2 Chronicles 34:18 — Word Study
WLCוַיַּגֵּ֞ד שָׁפָ֤ן הַסּוֹפֵר֙ לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ לֵאמֹ֔ר סֵ֚פֶר נָ֣תַן לִ֔י חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ הַכֹּהֵ֑ן וַיִּקְרָא־ ב֥וֹ שָׁפָ֖ן לִפְנֵ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
BSAMoreover , Shaphanshâphân [the secretary, recorder] the scribeçâphar toldnâgad▸ the kingmelek HilkiahChilqîyâh [the high priest, spiritual leader] the priestkôhên has givennâthan■ [delivered, entrusted] ◂a bookçêpher [scroll, written document] And Shaphanshâphân readqârâʼ▸ [declared, proclaimed] in the presencepânîym [face, before] of the kingmelek
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיַּגֵּ֞ד | and he told | Verb, Hiphil, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| שָׁפָ֤ן | Shaphan | Noun proper masculine |
| הַסּוֹפֵר֙ | the scribe | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ | to the king | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לֵאמֹ֔ר | saying | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| סֵ֚פֶר | a scroll | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| נָ֣תַן | he has given | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| לִ֔י | to me | Preposition, suffix |
| חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ | Hilkiah | Noun proper masculine |
| הַכֹּהֵ֑ן | the priest | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וַיִּקְרָא־ | and he read aloud | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| ב֥וֹ | in it | Preposition, suffix |
| שָׁפָ֖ן | Shaphan | Noun proper masculine |
| לִפְנֵ֥י | before | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct |
| הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ | the king | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. |
| KJV | Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. |
| ASV | And Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read therein before the king. |
| YLT | And Shaphan the scribe declareth to the king, saying, 'A book hath Hilkiah the priest given to me;' and Shaphan readeth in it before the king. |
| WEB | Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has delivered me a book.” Shaphan read from it to the king. |
| BBE | Then Shaphan the scribe said to the king, Hilkiah the priest has given me a book; and he made a start at reading some of it to the king. |
Where they part company is וַיַּגֵּ֞ד — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence consists of a main clause followed by a direct speech and a concluding action, clearly presenting the sequence of events.
4 commentators on this verse
Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott, Cambridge & more — read them ›
clause
subjectשָׁפָן
verbנָגַד
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 2 Chronicles 34:18
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Discovery of the Book of the Lawgenerated
2 Chronicles 34:18 describes an important moment in Israel's history when Shaphan, the scribe, reports to King Josiah that Hilkiah, the high priest, has found a book. This book is significant as it contains the Law of the Lord, which had been neglected. The reading of this book leads to a profound response from the king, demonstrating the importance of the Law in guiding the nation.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 17:19 | It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes. |
| 2 | Joshua 1:8 | This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. |
| 3 | Psalm 119:46–97 | I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and I will not be ashamed. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 36:20–21 | So the officials went to the king in the courtyard. And having stored the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, they reported everything to the king. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — וַיַּגֵּ֞ד, vai.ya.Gedgenerated
The verb נָגַד (nagad) means to tell or declare something openly. It is often used in contexts where a message is communicated clearly and boldly, as seen in its usage in other scriptures like Genesis 3:11 and Exodus 32:27.
In this verse, the Hiphil form indicates that Shaphan is actively telling the king about the book given to him by Hilkiah. This act of declaration is crucial as it sets in motion the events that follow, including the king's reaction to the Law.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is presented in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses told for וַיַּגֵּ֞ד, aligning with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is וַיַּגֵּ֞ד, and he told, which governs the sentence. The structure includes a noun phrase for the subject, Shaphan, followed by a series of clauses and phrases that elaborate on what he told the king.
The sentence is complex, with Shaphan's declaration leading to the subsequent reading of the book, emphasizing the importance of communication in this context.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates וַיַּגֵּ֞ד as ἀπήγγειλεν, which means 'he announced' or 'he reported.' This choice highlights the formal nature of Shaphan's communication to the king, suggesting a significant and official report rather than casual conversation.
This translation choice reflects the gravity of the message being conveyed and the importance of the book that was found.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
2 Chronicles 34:18 tells us that Shaphan the scribe informed King Josiah that Hilkiah the priest had given him a book. Shaphan then read this book in the presence of the king, which led to a significant reaction from Josiah.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The book contained the Law of the Lord, which was crucial for guiding the nation of Israel and had been neglected for years.
Reading the book in the king's presence was important to ensure that the king was aware of the Law and its implications for the nation.
When King Josiah heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes, indicating his distress and recognition of the nation's failure to follow God's commands.
Hilkiah was the high priest during King Josiah's reign, and he played a key role in the discovery of the Law and its subsequent impact on the nation.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What does this passage teach us about the importance of God's Word in our lives?
- How can we ensure that we are aware of and following God's commands today?
- In what ways can we communicate important truths to others, as Shaphan did?
- What can we learn from King Josiah's reaction to the reading of the Law?
Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 2 Chronicles 34:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Chronicles 34 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments2 Chronicles 34:17 And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen. Ver. 17-21. See on 2 Kings 22:9-12.
Read John Trapp on 2 Chronicles 34 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(18) Then.—And. The verse is identical with 2 Kings 22:10, save that it substitutes “read in it” for “read it,” which may mean the same thing. It seems too much to assume that the chronicler altered the phrase, in order to insinuate that the book was of considerable size.
Read Charles John Ellicott on 2 Chronicles 34 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18. Then Shaphan] R.V. And Shaphan. hath given] R.V. hath delivered (as in 2 Chronicles 34:15). read it] R.V. read therein. The Heb. expression is partitive.
Read Cambridge on 2 Chronicles 34 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.
Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has delivered me a book.” Shaphan read from it to the king.
Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.
Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll.” Shaphan read it out loud before the king.
Tyndale line
Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.
And Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read therein before the king.
And Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read therein before the king.
Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.
Also Shaphan ye chanceler declared to the King, saying, Hilkiah the Priest hath giuen mee a booke, and Shaphan read it before the King.
Strictly literal
And Shaphan the scribe informed the king saying, Hilkijah the priest has given me a book. And Shaphan read out of it before the king.
And Shaphan the scribe declareth to the king, saying, 'A book hath Hilkiah the priest given to me;' and Shaphan readeth in it before the king.
And Shaphan the scribe declares [it] to the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given a scroll to me”; and Shaphan reads in it before the king.
Then told Shaphan the scribe the king, saying, A book hath Chilkiyahu the priest given me. And Shaphan read in it before the king.
Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” Then Shaphan read in it to the king.
From the Latin
Moreover Helcias the priest gave me this book. And he read it before the king.
Simplified
Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest gave me this book.” Shaphan read it to the king.
Then Shaphan the scribe said to the king, Hilkiah the priest has given me a book; and he made a start at reading some of it to the king.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with a direct correspondence between the Hebrew and Greek texts. Both versions convey the same essential message regarding Shaphan's report to the king.
וַיַּגֵּ֞ד שָׁפָ֤ן הַסּוֹפֵר֙ לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ לֵאמֹ֔ר סֵ֚פֶר נָ֣תַן לִ֔י חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ הַכֹּהֵ֑ן וַיִּקְרָא־ ב֥וֹ שָׁפָ֖ן לִפְנֵ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
15 of the 15 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 2 Chronicles 34:18
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
נָגַד (nagad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to declare or tell, with implications of being conspicuous or manifesting something. It covers a range of meanings including to announce, report, and make known, often through spoken word. The entries indicate that it can also mean to expose or predict, and in the Hophil form, it refers to something being told or reported.
[נָגַד] 363 vb. be conspicuous
Hiph. declare, tell
Hoph. be told, announced, reported
base
H5046 נָגַד be conspicuous . declare, tell
. be told, announced, reported
5046 nagad naw-gad'
a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out
opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest;
figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one
present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain,
praise:--bewray, X certainly, certify, declare(-ing),
denounce, expound, X fully, messenger, plainly, profess,
rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, X surely, tell, utter.
נָגַד (na.gad) — to tell.
1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known
1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare
1a1) to tell, announce, report
1a2) to declare, make known, expound
1a3) to inform of
1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim
1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess
1a5a) messenger (participle)
1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vhw3ms
The Hebrew word שָׁפָן (shaphan) refers to a rock badger or hyrax. It also denotes a historical figure, a secretary under King Josiah, who is mentioned as the father of several individuals, including Ahikam and Elasah. There is some uncertainty regarding the relationships between these figures, as some entries suggest they may be the same person.
שָׁפָן n.m. rock-badger, hyrax syriacus
base
שָׁפָן n.pr.m.
secretary under Josiah
father of אֲחִיקָם, contemp. of 1 (improb. = 1)
father of אֶלְעָשָׂה, perh. = 2.
father of גְּמַרְיָ֫הוּ, perh. = 1.
father of יַאֲזַנְיָ֫הוּ, possibly = 1.
base
H8227a שָׁפָן rock-badger, hyrax syriacus H8227b שָׁפָן . secretary under Josiah
. father of אֲחִיקָם, contemp. of 1 (improb. = 1)
. father of אֶלְעָשָׂה, perh. = 2.
. father of גְּמַרְיָ֫הוּ, perh. = 1.
. father of יַאֲזַנְיָ֫הוּ, possibly = 1.
8227 shaphan shaw-fawn'
from 8226; a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e.
probably the hyrax:--coney.
see HEBREW for 08226
שָׁפָן (sha.phan) — rock badger.
rock badger, coney, the hyrax
שָׁפָן (sha.phan) — Shaphan.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.22.3;
son of: Azaliah (H0683);
father of: Ahikam (H0296), Elasah (H0501J), Gemariah (H1587H)
§ Shaphan = "coney"
1) secretary or scribe of king Josiah of Judah
2) father of Ahikam in the time of king Josiah of Judah
2a) improbably the same as 2
3) father of Elasah in the time of the prophet Jeremiah
3a) perhaps the same as 3
4) a scribe and father of Gemariah
4a) perhaps the same as 2
5) father of Jaazaniah in the time of Ezekiel
5a) perhaps the same as 2
שָׁפָן (sha.phan) — Shaphan.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezk.8.11;
father of: Jaazaniah (H2970H)
§ Shaphan = "coney"
1) secretary or scribe of king Josiah of Judah
2) father of Ahikam in the time of king Josiah of Judah
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
sha'-fan (shaphan, "rockbadger," English Versions of the Bible "coney"; Saphphan): An old totem clan name (so W.R. Smith; compare, however, the article TOTEMISM; Gray, Gray, Studies in Hebrew Proper Names, 103 ff, and Jacob's Studies in Biblical Archaeology, 84 ff).
(1) Son of Azaliah and scribe of King Josiah. He received from Hilkiah the Book of the Law which had been found in the Temple (2Ki 22:3 ff; 2Ch 34:8-28). It was from Shaphan's lips that Josiah heard the Law read. Shaphan was also one of those sent by the king to the prophetess Huldah (2Ki 22; 2Ch 34). He was undoubtedly one of the staunchest supporters of Josiah in his work of reform. He was the father of Ahikam (2Ki 22:12;
Shaphan
A coney, a scribe or secretary of king Josiah (2 Kings 22:3-7). He consulted Huldah concerning the newly-discovered copy of the law which was delivered to him by Hilkiah the priest (8-14). His grandson Gedaliah was governor of Judea (25:22).
(coney), the scribe or secretary of King Josiah. (2 Kings 22:3,14; 2 Chronicles 34:8,20) (B.C. 628.) He appears on an equality with the governor of the city and the royal recorder. (2 Kings 22:4; 2 Chronicles 34:9)
סָפַר (safar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to count or recount, with various forms indicating actions like declaring or rehearsing. The noun form סֹפֵר (sofer) refers to a scribe or secretary. The entries highlight its use in contexts of enumeration and record-keeping, but do not present significant disagreement among lexicons.
סָפַר 107 vb. count, Pi. recount, relate
Qal 27
count things, to learn their number
number = take account of, carefully observe and consider, reckon
Niph. be counted, numbered
Pi. 67 recount, rehearse, declare
Pu. be recounted, related, rehearsed
base
סֹפֵר, סוֹפֵר n.m. enumerator, muster-officer, secretary, scribe
base
H5608a סָפַר count, Pi. recount, relate .. count things, to learn their number
. number = take account of, carefully observe and consider, reckon
. be counted, numbered
. recount, rehearse, declare
. be recounted, related, rehearsed
H5608b סֹפֵר, סוֹפֵר enumerator, muster-officer, secretary, scribe
5608 caphar saw-far'
a primitive root; properly, to score with a mark as a tally
or record, i.e. (by implication) to inscribe, and also to
enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e. celebrate:--commune,
(ac-)count; declare, number, + penknife, reckon, scribe, shew
forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer.
