked
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הֶ֣הָמ֔וֹן
unto the multitude
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
#9
וְהִנָּ֧ם
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#10
פְּגָרִ֛ים
and behold they were dead bodies
a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image
#11
נֹֽפְלִ֥ים
fallen
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#12
אַ֖רְצָה
to the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#14
פְּלֵיטָֽה׃
and none escaped
deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection