2 Chronicles 8:5

Authorized King James Version

Also he built Beth-horon the upper, and Beth-horon the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּ֜בֶן
Also he built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בֵּ֤ית
H0
#4
חוֹר֖וֹן
Bethhoron
beth-choron, the name of two adjoining places in palestine
#5
הָֽעֶלְי֔וֹן
the upper
an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme
#6
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בֵּ֥ית
H0
#8
חוֹר֖וֹן
Bethhoron
beth-choron, the name of two adjoining places in palestine
#9
הַתַּחְתּ֑וֹן
the nether
bottommost
#10
עָרֵ֣י
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#11
מָצ֔וֹר
fenced
something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness
#12
חוֹמ֖וֹת
with walls
a wall of protection
#13
דְּלָתַ֥יִם
gates
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#14
וּבְרִֽיחַ׃
and bars
a bolt

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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