סָפַר (sa.phar) — to recount.
v
1) to count, recount, relate
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to count (things)
1a2) to number, take account of, reckon
1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered
1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare
1c1) to recount (something), rehearse
1c2) to talk
1c3) to count exactly or accurately
1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
סֹפֵר (so.pher) — secretary.
1) enumerator, muster-officer, secretary, scribe
1a) enumerator, muster-officer, secretary
1b) learned man, scribe
Aramaic equivalent: sa.pher (סָפִר "scribe" H5613)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
In the earlier Hebrew writings, was one skilled in writing and accounts, Ex 5:6 Jud 5:14 Jer 52:25; the person who communicated to the people the commands of the king, like the modern Secretary of State, 2Sa 8:17 20:25. In the later times of the Old Testament, especially after the captivity, and in the New Testament, a scribe is a person skilled in the Jewish law, a teacher or interpreter of the law. So Ezra was "a ready scribe in the laws of Moses," Ezr 7:6 1Ch 27:32. The scribes of the New Testament were a class of men educated for the purpose of preserving and…
The Hebrew word מֶ֫לֶךְ (*melek*) means 'king.' It is derived from a root that suggests royalty. The term appears in various contexts, including references to specific kings and locations, such as the 'King's Highway' in Numbers 20:17 and the 'King's Valley' in Genesis 14:17. The lexicons note its Aramaic equivalent and mention its use in the context of individuals like Hammelech in Jeremiah.
מֶ֫לֶךְ 2513 n.m. king
base
H4428 מֶ֫לֶךְ king
4428 melek meh'-lek
from 4427; a king:--king, royal.
see HEBREW for 04427
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — king.
1) king
Aramaic equivalent: me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4430)
הַמֶּלֶךְ (me.lekh) — `the king`.
'the king' or a name, Hammelech in KJV of Jer.36.26; 38.6- a man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;
father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";
§ A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;
father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
King's (Highway) (Num.20.17)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
Another name of she.lach (שֶׁ֫לַח "Shelah" H7975A)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — Milcom.
Another name of mo.lekh (מֹ֫לֶךְ "Molech" H4432)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
King
Is in Scripture very generally used to denote one invested with authority, whether extensive or limited. There were thirty-one kings in Canaan (Josh. 12:9, 24), whom Joshua subdued. Adonibezek subdued seventy kings (Judg. 1:7). In the New Testament the Roman emperor is spoken of as a king (1 Pet. 2:13, 17); and Herod Antipas, who was only a tetrarch, is also called a king (Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:22).
This title is applied to God (1 Tim. 1:17), and to Christ, the Son of God (1 Tim. 6:15, 16;
"a chief ruler, one invested with supreme authority over a nation, tribe or country." --Webster. In the Bible the word does not necessarily imply great power or great extent of country. Many persons are called kings whom we should rather call chiefs or leaders. The word is applied in the Bible to God as the sovereign and ruler of the universe, and to Christ the Son of God as the head and governor of the Church. The Hebrews were ruled by a king during a period of about 500 years previous to the destruction of Jerusalem, B.C. 586. The immediate occasion of the substitution of a regal form of government for that of judges seems to have been the siege of Jabesh-gilead by Nahash king of the Ammonites. (1 Samuel 11:1; 12:12) The conviction seems to have forced itself on the Israelites that they could not resist their formidable neighbor…
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
HR/Vqcc — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
סֵ֫פֶר (cepher) refers to a writing or document, encompassing meanings such as book, scroll, and missive. It can denote various types of texts, including legal documents, genealogical records, and scripture. The feminine form, סִפְרָה (siphrah), also signifies a book. Notably, it appears in contexts related to preservation and communication.
