2 Chronicles 32:8

Authorized King James Version

With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עִמּוֹ֙

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

זְר֣וֹעַ

H2220

With him is an arm

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

בָּשָׂ֔ר

H1320

of flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְעִמָּ֜נוּ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

but with us is the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙

H430

our 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

לְעָזְרֵ֔נוּ

H5826

to help

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

וּלְהִלָּחֵ֖ם

H3898

us and to fight

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

מִלְחֲמֹתֵ֑נוּ

H4421

our battles

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#10

וַיִּסָּֽמְכ֣וּ

H5564

rested

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

#11

הָעָ֔ם

H5971

And the people

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

#12

עַל

H5921

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

#13

דִּבְרֵ֖י

H1697

themselves upon the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#14

יְחִזְקִיָּ֥הוּ

H3169

of Hezekiah

jechizkijah, the name of five israelites

#15

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

#16

יְהוּדָֽה׃

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

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

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?
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?