2 Chronicles 29:8

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
קֶ֣צֶף
Wherefore the wrath
a splinter (as chipped off)
#3
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
יְהוּדָ֖ה
was upon Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#6
וִירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
and Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#7
וַיִּתְּנֵ֤ם
and he hath delivered
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
לְזַֽוֲעָה֙
agitation, fear
#9
לְשַׁמָּ֣ה
to astonishment
ruin; by implication, consternation
#10
וְלִשְׁרֵקָ֔ה
and to hissing
a derision
#11
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
אַתֶּ֥ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#13
רֹאִ֖ים
as ye see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#14
בְּעֵֽינֵיכֶֽם׃
with your eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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