2 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 9
And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע
hearkened
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע
hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אַשּׁ֤וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֤וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
4 of 15
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
וַיַּעַל֩
went up
H5927
וַיַּעַל֩
went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
5 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אַשּׁ֤וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֤וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
7 of 15
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
וַֽיִּתְפְּשֶׂ֔הָ
and took
H8610
וַֽיִּתְפְּשֶׂ֔הָ
and took
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
10 of 15
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
וַיַּגְלֶ֖הָ
it and carried the people of it captive
H1540
וַיַּגְלֶ֖הָ
it and carried the people of it captive
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
11 of 15
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Isaiah 22:6And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.Amos 9:7Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?
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 the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.
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.