2 Kings 17:32

Authorized King James Version

So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
יְרֵאִ֖ים
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
עֹשִׂ֥ים
and made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
לָהֶ֤ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#7
מִקְצוֹתָם֙
unto themselves of the lowest
a termination
#8
כֹּֽהֲנֵ֣י
of them priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#9
הַבָּמֽוֹת׃
of the high places
an elevation
#10
וַיִּֽהְי֛וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
עֹשִׂ֥ים
and made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
לָהֶ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#13
בְּבֵ֥ית
for them in the houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#14
הַבָּמֽוֹת׃
of the high places
an elevation

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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