2 Chronicles 7:13

Authorized King James Version

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵן
If
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
אֶֽעֱצֹ֤ר
I shut up
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
#3
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#4
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יִהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
מָטָ֔ר
that there be no rain
rain
#7
וְהֵן
If
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#8
אֲצַוֶּ֥ה
or if I command
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
חָגָ֖ב
the locusts
a locust
#11
לֶֽאֱכ֣וֹל
to devour
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#12
הָאָ֑רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#14
אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח
or if I send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#15
דֶּ֖בֶר
pestilence
a pestilence
#16
בְּעַמִּֽי׃
among my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of covenant community 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection