2 Chronicles 30:7

Authorized King James Version

And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּֽהְי֗וּ

H1961

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

אֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֑ם

And be not ye like your fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְכַ֣אֲחֵיכֶ֔ם

H251

and like your brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

מָֽעֲל֔וּ

H4603

which trespassed

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

בַּֽיהוָ֖ה

H3068

against the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

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

אֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֑ם

And be not ye like your fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#10

וַיִּתְּנֵ֣ם

H5414

who therefore gave them up

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

#11

לְשַׁמָּ֔ה

H8047

to desolation

ruin; by implication, consternation

#12

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

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

#13

אַתֶּ֥ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#14

רֹאִֽים׃

H7200

as ye see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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

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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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?