סֵ֫פֶר 185 n.m. missive, document, writing, book
missive
legal document
book or scroll, in which something is written to preserve it for future use
base
[סִפְרָה] n.f. book;—sf. ψ 56:9
ref
H5612a סֵ֫פֶר missive, document, writing, book . missive
. legal document
. book or scroll, in which something is written to preserve it for future use
H5612b סִפְרָה book
5612 cepher say'-fer
or (feminine) ciphrah (Psa. 56:8 (9)) {sif-raw'}; from 5608;
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a
book:--bill, book, evidence, X learn(-ed) (-ing), letter,
register, scroll.
see HEBREW for 09
see HEBREW for 05608
סֵ֫פֶר (se.pher) — scroll: document.
: document
1) missive, document, writing, book
1a) missive
1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree
1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign
1c) book, scroll
1c1) book of prophecies
1c2) genealogical register
1c3) law-book
1c4) book (of poems)
1c5) book (of kings)
1c6) books of the canon, scripture
1c7) record book (of God)
1d) book-learning, writing
1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
סִפְרָה (siph.rah) — scroll.
book
סֵ֫פֶר (se.pher) — scroll: book.
: book
1) missive, document, writing, book
1a) missive
1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree
1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign
1c) book, scroll
1c1) book of prophecies
1c2) genealogical register
1c3) law-book
1c4) book (of poems)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
skrol.
See ROLL.
The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.
נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set
Qal 1917
give
Put, set
Make, constitute
Niph.
82be given
Be put, set
Hoph.
be given, bestowed
= be given to one for wife
be put upon
base
H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give
. Put, set
. Make, constitute
. . be given
. Be put, set
. . . be given, bestowed
. = be given to one for wife
. be put upon
5414 nathan naw-than'
a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of
application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,
assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,
hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +
cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X
without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),
grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),
(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,
occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X
pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send
(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,
strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,
turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)
God, yield.
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.
: give/deliver/send/produce
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend
1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate
1a3) to make, constitute
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned
1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up
1c2) to be put upon
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.
: put/set/apppoint
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
נִי (ni) — me.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 1st person singular
HR/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp1bs
חִלְקִיָּהוּ (Chilqiyah) means "my portion is Jehovah" and refers to several individuals in the Old Testament, particularly during the Divided Monarchy. Notably, it includes a high priest in Josiah's reign and the father of the prophet Jeremiah. The name is derived from the roots for "portion" and "Jah," indicating a connection to God.
חִלְקִיָּהוּ, חִלְקִיָּה n.pr.m. (my portion is י׳)
father of Eliakim, Hezekiah’s officer
high priest, Josiah’s time
father of Jerem.
Levites
a priest, contemp. of Ezra
father of Gemariah, an ambassador of Zedekiah to Nebuchadrezzar
base
H2518 חִלְקִיָּהוּ, חִלְקִיָּה (my portion is י׳)
2518 Chilqiyah khil-kee-yaw'
or Chilqiyahuw {khil-kee-yaw'-hoo}'from 2506 and 3050;
portion of Jah; {Chilhijah, the name of eight Israelites:--
Hillkiah.
see HEBREW for 02506
see HEBREW for 03050
חִלְקִיָּהוּ (chil.qiy.yah) — Hilkiah.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.18.18;
father of: Eliakim (H0471)
§ Hilkiah = "my portion is Jehovah"
1) father of Eliakim, an officer of Hezekiah
2) high priest in the reign of Josiah
3) a Merarite Levite, son of Amzi
4) another Merarite Levite, 2nd son of Hosah
5) one of those who stood on the right of Ezra when he read the law and probably a Levite and a priest
6) a priest of Anathoth, father of the prophet Jeremiah
7) father of Gemariah who was one of Zedekiah's envoys to Babylon
חִלְקִיָּהוּ (chil.qiy.yah) — Hilkiah.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.22.4;
son of: Shallum (H7967L);
father of: Azariah (H5838L) and Gemariah (H1587)
§ Hilkiah = "my portion is Jehovah"
1) father of Eliakim, an officer of Hezekiah
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
hil-ki'-a (chilqiyah, "Yah is my portion" or "Yah's portion"): The name of 8 individuals in the Old Testament or 7, if the person mentioned in Ne 12:7,21 was the same who stood with Ezra at the reading of the Law (Ne 8:4). The latter appears as Ezecias (the King James Version) in 1 Esdras 9:43. Five of this name are clearly associated with the priesthood, and the others are presumably so. The etymology suggests this. Either interpretation of the name expresses the person's claim on Yahweh or the parents' recognition of Yahweh's claim on him.
