2 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 32

Authorized King James Version

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In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;

Original Language Analysis

בַּיָּמִ֣ים In those days H3117
בַּיָּמִ֣ים In those days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 1 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הָהֵ֔ם H1992
הָהֵ֔ם
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 2 of 11
they (only used when emphatic)
הֵחֵ֣ל began H2490
הֵחֵ֣ל began
Strong's: H2490
Word #: 3 of 11
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
יְהוָ֔ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְקַצּ֖וֹת short H7096
לְקַצּ֖וֹת short
Strong's: H7096
Word #: 5 of 11
to cut off; (figuratively) to destroy; (partially) to scrape off
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 6 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיַּכֵּ֥ם smote H5221
וַיַּכֵּ֥ם smote
Strong's: H5221
Word #: 7 of 11
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
חֲזָאֵ֖ל and Hazael H2371
חֲזָאֵ֖ל and Hazael
Strong's: H2371
Word #: 8 of 11
chazael, a king of syria
בְּכָל H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
גְּב֥וּל them in all the coasts H1366
גְּב֥וּל them in all the coasts
Strong's: H1366
Word #: 10 of 11
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 11 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis & Commentary

In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 10 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Purge Continues) reflects the historical reality of violent political revolution motivated by zeal for Yahweh but lacking genuine heart transformation. 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