2 Kings 17:30

And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַנְשֵׁ֣י

H376

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

H894

of Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

עָשׂ֥וּ

H6213

made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת

H853

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

סֻכּ֣וֹת

בְּנ֔וֹת

H5524

Succothbenoth

booths of (the) daughters; brothels, i.e., idoalatrous tents for impure purpose

וְאַנְשֵׁי

H376

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)

כ֔וּת

H3575

of Cuth

cuth or cuthah, a province of assyria

עָשׂ֥וּ

H6213

made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

נֵֽרְגַ֑ל

H5370

Nergal

nergal, a cuthite deity

#12

וְאַנְשֵׁ֥י

H376

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)

#13

חֲמָ֖ת

H2574

of Hamath

chamath, a place in syria

#14

עָשׂ֥וּ

H6213

made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

אֲשִׁימָֽא׃

H807

Ashima

ashima, a deity of hamath

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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