(1) The person mentioned above (Ne 8:4, etc.).
(2) A Levite of the sons of Merari (1Ch 6:45).
Hilkiah
Portion of Jehovah. (1.) 1 Chr. 6:54. (2.) 1 Chr. 26:11. (3.) The father of Eliakim (2 Kings 18:18, 26, 37). (4.) The father of Gemariah (Jer. 29:3). (5.) The father of the prophet Jeremiah (1:1).
(6.) The high priest in the reign of Josiah (1 Chr. 6:13; Ezra 7:1). To him and his deputy (2 Kings 23:5), along with the ordinary priests and the Levites who had charge of the gates, was entrusted the purification of the temple in Jerusalem. While this was in progress, he discovered in some hidden corner of the…
(God is my portion) Father of Eliakim. (2 Kings 18:37; Isaiah 22:20; 36:22) [ELIAKIM] High priest in the reign of Josiah. (2 Kings 22:4) seq. 2Chr 34:9 Seq.; 1 Esd. 1:8. (B.C. 623.) His high priesthood was rendered particularly illustrious by the great reformation effected under it by King Josiah, by the solemn Passover kept at Jerusalem in the 18th year of that king’s reign, and above all by the discovery which he made of the book of the law of Moses in the temple. A Merarite Levite, son of Amzi (1 Chronicles 6:45) hebr. 30. Another Merarite Levite, second son of Hosah. (1 Chronicles 26:11) One of those who stood on…
כֹּהֵן (kohen) means 'priest' and is derived from the active participle of a related root. It encompasses various types of priests, including Levitical, Aaronic, and even pagan priests, as well as chief rulers or principal officers. The term is used in contexts referring to both Jewish and non-Jewish priestly roles.
כֹּהֵן 750 n.m. priest
base
H3548 כֹּהֵן priest
3548 kohen ko-hane'
active participle of 3547; literally, one officiating, a
priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a
layman):--chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal
officer.
see HEBREW for 03547
כֹּהֵן (ko.hen) — priest.
1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler
1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah)
1b) pagan priests
1c) priests of Jehovah
1d) Levitical priests
1e) Zadokite priests
1f) Aaronic priests
1g) the high priest
Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
prest (kohen, "priest," "prince," "minister"; hiereus archiereus; for hiereus megas, of Heb 10:21, see Thayer's Lexicon, under the word hiereus:
I. NATURE OF THE PRIESTLY OFFICE
1. Implies Divine Choice
2. Implies Representation
3. Implies Offering Sacrifice
4. Implies Intercession
II. THE TWO GREAT PRIESTS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, MELCHIZEDEK AND AARON
III. PRIESTLY FUNCTIONS AND CHARACTER
1. A Strictly Religious Order
2. Priestism Denied
3. The High Priest's Qualifications
4. Symbolism of Aaron's Rod
IV. CONSECRATION OF AARON AND HIS SONS (EXODUS 29; LEVITICUS 8)
1. Symbolism of Consecration
2. Type and Archetype
LITERATURE
A priest is one who is duly authorized to minister in sacred things, particularly to offer sacrifices at the altar, and who acts as mediator between men and God. In the New Testament the term is applied to priests of the Gentiles…
Priest
The Heb. kohen, Gr. hierus, Lat. sacerdos, always denote one who offers sacrifices.
At first every man was his own priest, and presented his own sacrifices before God. Afterwards that office devolved on the head of the family, as in the cases of Noah (Gen. 8:20), Abraham (12:7; 13:4), Isaac (26:25), Jacob (31:54), and Job (Job 1:5).
