2 Kings 13:4

Authorized King James Version

And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְחַ֥ל

H2470

besought

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

יְהֽוֹאָחָ֖ז

H3059

And Jehoahaz

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פְּנֵ֣י

H6440

unto

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

and the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע

H8085

hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵלָיו֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

and the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

רָאָה֙

H7200

him for he saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#11

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

לַ֣חַץ

H3906

the oppression

distress

#13

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#14

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

לָחַ֥ץ

H3905

oppressed

properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress

#16

אֹתָ֖ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

מֶ֥לֶךְ

H4428

because the king

a king

#18

אֲרָֽם׃

H758

of Syria

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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