2 Chronicles 27:4

Authorized King James Version

Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָרִ֥ים
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#2
בָּנָ֔ה
Moreover he built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#3
בְּהַר
in the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#4
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#5
וּבֶֽחֳרָשִׁ֣ים
and in the forests
a forest (perhaps as furnishing the material for fabric)
#6
בָּנָ֔ה
Moreover he built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#7
בִּירָֽנִיּ֖וֹת
castles
a fortress
#8
וּמִגְדָּלִֽים׃
and towers
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection