2 Chronicles 22:12

Authorized King James Version

And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֤י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אִתָּם֙

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּבֵ֣ית

H1004

in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מִתְחַבֵּ֖א

H2244

And he was with them hid

to secrete

שֵׁ֣שׁ

H8337

six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

שָׁנִ֖ים

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַֽעֲתַלְיָ֖ה

H6271

and Athaliah

athaljah, the name of an israelitess and two israelites

מֹלֶ֥כֶת

H4427

reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

#10

עַל

H5921

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

#11

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

over the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?