2 Chronicles 31:2

Authorized King James Version

And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲמֵ֣ד
H5975
appointed
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#2
יְחִזְקִיָּ֡הוּ
H3169
And Hezekiah
jechizkijah, the name of five israelites
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
מַחְלְקוֹתָ֞ם
H4256
after their courses
a section (of levites, people or soldiers)
#5
לַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
H3548
of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#6
וְלַלְוִיִּ֔ם
H3881
and Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#7
עַֽל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
מַחְלְקוֹתָ֞ם
H4256
after their courses
a section (of levites, people or soldiers)
#9
אִ֣ישׁ׀
H376
every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#10
כְּפִ֣י
H6310
according
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#11
עֲבֹֽדָת֗וֹ
H5656
to his service
work of any kind
#12
לַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
H3548
of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#13
וְלַלְוִיִּ֔ם
H3881
and Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#14
לְעֹלָ֖ה
H5930
for burnt offerings
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#15
וְלִשְׁלָמִ֑ים
H8002
and for peace offerings
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
#16
לְשָׁרֵת֙
H8334
to minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#17
וּלְהֹד֣וֹת
H3034
and to give thanks
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
#18
וּלְהַלֵּ֔ל
H1984
and to praise
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
#19
בְּשַֽׁעֲרֵ֖י
H8179
in the gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#20
מַֽחֲנ֥וֹת
H4264
of the tents
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#21
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 peace 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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection