2 Chronicles 32:21

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח

H7971

sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

And the LORD

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

מַלְאָ֔ךְ

H4397

an angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

וַיַּכְחֵ֞ד

H3582

which cut off

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גִּבּ֥וֹר

H1368

all the mighty men

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

חַ֙יִל֙

H2428

of valour

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וְנָגִ֣יד

H5057

and the leaders

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

וְשָׂ֔ר

H8269

and captains

a head person (of any rank or class)

#10

בְּמַֽחֲנֵ֖ה

H4264

in the camp

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

#11

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

of the king

a king

#12

אַשּׁ֑וּר

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

#13

וַיָּשָׁב֩

H7725

So he returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#14

בְּבֹ֨שֶׁת

H1322

with shame

shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol

#15

פָּנִ֜ים

H6440

of face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#16

לְאַרְצ֗וֹ

H776

to his own land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#17

וַיָּבֹא֙

H935

And when he was come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#18

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

into the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#19

אֱלֹהָ֔יו

H430

of his 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

#20

וּמִֽיצִיאֵ֣ו

H3329

they that came forth

issue, i.e., offspring

#21

מֵעָ֔יו

H4578

of his own bowels

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

#22

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#23

הִפִּילֻ֥הוּ

H5307

slew

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#24

בֶחָֽרֶב׃

H2719

him there with the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 32 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?