2 Kings 21:5

Authorized King James Version

And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּ֥בֶן
And he built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
מִזְבְּח֖וֹת
altars
an altar
#3
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
צְבָ֣א
for all the host
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#5
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
of 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
#6
בִּשְׁתֵּ֖י
in the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#7
חַצְר֥וֹת
courts
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
#8
בֵּית
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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