2 Chronicles 7:17

Authorized King James Version

And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתָּ֞ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

הָלַךְ֙

H1980

walked

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְפָנַ֗י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָלַךְ֙

H1980

walked

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דָּוִ֣יד

H1732

me as David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֔יךָ

thy father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְלַֽעֲשׂ֕וֹת

H6213

and do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#10

כְּכֹ֖ל

H3605

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

#11

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

צִוִּיתִ֑יךָ

H6680

according to all that I have commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#13

וְחֻקַּ֥י

H2706

my statutes

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

#14

וּמִשְׁפָּטַ֖י

H4941

and my judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#15

תִּשְׁמֽוֹר׃

H8104

thee and shalt observe

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?