The name first occurs as applied to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18). Under the Levitical arrangements the office of the priesthood was limited to the tribe of Levi, and to only one family of that tribe, the family of Aaron. Certain laws respecting the qualifications of priests are given in Lev. 21:16-23. There are ordinances also regarding the…
The English word is derived from the Greek presbyter , signifying an "elder" (Heb. cohen). Origin. --The idea of a priesthood connects itself in all its forms, pure or corrupted, with the consciousness, more or less distinct of sin. Men feel that they have broken a law. The power above them is holier than they are, and they dare not approach it. They crave for the intervention of some one of whom they can think as likely to be more acceptable than themselves. He must offer up their prayers, thanksgivings, sacrifices. He becomes their representative in "things pertaining unto God." He may become also (though this does not always follow) the representative of God to man. The functions of the priest and prophet may exist in the same person. No trace of a hereditary or caste priesthood meets us in the worship of the patriarchal age. Once and once only does the word cohen meet us as…
One who officiated in the public worship of God, especially in making expiation for sin, being "ordained for men in things pertaining to God, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins." In the Old Testament, the priesthood was not annexed to a certain family till after the promulgation of the law by Moses. Before that time, the firstborn of each family, the fathers, the princes, the kings, were priests in their own cities and in their own houses. Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Job, Abimelech and Laban, Isaac and Jacob offered personally their own sacrifices. In the solemnity of the covenant made by the Lord with his people, at the foot of Mount Sinai, Moses performed the office of mediator, and young men were chosen from among Israel to perform the office of priests, Ex 24:5. But after the Lord had chosen the tribe of Levi to…
The Hebrew word קָרָא (qara') is a primitive root meaning to call, proclaim, or read. It encompasses a range of actions including calling out, crying for help, reading aloud, and summoning. The word can also imply being called or named in various contexts. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
קָרָא 724 vb. call, proclaim, read
Qal
call, cry, utter a loud sound
call, cry
call unto some one
cry for help
proclaim
read aloud
read to oneself
summon
call = name
Niph.
reflex.
pass. be called
Pu. be called
base
H7121 קָרָא call, proclaim, read .. . call, cry, utter a loud sound
. call, cry
. . call unto some one
. cry for help
. proclaim
. . read aloud
. read to oneself
. summon
. call = name
. . reflex.
. pass. be called
. be called
7121 qara' kaw-raw'
a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea
of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly,
address by name, but used in a wide variety of
applications):--bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for,
forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite,
mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(- ation),
pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
see HEBREW for 07122
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call to.
: call_to/invite/entreat
1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound
1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)
1a3) to proclaim
1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read
1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow
1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to call oneself
1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named
1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call by.
: call_by/name
1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound
1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)
1a3) to proclaim
1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
וֹ (o) — him.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular
HR/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word שָׁפָן (shaphan) refers to a rock badger or hyrax. It also denotes a historical figure, a secretary under King Josiah, who is mentioned as the father of several individuals, including Ahikam and Elasah. There is some uncertainty regarding the relationships between these figures, as some entries suggest they may be the same person.
שָׁפָן n.m. rock-badger, hyrax syriacus
base
שָׁפָן n.pr.m.
secretary under Josiah
father of אֲחִיקָם, contemp. of 1 (improb. = 1)
father of אֶלְעָשָׂה, perh. = 2.
father of גְּמַרְיָ֫הוּ, perh. = 1.
father of יַאֲזַנְיָ֫הוּ, possibly = 1.
base
H8227a שָׁפָן rock-badger, hyrax syriacus H8227b שָׁפָן . secretary under Josiah
. father of אֲחִיקָם, contemp. of 1 (improb. = 1)
. father of אֶלְעָשָׂה, perh. = 2.
. father of גְּמַרְיָ֫הוּ, perh. = 1.
. father of יַאֲזַנְיָ֫הוּ, possibly = 1.
