2 Chronicles 5:7

Authorized King James Version

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבִ֣יאוּ
brought in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הַ֠כֹּֽהֲנִים
And the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֲר֨וֹן
the ark
a box
#5
בְּרִית
of the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#6
יְהוָ֧ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
מְקוֹמ֛וֹ
unto his place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
דְּבִ֥יר
to the oracle
the shrine or innermost part of the sanctuary
#11
הַבַּ֖יִת
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
הַקְּדָשִׁ֑ים
holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#14
הַקְּדָשִׁ֑ים
holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#15
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
תַּ֖חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#17
כַּנְפֵ֥י
place even under the wings
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
#18
הַכְּרוּבִֽים׃
of the cherubims
a cherub or imaginary figure

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights covenant through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Chronicles.

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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection