2 Chronicles 8:14

Authorized King James Version

And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעֲמֵ֣ד

H5975

And he appointed

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

כְּמִשְׁפַּ֣ט

H4941

according to the order

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

דָּוִ֥יד

H1732

for so had David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָ֠בִיו

his father

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

אֶת

H853

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

בְּמַחְלְקוֹתָ֖ם

H4256

also by their courses

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙

H3548

before the priests

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

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עֲבֹֽדָתָ֗ם

H5656

to their service

work of any kind

#10

וְהַלְוִיִּ֣ם

H3881

and the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

#11

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

מִ֠שְׁמְרוֹתָם

H4931

to their charges

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

#13

לְהַלֵּ֨ל

H1984

to praise

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

#14

וּלְשָׁרֵ֜ת

H8334

and minister

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

#15

נֶ֤גֶד

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

#16

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙

H3548

before the priests

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

#17

לִדְבַר

H1697

as the duty

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#18

בְּיוֹמ֔וֹ

H3117

of every day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#19

בְּיוֹמ֔וֹ

H3117

of every day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#20

וְהַשֹּׁעֲרִ֥ים

H7778

the porters

a janitor

#21

בְּמַחְלְקוֹתָ֖ם

H4256

also by their courses

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

#22

וָשָׁ֑עַר

H8179

at every gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#23

וָשָׁ֑עַר

H8179

at every gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#24

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#25

כֵ֔ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#26

מִצְוַ֖ת

H4687

commanded

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#27

דָּוִ֥יד

H1732

for so had David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#28

אִישׁ

H376

the man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#29

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?