2 Chronicles 20:37

Authorized King James Version

Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּתְנַבֵּ֞א
H5012
prophesied
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#2
אֱלִיעֶ֤זֶר
H461
Then Eliezer
eliezer, the name of a damascene and of ten israelites
#3
בֶּן
H1121
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
דֹּֽדָוָ֙הוּ֙
H1735
of Dodavah
dodavah, an israelite
#5
מִמָּ֣רֵשָׁ֔ה
H4762
of Mareshah
mareshah, the name of two israelites and of a place in palestine
#6
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
H3092
against Jehoshaphat
jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem
#8
לֵאמֹ֑ר
H559
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
כְּהִֽתְחַבֶּרְךָ֣
H2266
Because thou hast joined
to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate
#10
עִם
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#11
אֲחַזְיָ֗הוּ
H274
thyself with Ahaziah
achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king
#12
פָּרַ֤ץ
H6555
hath broken
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
#13
יְהוָה֙
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֶֽת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
מַעֲשֶׂ֔יךָ
H4639
thy works
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#16
וַיִּשָּֽׁבְר֣וּ
H7665
were broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#17
אֳנִיּ֔וֹת
H591
And the ships
a ship
#18
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
עָֽצְר֖וּ
H6113
that they were not able
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
#20
לָלֶ֥כֶת
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#21
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#22
תַּרְשִֽׁישׁ׃
H8659
to Tarshish
tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection