2 Chronicles 4:17

Authorized King James Version

In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּכִכַּ֤ר
In the plain
a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l
#2
הַיַּרְדֵּן֙
of Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#3
יְצָקָ֣ם
cast
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
#4
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
did the king
a king
#5
בַּֽעֲבִ֖י
them in the clay
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
#6
הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה
ground
soil (from its general redness)
#7
בֵּ֥ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#8
סֻכּ֖וֹת
between Succoth
succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine
#9
וּבֵ֥ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#10
צְרֵדָֽתָה׃
and Zeredathah
tseredah, 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 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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