2 Kings 11:18

Authorized King James Version

And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
went
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
עַם֩
And all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
הָאָ֨רֶץ
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
בֵּ֥ית
into the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
הַבַּ֔עַל
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#7
וַֽיִּתְּצֻ֗הוּ
and brake it down
to tear down
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַֽמִּזְבְּח֑וֹת
his altars
an altar
#10
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
צְלָמָיו֙
and his images
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
#12
שִׁבְּר֣וּ
brake they in pieces
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#13
הֵיטֵ֔ב
thoroughly
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#14
וְאֵ֗ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
מַתָּן֙
Mattan
mattan, the name of a priest of baal, and of an israelite
#16
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#17
הַבַּ֔עַל
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#18
הָֽרְג֖וּ
and slew
to smite with deadly intent
#19
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#20
הַֽמִּזְבְּח֑וֹת
his altars
an altar
#21
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם
appointed
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#22
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#23
פְּקֻדֹּ֖ת
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
#24
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#25
בֵּ֥ית
into the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#26
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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