2 Kings 22:2

Authorized King James Version

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ

H6213

And he did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַיָּשָׁ֖ר

H3477

that which was right

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י

H5869

in the sight

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דֶּ֙רֶךְ֙

H1870

in all the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

דָּוִ֣ד

H1732

of David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֔יו

his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#10

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

סָ֖ר

H5493

and turned not aside

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#12

יָמִ֥ין

H3225

to the right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

#13

וּשְׂמֹֽאול׃

H8040

or to the left

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Kings.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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