2 Chronicles 32:31

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכֵ֞ן

H3651

Howbeit

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

בִּמְלִיצֵ֣י׀

H3887

in the business of the ambassadors

properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede

שָׂרֵ֣י

H8269

of the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

בָּבֶ֗ל

H894

of Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

הַֽמְשַׁלְּחִ֤ים

H7971

who sent

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

עָלָיו֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לִדְרֹ֗שׁ

H1875

unto him to enquire

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

הַמּוֹפֵת֙

H4159

of the wonder

a miracle; by implication, a token or omen

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

הָיָ֣ה

H1961

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

#11

בָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

that was done in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

עֲזָב֖וֹ

H5800

left

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

#13

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים

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

#14

לְנַ֨סּוֹת֔וֹ

H5254

him to try

to test; by implication, to attempt

#15

לָדַ֖עַת

H3045

him that he might know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#16

כָּל

H3605

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

#17

בִּלְבָבֽוֹ׃

H3824

all that was in his heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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?
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?