2 Kings Chapter 14 · Verse 22
He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.
Original Language Analysis
ה֚וּא
H1931
ה֚וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיְשִׁבֶ֖הָ
and restored
H7725
וַיְשִׁבֶ֖הָ
and restored
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
5 of 11
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה
it to Judah
H3063
לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה
it to Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
6 of 11
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
שְׁכַֽב
slept
H7901
שְׁכַֽב
slept
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
8 of 11
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
Cross References
2 Kings 16:6At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.1 Kings 9:26And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.Deuteronomy 2:8And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Ezion-gaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.2 Chronicles 26:2He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 14 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Amaziah of Judah and Jeroboam II) 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 14 regarding pride leads to downfall; god's mercy continues?
- 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
He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. 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.