2 Chronicles 28:3

Authorized King James Version

Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְה֥וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הִקְטִ֖יר

H6999

Moreover he burnt incense

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

בְּגֵ֣יא

H1516

in the valley

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

his children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הִנֹּ֑ם

H2011

of Hinnom

hinnom, apparently a jebusite

וַיַּבְעֵ֤ר

H1197

and burnt

to be(-come) brutish

אֶת

H853

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

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

his children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בָּאֵ֔שׁ

H784

in the fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#10

כְּתֹֽעֲבוֹת֙

H8441

after the abominations

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

#11

הַגּוֹיִ֔ם

H1471

of the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#12

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

הֹרִ֣ישׁ

H3068

whom the LORD

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

#14

יְהוָ֔ה

H3423

had cast out

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

#15

מִפְּנֵ֖י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#16

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

his children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#17

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Chronicles.

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?