2 Kings 16:3
But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֕לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֕לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּדֶ֖רֶךְ
in the way
H1870
בְּדֶ֖רֶךְ
in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
2 of 18
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְגַ֤ם
H1571
וְגַ֤ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֥י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הֶֽעֱבִ֣יר
to pass through
H5674
הֶֽעֱבִ֣יר
to pass through
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
8 of 18
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
כְּתֹֽעֲבוֹת֙
according to the abominations
H8441
כְּתֹֽעֲבוֹת֙
according to the abominations
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
of the heathen
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
of the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
11 of 18
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הוֹרִ֤ישׁ
cast out
H3423
הוֹרִ֤ישׁ
cast out
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
13 of 18
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
יְהוָה֙
whom the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
whom the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִפְּנֵ֖י
from before
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֖י
from before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
16 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:31Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.Leviticus 18:21And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.2 Kings 21:2And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.2 Kings 17:17And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.2 Kings 21:11Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.