2 Kings 10:23

Authorized King James Version

And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֥א
went
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
יֵה֛וּא
And Jehu
jehu, the name of five israelites
#3
וִיהֽוֹנָדָ֥ב
and Jehonadab
jehonadab, the name of an israelite and of an arab
#4
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
רֵכָ֖ב
of Rechab
rekab, the name of two arabs and of two israelites
#6
בֵּ֣ית
into the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
הַבַּ֖עַל
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#8
וַיֹּ֜אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
עֹֽבְדֵ֥י
but the worshippers
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#10
הַבַּ֖עַל
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#11
חַפְּשׂ֤וּ
Search
to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e., let be sought), or mask
#12
וּרְאוּ֙
and look
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#13
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#14
יֶשׁ
that there be
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
#15
פֹּ֤ה
this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence
#16
עִמָּכֶם֙
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#17
מֵֽעַבְדֵ֣י
here with you none of the servants
a servant
#18
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#19
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#20
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#21
עֹֽבְדֵ֥י
but the worshippers
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#22
הַבַּ֖עַל
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#23
לְבַדָּֽם׃
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

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

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