2 Kings 16:7

Authorized King James Version

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח

H7971

sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אָחָ֜ז

H271

So Ahaz

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

מַלְאָכִ֗ים

H4397

messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תִּ֠גְלַת

פְּלֶ֤סֶר

H8407

to Tiglathpileser

tiglath-pileser or tilgath-pilneser, an assyryrian king

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

אַשּׁוּר֙

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

עַבְדְּךָ֥

H5650

I am thy servant

a servant

#11

וּבִנְךָ֖

H1121

and thy son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

אָ֑נִי

H589

#13

עֲלֵ֨ה

H5927

come up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#14

וְהֽוֹשִׁעֵ֜נִי

H3467

and save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

#15

וּמִכַּף֙

H3709

and out of the hand

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

#16

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

#17

אֲרָ֗ם

H758

of Syria

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

#18

וּמִכַּף֙

H3709

and out of the hand

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

#19

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

#20

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#21

הַקּוֹמִ֖ים

H6965

which rise up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#22

עָלָֽי׃

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Kings.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Maps