2 Chronicles 7:12

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּרָ֧א

H7200

appeared

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה

H8010

to Solomon

shelomah, david's successor

בַּלָּ֑יְלָה

H3915

by night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ

שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙

H8085

unto him I have heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

תְּפִלָּתֶ֔ךָ

H8605

thy prayer

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

#11

וּבָחַ֜רְתִּי

H977

and have chosen

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

#12

בַּמָּק֥וֹם

H4725

this 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)

#13

הַזֶּ֛ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#14

לִ֖י

#15

לְבֵ֥ית

H1004

to myself for an house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#16

זָֽבַח׃

H2077

of sacrifice

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?