8227 shaphan shaw-fawn'
from 8226; a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e.
probably the hyrax:--coney.
see HEBREW for 08226
שָׁפָן (sha.phan) — rock badger.
rock badger, coney, the hyrax
שָׁפָן (sha.phan) — Shaphan.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.22.3;
son of: Azaliah (H0683);
father of: Ahikam (H0296), Elasah (H0501J), Gemariah (H1587H)
§ Shaphan = "coney"
1) secretary or scribe of king Josiah of Judah
2) father of Ahikam in the time of king Josiah of Judah
2a) improbably the same as 2
3) father of Elasah in the time of the prophet Jeremiah
3a) perhaps the same as 3
4) a scribe and father of Gemariah
4a) perhaps the same as 2
5) father of Jaazaniah in the time of Ezekiel
5a) perhaps the same as 2
שָׁפָן (sha.phan) — Shaphan.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezk.8.11;
father of: Jaazaniah (H2970H)
§ Shaphan = "coney"
1) secretary or scribe of king Josiah of Judah
2) father of Ahikam in the time of king Josiah of Judah
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
sha'-fan (shaphan, "rockbadger," English Versions of the Bible "coney"; Saphphan): An old totem clan name (so W.R. Smith; compare, however, the article TOTEMISM; Gray, Gray, Studies in Hebrew Proper Names, 103 ff, and Jacob's Studies in Biblical Archaeology, 84 ff).
(1) Son of Azaliah and scribe of King Josiah. He received from Hilkiah the Book of the Law which had been found in the Temple (2Ki 22:3 ff; 2Ch 34:8-28). It was from Shaphan's lips that Josiah heard the Law read. Shaphan was also one of those sent by the king to the prophetess Huldah (2Ki 22; 2Ch 34). He was undoubtedly one of the staunchest supporters of Josiah in his work of reform. He was the father of Ahikam (2Ki 22:12;
Shaphan
A coney, a scribe or secretary of king Josiah (2 Kings 22:3-7). He consulted Huldah concerning the newly-discovered copy of the law which was delivered to him by Hilkiah the priest (8-14). His grandson Gedaliah was governor of Judea (25:22).
(coney), the scribe or secretary of King Josiah. (2 Kings 22:3,14; 2 Chronicles 34:8,20) (B.C. 628.) He appears on an equality with the governor of the city and the royal recorder. (2 Kings 22:4; 2 Chronicles 34:9)
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
Prep | N-cp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural constructHR/Ncmpc
be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).
The Hebrew word מֶ֫לֶךְ (*melek*) means 'king.' It is derived from a root that suggests royalty. The term appears in various contexts, including references to specific kings and locations, such as the 'King's Highway' in Numbers 20:17 and the 'King's Valley' in Genesis 14:17. The lexicons note its Aramaic equivalent and mention its use in the context of individuals like Hammelech in Jeremiah.
מֶ֫לֶךְ 2513 n.m. king
base
H4428 מֶ֫לֶךְ king
4428 melek meh'-lek
from 4427; a king:--king, royal.
see HEBREW for 04427
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — king.
1) king
Aramaic equivalent: me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4430)
הַמֶּלֶךְ (me.lekh) — `the king`.
'the king' or a name, Hammelech in KJV of Jer.36.26; 38.6- a man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;
father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";
§ A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;
father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
King's (Highway) (Num.20.17)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
Another name of she.lach (שֶׁ֫לַח "Shelah" H7975A)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — Milcom.
Another name of mo.lekh (מֹ֫לֶךְ "Molech" H4432)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
King
Is in Scripture very generally used to denote one invested with authority, whether extensive or limited. There were thirty-one kings in Canaan (Josh. 12:9, 24), whom Joshua subdued. Adonibezek subdued seventy kings (Judg. 1:7). In the New Testament the Roman emperor is spoken of as a king (1 Pet. 2:13, 17); and Herod Antipas, who was only a tetrarch, is also called a king (Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:22).
This title is applied to God (1 Tim. 1:17), and to Christ, the Son of God (1 Tim. 6:15, 16;
"a chief ruler, one invested with supreme authority over a nation, tribe or country." --Webster. In the Bible the word does not necessarily imply great power or great extent of country. Many persons are called kings whom we should rather call chiefs or leaders. The word is applied in the Bible to God as the sovereign and ruler of the universe, and to Christ the Son of God as the head and governor of the Church. The Hebrews were ruled by a king during a period of about 500 years previous to the destruction of Jerusalem, B.C. 586. The immediate occasion of the substitution of a regal form of government for that of judges seems to have been the siege of Jabesh-gilead by Nahash king of the Ammonites. (1 Samuel 11:1; 12:12) The conviction seems to have forced itself on the Israelites that they could not resist their formidable neighbor…