2 Chronicles 20:4

Authorized King James Version

And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקָּֽבְצ֣וּ

H6908

gathered themselves together

to grasp, i.e., collect

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

And Judah

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

לְבַקֵּ֥שׁ

H1245

to ask

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

help of the LORD

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

גַּ֚ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

מִכָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֵ֣י

H5892

even out of all the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

And Judah

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

בָּ֖אוּ

H935

they came

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

#10

לְבַקֵּ֥שׁ

H1245

to ask

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

help of the LORD

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

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of 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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?