2 Chronicles 21:7

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
אָבָ֣ה
H14
would
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
#3
יְהוָ֗ה
H3068
Howbeit the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
לְהַשְׁחִית֙
H7843
not destroy
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
בֵּ֣ית
H1004
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
לְדָוִ֑יד
H1732
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#8
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#9
הַבְּרִ֔ית
H1285
because of the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
כָּרַ֖ת
H3772
that he had made
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#12
לְדָוִ֑יד
H1732
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#13
וְכַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
אָמַ֗ר
H559
and as he promised
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
לָתֵ֨ת
H5414
to give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#16
ל֥וֹ
H0
#17
נִ֛יר
H5216
a light
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
#18
וּלְבָנָ֖יו
H1121
to him and to his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#19
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
הַיָּמִֽים׃
H3117
for ever
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing covenant contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection