2 Crônicas 27

2 Crônicas 27

Spurgeon - “So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.”—2 Chronicles 27:6. - THIS is a very singular expression which is used here concerning Jotham, who is one of the kings of Judah who are commended as having done that which was right in the sight of the Lord. All of them had their faults, yet they were the best monarchs that sat upon the throne of Judah; and concerning Jotham it is mentioned as his peculiar honour that he “became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.” (Sermon Jotham's Peculiar Honor) Became mighty (02388)(chazaq) conveys the basic meaning of to be or become strong, to make strong or strengthen, in the Hiphil to take hold of or seize ("retain His anger" - Mic 7:18+), in the Hithpael to strengthen oneself (to take courage 1 Sa 30:6). To be courageous. To overpower. Chazaq describes strength - severity of a famine (a "strong" famine) (2 Ki 25:3, Jer 52:6), strength of humans to overpower (David and Goliath 1 Sa 17:50, cf 1 Sa 17:35 = seized;, Amnon and Tamar = 2 Sa 13:14), in a battle, to capture (2 Chr 8:3), Samson's last demonstration of supernatural strength he prays "please strengthen me" (Jdg 16:28). Used in the charge "Be strong and courageous" (Josh 1:6, 7, 9,18, Josh 10:25, "be firm" = Josh 23:6; "Be strong and courageous" = Dt 31:6-7, 23). Chazaq used 12 times in Ex 4-14 of hardening Pharaoh's heart (cf similar use in Josh 11:20). In a great passage in Da 11:32+ we read "“By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength (chazaq) and take action."" Chazaq is commonly used in Kings and Chronicles - 1 Ki. 1:50; 1 Ki. 2:2; 1 Ki. 2:28; 1 Ki. 9:9; 1 Ki. 16:22; 1 Ki. 20:22; 1 Ki. 20:23; 1 Ki. 20:25; 2 Ki. 2:12; 2 Ki. 3:26; 2 Ki. 4:8; 2 Ki. 4:27; 2 Ki. 12:5; 2 Ki. 12:6; 2 Ki. 12:7; 2 Ki. 12:8; 2 Ki. 12:12; 2 Ki. 12:14; 2 Ki. 14:5; 2 Ki. 15:19; 2 Ki. 22:5; 2 Ki. 22:6; 2 Ki. 25:3; 1 Chr. 11:10; 1 Chr. 19:12; 1 Chr. 19:13; 1 Chr. 21:4; 1 Chr. 22:13; 1 Chr. 26:27; 1 Chr. 28:7; 1 Chr. 28:10; 1 Chr. 28:20; 1 Chr. 29:12; 2 Chr. 1:1; 2 Chr. 7:22; 2 Chr. 8:3; 2 Chr. 11:11; 2 Chr. 11:12; 2 Chr. 11:17; 2 Chr. 12:13; 2 Chr. 13:7; 2 Chr. 13:8; 2 Chr. 13:21; 2 Chr. 15:7; 2 Chr. 15:8; 2 Chr. 16:9; 2 Chr. 17:1; 2 Chr. 19:11; 2 Chr. 21:4; 2 Chr. 23:1; 2 Chr. 24:5; 2 Chr. 24:12; 2 Chr. 25:3; 2 Chr. 25:8; 2 Chr. 25:11; 2 Chr. 26:8; 2 Chr. 26:9; 2 Chr. 26:15; 2 Chr. 26:16; 2 Chr. 27:5; 2 Chr. 27:6; 2 Chr. 28:15; 2 Chr. 28:20; 2 Chr. 29:3; 2 Chr. 29:34; 2 Chr. 31:4; 2 Chr. 32:5; 2 Chr. 32:7; 2 Chr. 34:8; 2 Chr. 34:10; 2 Chr. 35:2 Ordered (03559) kun means to be firm, to set up, to make firm, to establish, to prepare. The primary action of this verb is to cause to stand in an upright position, and thus the word also means fixed or steadfast. It signifies the action of setting in place or erecting an object (Isa 40:20; Mic 4:1); establishing a royal dynasty (2 Sam 7:13; 1 Chr 17:12); founding a city (Hab 2:12); creating the natural order (Deut 32:6; Ps 8:3; Prov 8:27); fashioning a people for oneself (2 Sam 7:24); adjusting weapons for their targets (Ps 7:12[13]; 11:2); appointing someone to an office (Josh 4:4); confirming a position (1 Kgs 2:12); making ready or preparing something for use (2 Chr 31:11; Ps 103:19; Zeph 1:7); attaining certainty or verification (Deut 13:14; 1 Sam 23:23). John Oswalt - TWOT - The root meaning is to bring something into being with the consequence that its existence is a certainty. Five somewhat different connotations can be discovered in the usages of this root, all having basic theological significance. These connotations move from provision through preparation and establishment to fixity and rightness. 1) As noted above, the word as used in Hebrew, rarely means simply to bring into being. So rare is it, in fact, that BDB and KB suggest that the root meaning is "to be firm" (KB also adding "straight"). However, evidence of the original etymology may be found in those occurrences where something is said simply to have been formed or fashioned (brought into existence) (Judges 12:6; Job 31:15; Psalm 119:73; Ezekiel 16:7). In none of these is the idea of fixity or firmness in view, but rather of basic formation. Particularly in the second and third of these, God's role in forming the human body is significant. Probably this same basic idea is involved where the word is translated "to provide for" (cf. 2 Chron. 1:4; Job 38:41; Psalm 65:9 [H 10]; Psalm 78:20; Proverbs 6:8). Especially in question here is God's ability to provide food for his people and creation. At numerous points it is difficult to know whether certain usages should be translated "provide" or "prepare." It seems likely that the several references in Chronicles to David's "preparing" materials for the temple could just as appropriately be understood as referring to his "providing" such materials. 2) At any rate, however, it is clear that a very significant group of occurrences must be translated with "prepare." In view of something in the future, certain things are set in order. Meal preparation (Genesis 43:16; Joshua 1:11; Neh. 8:10) and military preparation (Joshua 8:4; Ezekiel 7:14; Ezekiel 38:7; Amos 4:12) are two circumstances in which the word is used in this way. In the latter case many of the references indicate it is God who will war on the ungodly and they should prepare themselves as best they can (cf. Job 15:23; Jeremiah 46:14; Jeremiah 51:12 etc.). On the other hand, God has made preparations as well. These would include his creative functions (Psalm 147:8; Job 28:27; Proverbs 8:27) as well as his judicial ones (Psalm 7:11, 13 [H 12, 14]; Psalm 9:7 [H 8]; Proverbs 19:29; Zeph. 1:7). The meaning of a group of references which speak of persons "preparing" their hearts to seek the Lord (cf. 1 Chron. 29:18; 2 Chron. 12:14, etc.) is somewhat unclear. It seems likely that the RSV rendering "set," in keeping with the several passages in Psalms (cf. Psalm 57:7 [H 8] "my heart is fixed [RSV "steadfast"], O God") is more appropriate. 3) As with the previous connotation, there is some ambiguity at the border between "prepare" and "establish." This is especially true in God's creative acts. While Proverbs 8:27 says that God "prepared" the heavens, Proverbs 3:19 has him "establishing" the heavens. Here come the special overtones of certitude. They are implicit in the very character of the biblical deity, a God who does not change (Psalm 119:90). Because God has brought heaven and earth into existence they are fixed forever (Jeremiah 33:2). So the use of "establish" is especially appropriate. The references where this translation is appropriate may be divided into three groups. All three of these have royal overtones. God, as the divine king has established the heavens as his throne (Psalm 103:19) and the earth as his dominion (1 Chron. 16:30; Psalm 93:1; Isaiah 45:18). As the divine king, his work is accomplished through wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 3:19; Jeremiah 10:12; Jeremiah 51:15). This in itself leads to the fixity of what he has done. 4) It is the divine king who then guarantees or refuses to guarantee human kingship. Some twenty-five times the word is used with reference to the establishment of a dynasty. It is made plain that, in and of itself, no human line can be established. Only by relation to the One in whom kingship abides is this possible (Psalm 89:37 [H 38] etc.). The culmination of this thought is found in Isaiah 9:6 [H 7] where the kingdom of the Messiah is established by God. On a somewhat more human level, the book of Proverbs shows that establishment, on the throne or elsewhere, is not possible apart from adherence to the divine standards of righteousness (Proverbs 16:12, etc.). But the great test of God's kingship is the problem of sin. This problem is dealt with through the establishment of a people (Deut. 32:6). The particular creation language of this verse is significant. Redemption is a part of the total work of creation. Furthermore, God overcomes sin by establishing his sanctuary in the midst of his people (Exodus 15:17; Isaiah 2:2). 5) The sense of well-being which results from being under God's hand is best expressed in the final connotation. If our heart is fixed on God (Psalm 112:7, etc.) then we may be sure that he will establish (also direct, order) our ways (Psalm 37:23; Psalm 90:17; Proverbs 16:9). Apart from this kind of confidence, a person's ways are temporary and shaky. But with it there comes a certainty, a rightness (Jeremiah 23:10, etc.), which imparts some of the glory of the infinite to the finite. Vine - KUN - "to be established, be readied, be prepared, be certain, be admissible." This verb occurs in nearly every Semitic language (not in biblical Aramaic). Kûn appears in the Bible about 220 times and in all periods of Hebrew. This root used concretely connotes being firmly established, being firmly anchored and being firm. The first meaning is applied to a roof which is "firmly established" on pillars. So Samson said to the lad who was leading him: "Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them" (Jdg. 16:26). In a similar sense the inhabited earth "is firmly established or anchored"; it is immovable: "… The world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved" (Psa. 93:1). In Psa. 75:3 the image shifts to the earth "firmly established" upon pillars. In Psa. 65:6 the divine establishing of the mountains is synonymous with divine creating. The verb also means "to be firm": "And you grew up and became tall and arrived at [the age for fine ornaments]; your breasts were formed, and your hair had grown" (Ezek. 16:7, rsv). Used abstractly, kûn can refer to a concept as "established," or "fixed" so as to be unchanging and unchangeable: "And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass" (Gen. 41:32, the first occurrence of the word). In somewhat the same sense one can speak of the light of day "being firmly established," or having fully arrived: "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Prov. 4:18). Kûn can be used of the "establishing" of one's descendants, of seeing them prosperous (Job 21:8). Something can be "fixed" in the sense of "being prepared or completed": "Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the Lord . . ." (2 Chron. 8:16). An "established" thing can be something that is enduring. In 1 Sam. 20:31 Saul tells Jonathan: "For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom." Truthful lips (what they say) "shall be established," or will endure forever (Prov. 12:19). One's plans "will endure" (be established) if he commits his works to the Lord (Prov. 16:3). Kûn can also mean "to be established" in the sense of "being ready." So Josiah told the people "to prepare" themselves for the Passover (2 Chron. 35:4). This same sense appears in Exod. 19:11: "And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai." A somewhat different nuance appears in Job 18:12; Bildad says that wherever godlessness breaks out, there is judgment: "… Destruction shall be ready at his side." That is, calamity is "fixed or prepared" so that it exists potentially even before godlessness breaks out. Something "fixed" or "established" can "be certain": "Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain…" (Deut. 13:14). In a somewhat different nuance the thing can be trustworthy or true. The psalmist says of the wicked that "there is no faithfulness in their mouth" (Psa. 5:9). A further development of this emphasis is that a matter "may be admissible", so Moses said to Pharaoh: "It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the Lord our God. . ." (Exod. 8:26). When one "fixes" an arrow on the bow, he takes aim or "prepares" to shoot his bow (cf. Psa. 7:12). KUN - 203 V - aim(1), appointed(1), carried(1), certain(2), certainty(1), confirm(2), confirmed(1), consider(1), could(1), counted(1), definitely(1), determined(1), direct(3), direct your right(1), directed(1), directs(1), establish(15), established(52), establishes(2), fashion(1), fashioned(1), firm(1), firmly established(3), formed(1), founds(1), full(1), get yourself ready(1), installed(1), made it ready(1), made preparations(1), made provision(1), made...preparations(1), made...ready(1), maintain his position(1), make preparation(1), make ready(2), make...sure(1), makes his sure(1), makes ready(1), making my firm(1), ordained(1), ordered(1), place(1), prepare(21), prepared(37), prepares(5), provide(1), provided(5), provides(1), ready(7), reliable(1), rested(1), rests(1), right(3), set(10), set the in order(1), steadfast(6), strengthen(1), took(1). Gen. 41:32; Gen. 43:16; Gen. 43:25; Exod. 8:26; Exod. 15:17; Exod. 16:5; Exod. 19:11; Exod. 19:15; Exod. 23:20; Exod. 34:2; Num. 21:27; Num. 23:1; Num. 23:29; Deut. 13:14; Deut. 17:4; Deut. 19:3; Deut. 32:6; Jos. 1:11; Jos. 4:3; Jos. 4:4; Jos. 8:4; Jdg. 12:6; Jdg. 16:26; Jdg. 16:29; 1 Sam. 7:3; 1 Sam. 13:13; 1 Sam. 20:31; 1 Sam. 23:22; 1 Sam. 23:23; 1 Sam. 26:4; 2 Sam. 5:12; 2 Sam. 7:12; 2 Sam. 7:13; 2 Sam. 7:16; 2 Sam. 7:24; 2 Sam. 7:26; 1 Ki. 2:12; 1 Ki. 2:24; 1 Ki. 2:45; 1 Ki. 2:46; 1 Ki. 5:18; 1 Ki. 6:19; 1 Chr. 9:32; 1 Chr. 12:39; 1 Chr. 14:2; 1 Chr. 15:1; 1 Chr. 15:3; 1 Chr. 15:12; 1 Chr. 16:30; 1 Chr. 17:11; 1 Chr. 17:12; 1 Chr. 17:14; 1 Chr. 17:24; 1 Chr. 22:3; 1 Chr. 22:5; 1 Chr. 22:10; 1 Chr. 22:14; 1 Chr. 28:2; 1 Chr. 28:7; 1 Chr. 29:2; 1 Chr. 29:3; 1 Chr. 29:16; 1 Chr. 29:18; 1 Chr. 29:19; 2 Chr. 1:4; 2 Chr. 2:7; 2 Chr. 2:9; 2 Chr. 3:1; 2 Chr. 8:16; 2 Chr. 12:1; 2 Chr. 12:14; 2 Chr. 17:5; 2 Chr. 19:3; 2 Chr. 20:33; 2 Chr. 26:14; 2 Chr. 27:6; 2 Chr. 29:19; 2 Chr. 29:35; 2 Chr. 29:36; 2 Chr. 30:19; 2 Chr. 31:11; 2 Chr. 33:16; 2 Chr. 35:4; 2 Chr. 35:6; 2 Chr. 35:10; 2 Chr. 35:14; 2 Chr. 35:15; 2 Chr. 35:16; 2 Chr. 35:20; Ezr. 3:3; Ezr. 7:10; Neh. 8:10; Est. 6:4; Est. 7:10; Job 8:8; Job 11:13; Job 12:5; Job 15:35; Job 18:12; Job 21:8; Job 27:16; Job 27:17; Job 28:27; Job 29:7; Job 31:15; Job 38:41; Job 42:7; Job 42:8; Ps. 5:9; Ps. 7:9; Ps. 7:12; Ps. 7:13; Ps. 8:3; Ps. 9:7; Ps. 10:17; Ps. 11:2; Ps. 21:12; Ps. 24:2; Ps. 37:23; Ps. 38:17; Ps. 40:2; Ps. 48:8; Ps. 51:10; Ps. 57:6; Ps. 57:7; Ps. 59:4; Ps. 65:6; Ps. 65:9; Ps. 68:9; Ps. 68:10; Ps. 74:16; Ps. 78:8; Ps. 78:20; Ps. 78:37; Ps. 87:5; Ps. 89:2; Ps. 89:4; Ps. 89:21; Ps. 89:37; Ps. 90:17; Ps. 93:1; Ps. 93:2; Ps. 96:10; Ps. 99:4; Ps. 101:7; Ps. 102:28; Ps. 103:19; Ps. 107:36; Ps. 108:1; Ps. 112:7; Ps. 119:5; Ps. 119:73; Ps. 119:90; Ps. 119:133; Ps. 140:11; Ps. 141:2; Ps. 147:8; Prov. 3:19; Prov. 4:18; Prov. 4:26; Prov. 6:8; Prov. 8:27; Prov. 12:3; Prov. 12:19; Prov. 16:3; Prov. 16:9; Prov. 16:12; Prov. 19:29; Prov. 20:18; Prov. 21:29; Prov. 21:31; Prov. 22:18; Prov. 24:3; Prov. 24:27; Prov. 25:5; Prov. 29:14; Prov. 30:25; Isa. 2:2; Isa. 9:7; Isa. 14:21; Isa. 16:5; Isa. 30:33; Isa. 40:20; Isa. 45:18; Isa. 51:13; Isa. 54:14; Isa. 62:7; Jer. 10:12; Jer. 10:23; Jer. 30:20; Jer. 33:2; Jer. 46:14; Jer. 51:12; Jer. 51:15; Ezek. 4:3; Ezek. 4:7; Ezek. 7:14; Ezek. 16:7; Ezek. 28:13; Ezek. 38:7; Ezek. 40:43; Hos. 6:3; Amos 4:12; Mic. 4:1; Nah. 2:3; Nah. 2:5; Hab. 2:12; Zeph. 1:7; Zech. 5:11 Stimulating effect of God’s presence It is said that the air of a famous Kentucky cave has a peculiar power of stimulating the senses. After the visitor has been in its strange and silent labyrinths for an hour or two, and comes back into the open air, he can discern the very scents of the flowers, trees, and grasses. New perceptions of spiritual things will come to us if we get away into the quiet of God’s presence, and suffer ourselves to be absorbed by His Word. (T. G. Selby.) ORDERING YOUR WAYS BEFORE THE LORD Ron Daniel offers some practical advice on how to order your ways... What are we planning in His presence? The steps of our day, making choices in advance. Think about it: The successful worker always has a plan. It's a to-do list, or an assignment that he's been given. If an employee just wanders the halls or the job site all day, then they are a terrible worker, a failure at their job. The Christian life is the same way. We've got to have a plan. Now, understand that I'm not talking about religious obligation. I'm talking about making decisions tonight about what we will do tomorrow. You see, many Christians don't have a plan, they aren't ordering their ways. And so... - They can go weeks without ever reading the Bible outside of church, because they didn't plan to read it. - They can go long periods of time without praying because it wasn't on their to-do list. The approach that many of us take is, "I know I should do it, and I'll get around to it." And that doesn't make for a successful Christian. Tonight, make a commitment for tomorrow. It starts in the morning. Look at all the great people of God who "arose early in the morning": Abraham (Ge 22:3), Jacob (Ge 28:18), Moses (Ex 24:4), Joshua (Josh 3:1), Hannah (1Sa 1:19), Samuel (1Sa 15:12), and all the way through the Bible to Jesus (Jn 8:2). Mk 1:35 In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. That doesn't happen by accident. It happens by commitment. When David wrote Psalm 5, he made a commitment to God: Ps 5:3+ In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. Am I prescribing a religious program? A rule to follow? No. I am saying that if you want to become mighty, you will order your ways before the Lord. Have a plan for tomorrow. Know when you're going to make time for prayer. Know when you're going to be in the Word. Make a commitment, "Lord, in the morning, You will be hearing from me." G Campbell