2 Chronicles 22:9

Authorized King James Version

And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him, (for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְבַקֵּשׁ֩

H1245

And he sought

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

אֶת

H853

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

אֲחַזְיָ֔הוּ

H274

Ahaziah

achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king

וַֽיִּלְכְּדֻ֜הוּ

H3920

and they caught

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

וְה֧וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִתְחַבֵּ֣א

H2244

him (for he was hid

to secrete

בְשֹֽׁמְר֗וֹן

H8111

in Samaria

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיְבִאֻ֣הוּ

H935

and brought

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

יֵהוּא֮

H3058

him to Jehu

jehu, the name of five israelites

#11

וַיְמִיתֻהוּ֒

H4191

and when they had slain

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#12

וַֽיִּקְבְּרֻ֔הוּ

H6912

him they buried

to inter

#13

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#14

אָֽמְרוּ֙

H559

him Because said

to say (used with great latitude)

#15

בֶּן

H1121

they he is 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

#16

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֣ט

H3092

of Jehoshaphat

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

#17

ה֔וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#18

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#19

דָּרַ֥שׁ

H1875

who sought

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#20

אֶת

H853

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

#21

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#22

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#23

לְבָב֑וֹ

H3824

with all his heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#24

וְאֵין֙

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#25

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

So the house

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

#26

אֲחַזְיָ֔הוּ

H274

Ahaziah

achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king

#27

לַעְצֹ֥ר

H6113

to keep

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

#28

כֹּ֖חַ

H3581

had no power

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

#29

לְמַמְלָכָֽה׃

H4467

still the kingdom

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God 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

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 imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on kingdom address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
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?
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?