2 Kings 17:9

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְחַפְּא֣וּ
H2644
did secretly
properly, to cover, i.e., (in a sinister sense) to act covertly
#2
בְנֵֽי
H1121
And the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
דְּבָרִים֙
H1697
those things
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
לֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
כֵ֔ן
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#8
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
יְהוָ֖ה
H3068
that were not right against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם
H430
their God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#11
וַיִּבְנ֨וּ
H1129
and they built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#12
לָהֶ֤ם
H0
#13
בָּמוֹת֙
H1116
them high places
an elevation
#14
בְּכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
עִ֥יר
H5892
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#16
מִמִּגְדַּ֥ל
H4026
from the tower
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#17
נֽוֹצְרִ֖ים
H5341
of the watchmen
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
#18
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#19
עִ֥יר
H5892
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#20
מִבְצָֽר׃
H4013
to the fenced
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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