2 Chronicles 26:5

Authorized King James Version

And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

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

דָּרְשׁ֣וֹ

H1875

And he sought

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

God

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

וּבִימֵי֙

H3117

and as long as

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

זְכַרְיָ֔הוּ

H2148

of Zechariah

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

הַמֵּבִ֖ין

H995

who had understanding

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

בִּרְאֹ֣ת

H7200

in the visions

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

God

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

וּבִימֵי֙

H3117

and as long as

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#10

דָּרְשׁ֣וֹ

H1875

And he sought

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

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#13

הִצְלִיח֖וֹ

H6743

made him to prosper

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

#14

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

God

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

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 sovereignty 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

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?