2 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 11
And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.
Original Language Analysis
אֽוּרִיָּ֣ה
And Urijah
H223
אֽוּרִיָּ֣ה
And Urijah
Strong's:
H223
Word #:
2 of 20
urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
3 of 20
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּכֹ֣ל
H3605
כְּכֹ֣ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁלַח֩
had sent
H7971
שָׁלַח֩
had sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
8 of 20
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
כֵּ֤ן
H3651
כֵּ֤ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עָשָׂה֙
made
H6213
עָשָׂה֙
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֽוּרִיָּ֣ה
And Urijah
H223
אֽוּרִיָּ֣ה
And Urijah
Strong's:
H223
Word #:
14 of 20
urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
15 of 20
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
16 of 20
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 16 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Ahaz's Apostasy) reflects the historical reality of desperate political alliances and religious syncretism as Judah faced external threats. 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 16 regarding desperate alliances and religious compromise?
- 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
And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. 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.