2 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 8
And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֶּ֣סֶף
the silver
H3701
הַכֶּ֣סֶף
the silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
4 of 16
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַזָּהָ֗ב
and gold
H2091
הַזָּהָ֗ב
and gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
6 of 16
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
הַנִּמְצָא֙
that was found
H4672
הַנִּמְצָא֙
that was found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
בֵּ֣ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בֵּ֣ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח
and sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח
and sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
13 of 16
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
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 Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.
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.