2 Chronicles 30:12

Authorized King James Version

Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּ֣ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בִּֽיהוּדָ֗ה

H3063

Also in Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הָֽיְתָה֙

H1961

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

יַ֣ד

H3027

the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

of 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

לָתֵ֥ת

H5414

was to give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֖ם

לֵ֣ב

H3820

heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אֶחָ֑ד

H259

them one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#10

לַֽעֲשׂ֞וֹת

H6213

to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#11

מִצְוַ֥ת

H4687

the commandment

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#12

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ

H4428

of the king

a king

#13

וְהַשָּׂרִ֖ים

H8269

and of the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

#14

בִּדְבַ֥ר

H1697

by the word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#15

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?