2 Chronicles 5:12

Authorized King James Version

Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהַלְוִיִּ֣ם

H3881

Also the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

הַמְשֹׁרֲרִ֣ים

H7891

which were the singers

to sing

לְכֻלָּ֡ם

H3605

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

לְאָסָ֡ף

H623

all of them of Asaph

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

לְהֵימָ֣ן

H1968

of Heman

heman, the name of at least two israelites

לִֽ֠ידֻתוּן

H3038

of Jeduthun

jeduthun, an israelite

וְלִבְנֵיהֶ֨ם

H1121

with their sons

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

וְלַֽאֲחֵיהֶ֜ם

H251

and their brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

מְלֻבָּשִׁ֣ים

H3847

being arrayed

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

#10

בּ֗וּץ

H948

in white linen

probably cotton (of some sort)

#11

בִּמְצִלְתַּ֙יִם֙

H4700

having cymbals

(only dual) double tinklers, i.e., cymbals

#12

וּבִנְבָלִ֣ים

H5035

and psalteries

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

#13

וְכִנֹּר֔וֹת

H3658

and harps

a harp

#14

עֹֽמְדִ֖ים

H5975

stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#15

מִזְרָ֣ח

H4217

at the east end

sunrise, i.e., the east

#16

לַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ

H4196

of the altar

an altar

#17

וְעִמָּהֶ֤ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#18

כֹּֽהֲנִים֙

H3548

priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#19

לְמֵאָ֣ה

H3967

and with them an hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

#20

וְעֶשְׂרִ֔ים

H6242

and twenty

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

#21

מַחְצְרִ֖רים

H2690

sounding

to trumpet, i.e., blow on that instrument

#22

בַּחֲצֹֽצְרֽוֹת׃

H2689

with trumpets

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?