2 Chronicles 35:22

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
הֵסֵב֩
H5437
would not turn
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#3
יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֨הוּ
H2977
Nevertheless Josiah
joshijah, the name of two israelites
#4
פָנָ֜יו
H6440
his face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
מִמֶּ֗נּוּ
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#6
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם
H3898
himself that he might fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#8
בּוֹ֙
H0
#9
הִתְחַפֵּ֔שׂ
H2664
from him but disguised
to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e., let be sought), or mask
#10
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
שָׁמַ֛ע
H8085
with him and hearkened
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#12
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
דִּבְרֵ֥י
H1697
not unto the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#14
נְכ֖וֹ
H5224
of Necho
neko, an egyptian king
#15
מִפִּ֣י
H6310
from the mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#16
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
H430
of 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
#17
וַיָּבֹ֕א
H935
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#18
לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם
H3898
himself that he might fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#19
בְּבִקְעַ֥ת
H1237
in the valley
properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains
#20
מְגִדּֽוֹ׃
H4023
of Megiddo
megiddon or megiddo, a place in 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 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection