2 Chronicles 25:14

Authorized King James Version

Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֨י

H310

Now it came to pass after

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

וַיָּבֵ֗א

H935

that he brought

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

אֲמַצְיָ֙הוּ֙

H558

that Amaziah

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

מֵֽהַכּ֣וֹת

H5221

from the slaughter

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

אֲדוֹמִ֔ים

H130

of the Edomites

an edomite, or descendants from (or inhabitants of) edom

וַיָּבֵ֗א

H935

that he brought

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

אֶת

H853

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

#10

לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים

H430

the gods

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

#11

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

of the children

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

#12

שֵׂעִ֔יר

H8165

of Seir

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

#13

וַיַּֽעֲמִידֵ֥ם

H5975

and set them up

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#14

ל֖וֹ

#15

לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים

H430

the gods

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

#16

וְלִפְנֵיהֶ֥ם

H6440

himself 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

#17

יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה

H7812

and bowed down

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#18

וְלָהֶ֥ם

#19

יְקַטֵּֽר׃

H6999

them and burned incense

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?