King James Version
What Does 2 Chronicles 11:8 Mean?
“And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,”
2 Chronicles 11:8 · KJV
Context
6
He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,
7
And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam,
8
And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,
9
And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,
10
And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,
This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Initial faithfulness giving way to compromise. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.
The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.
Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.
This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Initial faithfulness giving way to compromise. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.
The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.
Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.
The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.
Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.
The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.
Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
- What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
- How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsוְאֶת1 of 6
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת3 of 6
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת5 of 6
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Chronicles 11:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Chronicles 11:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge