2 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 5
Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֣ז
H227
יַֽעֲלֶ֣ה
came up
H5927
יַֽעֲלֶ֣ה
came up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
2 of 18
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֲ֠רָם
of Syria
H758
אֲ֠רָם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
5 of 18
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
בֶּן
son
H1121
בֶּן
son
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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
10 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
to Jerusalem
H3389
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
to Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
11 of 18
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
to war
H4421
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
to war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
12 of 18
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
וַיָּצֻ֙רוּ֙
and they besieged
H6696
וַיָּצֻ֙רוּ֙
and they besieged
Strong's:
H6696
Word #:
13 of 18
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
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
Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
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.