2 Chronicles 22:4

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֧עַשׂ

H6213

Wherefore he did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הָרַ֛ע

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינֵ֥י

H5869

in the sight

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

כְּבֵ֣ית

H1004

like the house

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

אַחְאָ֑ב

H256

of Ahab

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הֵ֜מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הָֽיוּ

H1961

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

#10

ל֣וֹ

#11

יֽוֹעֲצִ֗ים

H3289

for they were his counsellors

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

#12

אַֽחֲרֵ֛י

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#13

מ֥וֹת

H4194

the death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#14

אָבִ֖יו

of his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#15

לְמַשְׁחִ֥ית

H4889

to his destruction

destructive, i.e., (as noun) destruction, literally (specifically a snare) or figuratively (corruption)

#16

לֽוֹ׃

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?