2 Chronicles 8:4

Authorized King James Version

And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּנָ֖ה
H1129
And he built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
תַּדְמֹ֖ר
H8412
Tadmor
tadmor, a place near palestine
#4
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
H4057
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#5
וְאֵת֙
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
עָרֵ֣י
H5892
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
הַֽמִּסְכְּנ֔וֹת
H4543
and all the store
a magazine
#9
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
בָּנָ֖ה
H1129
And he built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#11
בַּֽחֲמָֽת׃
H2574
in Hamath
chamath, a place in syria

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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