2 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 30
And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,
Original Language Analysis
וְאַנְשֵׁ֣י
H376
וְאַנְשֵׁ֣י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 16
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בָבֶ֗ל
of Babylon
H894
בָבֶ֗ל
of Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
2 of 16
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
עָשׂ֥וּ
made
H6213
עָשׂ֥וּ
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנ֔וֹת
Succothbenoth
H5524
בְּנ֔וֹת
Succothbenoth
Strong's:
H5524
Word #:
6 of 16
booths of (the) daughters; brothels, i.e., idoalatrous tents for impure purpose
וְאַנְשֵׁי
H376
וְאַנְשֵׁי
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 16
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עָשׂ֥וּ
made
H6213
עָשׂ֥וּ
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאַנְשֵׁ֥י
H376
וְאַנְשֵׁ֥י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 16
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עָשׂ֥וּ
made
H6213
עָשׂ֥וּ
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 17 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of the Northern Kingdom) reflects the historical reality of the fulfillment of prophetic warnings as the northern kingdom fell to Assyria due to persistent covenant unfaithfulness. 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 17 regarding covenant judgment and exile?
- 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 men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 17: Covenant judgment and exile. 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.