2 Chronicles 4:7

Authorized King James Version

And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַ֠יַּעַשׂ
And he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
מְנֹר֧וֹת
candlesticks
a chandelier
#4
הַזָּהָ֛ב
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#5
עֶ֖שֶׂר
ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#6
כְּמִשְׁפָּטָ֑ם
according to their form
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#7
וַיִּתֵּן֙
and set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
בַּֽהֵיכָ֔ל
them in the temple
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
#9
וְחָמֵ֥שׁ
and five
five
#10
מִיָּמִ֖ין
on the right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#11
וְחָמֵ֥שׁ
and five
five
#12
מִשְּׂמֹֽאול׃
on the left
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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