2 Chronicles 34:2

Authorized King James Version

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ

H6213

And he did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַיָּשָׁ֖ר

H3477

that which was right

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י

H5869

in the sight

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּדַרְכֵי֙

H1870

in the ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

דָּוִ֣יד

H1732

of David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֔יו

his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

סָ֖ר

H5493

and declined

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#11

יָמִ֥ין

H3225

neither to the right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

#12

וּשְׂמֹֽאול׃

H8040

nor to the left

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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 passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?