2 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 6
At 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.
Original Language Analysis
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
1 of 21
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֗יא
H1931
הַהִ֗יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 21
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
הֵ֠שִׁיב
recovered
H7725
הֵ֠שִׁיב
recovered
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
3 of 21
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
לַֽאֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
H758
לַֽאֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
6 of 21
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לַֽאֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
H758
לַֽאֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
9 of 21
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיְהוּדִ֖ים
the Jews
H3064
הַיְהוּדִ֖ים
the Jews
Strong's:
H3064
Word #:
12 of 21
a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)
וַיֵּ֣שְׁבוּ
and dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּ֣שְׁבוּ
and dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
שָׁ֔ם
H8033
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
19 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
2 Kings 14:22He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.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.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.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 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
At 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.
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.