2 Kings 2:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

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
בְּהַֽעֲל֤וֹת
would take up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#3
יְהוָה֙
And it came to pass when the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
אֵֽלִיָּ֛הוּ
Elijah
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
#6
בַּֽסְעָרָ֖ה
by a whirlwind
a hurricane
#7
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
into heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#8
וַיֵּ֧לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
אֵֽלִיָּ֛הוּ
Elijah
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
#10
וֶֽאֱלִישָׁ֖ע
with Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#11
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#12
הַגִּלְגָּֽל׃
from Gilgal
gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 2 Kings.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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