2 Chronicles 34:5

Authorized King James Version

And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַצְמוֹת֙
the bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#2
כֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים
of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
שָׂרַ֖ף
And he burnt
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
מִזְבְּחוֹתָ֑ים
upon their altars
an altar
#6
וַיְטַהֵ֥ר
and cleansed
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
יְהוּדָ֖ה
Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
and Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 revelation 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection