2 Chronicles 36:15

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשָׁל֑וֹחַ
and sending
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
יְהוָה֩
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֱלֹהֵ֨י
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
#4
אֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֧ם
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
בְּיַ֥ד
to them by
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#7
מַלְאָכָ֖יו
his messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#8
הַשְׁכֵּ֣ם
rising up betimes
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
#9
וְשָׁל֑וֹחַ
and sending
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#10
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
חָמַ֥ל
because he had compassion
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
עַמּ֖וֹ
on his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
מְעוֹנֽוֹ׃
and on his dwelling
an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)

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

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