2 Chronicles 35:3

Authorized King James Version

And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

And said

to say (used with great latitude)

לַ֠לְוִיִּם

H3881

unto the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

הַמְּבִונִ֨ים

H995

that taught

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַקְּדוֹשִׁ֣ים

H6918

which were holy

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

now the LORD

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

תְּנ֤וּ

H5414

Put

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

אֲרוֹן

H727

ark

a box

#11

הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙

H6944

the holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

#12

בַּ֠בַּיִת

H1004

in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#13

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

בָּנָ֜ה

H1129

did build

to build (literally and figuratively)

#15

שְׁלֹמֹ֤ה

H8010

which Solomon

shelomah, david's successor

#16

בֶן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#17

דָּוִיד֙

H1732

of David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#18

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

#19

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#20

אֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#21

לָכֶ֥ם

#22

מַשָּׂ֖א

H4853

it shall not be a burden

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

#23

בַּכָּתֵ֑ף

H3802

upon your shoulders

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

#24

עַתָּ֗ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#25

עִבְדוּ֙

H5647

serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#26

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#27

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

now the LORD

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

#28

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם

H430

your 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

#29

וְאֵ֖ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#30

עַמּ֥וֹ

H5971

and his people

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

#31

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?