2 Chronicles 28:23

Authorized King James Version

For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲזַבֵּ֖חַ

H2076

For he sacrificed

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

אֱלֹהֵ֤י

H430

Because 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

דַרְמֶשֶׂק֮

H1834

of Damascus

damascus, a city of syria

הַמַּכִּ֣ים

H5221

which smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בּוֹ֒

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

him and he said

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּ֠י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֱלֹהֵ֤י

H430

Because 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

מַלְכֵֽי

H4428

of the kings

a king

#10

אֲרָם֙

H758

of Syria

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

#11

הֵ֚ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#12

וְיַעְזְר֑וּנִי

H5826

help

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

#13

אֹתָ֔ם

H853

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

#14

לָהֶ֥ם

#15

אֲזַבֵּ֖חַ

H2076

For he sacrificed

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

#16

וְיַעְזְר֑וּנִי

H5826

help

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

#17

וְהֵ֛ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#18

הָֽיוּ

H1961

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

#19

ל֥וֹ

#20

לְהַכְשִׁיל֖וֹ

H3782

me But they were the ruin

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

#21

וּלְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#22

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of him and of all Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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

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?
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?