2 Chronicles 23:17

Authorized King James Version

Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ
H935
went
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
כָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
הָעָ֤ם
H5971
Then all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
בֵּית
H1004
to the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
הַבַּ֔עַל
H1168
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#6
וַֽיִּתְּצֻ֔הוּ
H5422
and brake it down
to tear down
#7
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַֽמִּזְבְּחֽוֹת׃
H4196
his altars
an altar
#9
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
צְלָמָ֖יו
H6754
and his images
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
#11
שִׁבֵּ֑רוּ
H7665
and brake
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#12
וְאֵ֗ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
מַתָּן֙
H4977
Mattan
mattan, the name of a priest of baal, and of an israelite
#14
כֹּהֵ֣ן
H3548
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#15
הַבַּ֔עַל
H1168
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#16
הָֽרְג֖וּ
H2026
and slew
to smite with deadly intent
#17
לִפְנֵ֥י
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#18
הַֽמִּזְבְּחֽוֹת׃
H4196
his altars
an altar

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection