2 Kings 17:28

Authorized King James Version

Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Beth-el, and taught them how they should fear the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּבֹ֞א

H935

came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶחָ֣ד

H259

Then one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵהַכֹּֽהֲנִ֗ים

H3548

of the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִגְלוּ֙

H1540

whom they had carried away

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

מִשֹּׁ֣מְר֔וֹן

H8111

from Samaria

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב

H3427

and dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּבֵֽית

אֵ֑ל

H1008

in Bethel

beth-el, a place in palestine

#10

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#11

מוֹרֶ֣ה

H3384

and taught

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

#12

אֹתָ֔ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

אֵ֖יךְ

H349

how? or how!; also where

#14

יִֽירְא֥וּ

H3372

them how they should fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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