2 Kings 1:9
Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 19
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וַיַּ֣עַל
And he went up
H5927
וַיַּ֣עַל
And he went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
6 of 19
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
יֹשֵׁב֙
to him and behold he sat
H3427
יֹשֵׁב֙
to him and behold he sat
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹ֣אשׁ
on the top
H7218
רֹ֣אשׁ
on the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
11 of 19
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הָהָ֔ר
of an hill
H2022
הָהָ֔ר
of an hill
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
12 of 19
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
דִּבֶּ֖ר
And he spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֖ר
And he spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
13 of 19
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אִ֚ישׁ
unto him Thou man
H376
אִ֚ישׁ
unto him Thou man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
15 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Hebrews 11:36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:Mark 15:29And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,Mark 15:32Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.Matthew 14:3For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.Matthew 26:68Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?Matthew 27:29And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!Amos 7:12Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:1 Kings 18:4For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)1 Kings 22:8And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.1 Kings 18:10As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 1 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Ahaziah's Illness and Elijah's Final Confrontations) reflects the historical reality of prophetic succession and divine affirmation of Elisha's ministry following Elijah's remarkable translation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 1 regarding divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 1: Divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.