2 Chronicles 26:14

Authorized King James Version

And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּכֶן֩
prepared
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#2
לָהֶ֨ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
עֻזִּיָּ֜הוּ
And Uzziah
uzzijah, the name of five israelites
#4
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
הַצָּבָ֗א
for them throughout all the host
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#6
מָֽגִנִּ֤ים
shields
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
#7
וּרְמָחִים֙
and spears
a lance (as thrown); especially the iron point
#8
וְכ֣וֹבָעִ֔ים
and helmets
a helmet (as arched)
#9
וְשִׁרְיֹנ֖וֹת
and habergeons
a corslet (as if twisted)
#10
וּקְשָׁת֑וֹת
and bows
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
#11
וּלְאַבְנֵ֖י
H68
to cast stones
a stone
#12
קְלָעִֽים׃
and slings
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself

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 divine revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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