2 Kings 17:25

Authorized King James Version

And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בִּתְחִלַּת֙
And so it was at the beginning
a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)
#3
שִׁבְתָּ֣ם
of their dwelling
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#4
שָׁ֔ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#5
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יָֽרְא֖וּ
there that they feared
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
יְהוָ֤ה
not the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
וַיְשַׁלַּ֨ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#10
יְהוָ֤ה
not the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
בָּהֶם֙
H0
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הָ֣אֲרָי֔וֹת
lions
a lion
#14
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
הֹֽרְגִ֖ים
among them which slew
to smite with deadly intent
#16
בָּהֶֽם׃
H0

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 sovereignty 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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