2 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 4
And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְזַבֵּ֧חַ
And he sacrificed
H2076
וַיְזַבֵּ֧חַ
And he sacrificed
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
1 of 9
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
וַיְקַטֵּ֛ר
and burnt incense
H6999
וַיְקַטֵּ֛ר
and burnt incense
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
2 of 9
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְתַ֖חַת
H8478
וְתַ֖חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
6 of 9
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:2Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:1 Kings 14:23For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.
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 he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. 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.