2 Chronicles 32:19

Authorized King James Version

And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of man.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְדַבְּר֔וּ
H1696
And they spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אֱלֹהֵי֙
H430
as against the gods
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
#4
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
H3389
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#5
כְּעַ֗ל
H5921
against
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
אֱלֹהֵי֙
H430
as against the gods
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
#7
עַמֵּ֣י
H5971
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
הָאָ֔רֶץ
H776
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֖ה
H4639
which were the work
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#10
יְדֵ֥י
H3027
of the hands
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
#11
הָֽאָדָֽם׃
H120
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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