2 Chronicles 24:1

Authorized King James Version

Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zibiah of Beer-sheba.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

old

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שֶׁ֤בַע

H7651

was seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שָׁנָ֔ה

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

יֹאָ֣שׁ

H3101

Joash

joash, the name of six israelites

מָלַ֖ךְ

H4427

and he reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וְאַרְבָּעִ֣ים

H705

forty

שָׁנָ֔ה

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלַ֖ךְ

H4427

and he reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#10

וְשֵׁ֣ם

H8034

name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#11

אִמּ֔וֹ

H517

His mother's

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

#12

צִבְיָ֖ה

H6645

also was Zibiah

tsibjah, an israelite

#13

מִבְּאֵ֥ר

#14

שָֽׁבַע׃

H884

of Beersheba

beer-sheba, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 2 Chronicles.

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 kingdom of God 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?