2 Chronicles 32:4

Authorized King James Version

So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקָּֽבְצ֣וּ

H6908

So there was gathered

to grasp, i.e., collect

עַם

H5971

people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

רַבִּֽים׃

H7227

much

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וַֽיִּסְתְּמוּ֙

H5640

who stopped

to stop up; by implication, to repair; figuratively, to keep secret

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

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

הַמַּעְיָנ֔וֹת

H4599

all the fountains

a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַנַּ֛חַל

H5158

and the brook

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

#10

הַשּׁוֹטֵ֥ף

H7857

that ran

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

#11

בְּתוֹךְ

H8432

through the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#12

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

לָ֤מָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#15

יָב֙וֹאוּ֙

H935

come

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

#16

מַלְכֵ֣י

H4428

Why should the kings

a king

#17

אַשּׁ֔וּר

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

#18

וּמָֽצְא֖וּ

H4672

and find

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#19

מַ֥יִם

H4325

water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#20

רַבִּֽים׃

H7227

much

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?