2 Chronicles 26:7

Authorized King James Version

And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּעְזְרֵ֨הוּ
helped
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
#2
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים
And 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
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֧ים
him against the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#5
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הָֽעַרְבִ֛יים
and against the Arabians
an arabian or inhabitant of arab (i.e., arabia)
#7
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִ֥ים
that dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#8
בְּגוּר
H0
#9
בָּ֖עַל
in Gurbaal
gur-baal, a place in arabia
#10
וְהַמְּעוּנִֽים׃
and the Mehunims
a meunite, or inhabitant of maon (only in plural)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection