2 Kings 10:4

Authorized King James Version

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But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּֽרְאוּ֙ afraid H3372
וַיִּֽרְאוּ֙ afraid
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 1 of 13
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מְאֹ֔ד But they were exceedingly H3966
מְאֹ֔ד But they were exceedingly
Strong's: H3966
Word #: 2 of 13
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
מְאֹ֔ד But they were exceedingly H3966
מְאֹ֔ד But they were exceedingly
Strong's: H3966
Word #: 3 of 13
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ and said H559
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ and said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 4 of 13
to say (used with great latitude)
הִנֵּה֙ H2009
הִנֵּה֙
Strong's: H2009
Word #: 5 of 13
lo!
שְׁנֵ֣י Behold two H8147
שְׁנֵ֣י Behold two
Strong's: H8147
Word #: 6 of 13
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
הַמְּלָכִ֔ים kings H4428
הַמְּלָכִ֔ים kings
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 7 of 13
a king
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נַֽעֲמֹ֥ד him how then shall we stand H5975
נַֽעֲמֹ֥ד him how then shall we stand
Strong's: H5975
Word #: 9 of 13
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְפָנָ֑יו not before H6440
לְפָנָ֑יו not before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 10 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְאֵ֖יךְ H349
וְאֵ֖יךְ
Strong's: H349
Word #: 11 of 13
how? or how!; also where
נַֽעֲמֹ֥ד him how then shall we stand H5975
נַֽעֲמֹ֥ד him how then shall we stand
Strong's: H5975
Word #: 12 of 13
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃ H587
אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃
Strong's: H587
Word #: 13 of 13
we

Analysis & Commentary

But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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

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