2 Kings 12:20

Authorized King James Version

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And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.

Original Language Analysis

וַיָּקֻ֥מוּ arose H6965
וַיָּקֻ֥מוּ arose
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 1 of 11
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
עֲבָדָ֖יו And his servants H5650
עֲבָדָ֖יו And his servants
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 2 of 11
a servant
וַיִּקְשְׁרוּ and made H7194
וַיִּקְשְׁרוּ and made
Strong's: H7194
Word #: 3 of 11
to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)
קָ֑שֶׁר a conspiracy H7195
קָ֑שֶׁר a conspiracy
Strong's: H7195
Word #: 4 of 11
an (unlawful) alliance
וַיַּכּוּ֙ and slew H5221
וַיַּכּוּ֙ and slew
Strong's: H5221
Word #: 5 of 11
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יוֹאָ֔שׁ Joash H3101
יוֹאָ֔שׁ Joash
Strong's: H3101
Word #: 7 of 11
joash, the name of six israelites
בֵּ֥ית in the house H1004
בֵּ֥ית in the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 8 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
מִלֹּ֖א of Millo H4407
מִלֹּ֖א of Millo
Strong's: H4407
Word #: 9 of 11
a rampart (as filled in), i.e., the citadel
הַיֹּרֵ֥ד which goeth down H3381
הַיֹּרֵ֥ד which goeth down
Strong's: H3381
Word #: 10 of 11
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
סִלָּֽא׃ to Silla H5538
סִלָּֽא׃ to Silla
Strong's: H5538
Word #: 11 of 11
silla, a place in jerusalem

Analysis & Commentary

And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 12: Religious reform and temple restoration. 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.

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.

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