2 Chronicles 32:6

Authorized King James Version

And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּתֵּ֛ן
And he set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
שָׂרֵ֥י
captains
a head person (of any rank or class)
#3
מִלְחָמ֖וֹת
of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
הָעָ֑ם
over the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
וַיִּקְבְּצֵ֣ם
and gathered them together
to grasp, i.e., collect
#7
אֵלָ֗יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
רְחוֹב֙
to him in the street
a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area
#10
שַׁ֣עַר
of the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#11
הָעִ֔יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#12
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
and spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
לְבָבָ֖ם
comfortably
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#15
לֵאמֹֽר׃
to them saying
to say (used with great latitude)

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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection