2 Kings 3:15

Authorized King James Version

But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֖ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

קְחוּ

H3947

But now bring

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לִ֣י

הַֽמְנַגֵּ֔ן

H5059

And it came to pass when the minstrel

properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music

וְהָיָה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַֽמְנַגֵּ֔ן

H5059

And it came to pass when the minstrel

properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music

הַֽמְנַגֵּ֔ן

H5059

And it came to pass when the minstrel

properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music

וַתְּהִ֥י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עָלָ֖יו

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#10

יַד

H3027

that the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#11

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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