2 Kings Chapter 12 · Verse 17
Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֣ז
H227
לַֽעֲל֖וֹת
to go up
H5927
לַֽעֲל֖וֹת
to go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
2 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
H758
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
5 of 15
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַֽיִּלְכְּדָ֑הּ
and took
H3920
וַֽיִּלְכְּדָ֑הּ
and took
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
9 of 15
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם
set
H7760
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם
set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
10 of 15
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
פָּנָ֔יו
his face
H6440
פָּנָ֔יו
his face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
12 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לַֽעֲל֖וֹת
to go up
H5927
לַֽעֲל֖וֹת
to go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
13 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 12 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Joash Repairs the Temple) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. 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 12 regarding religious reform and temple restoration?
- 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?
Analysis & Commentary
Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 12: Religious reform and temple restoration. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.