2 Kings 18:1

Authorized King James Version

Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

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

בִּשְׁנַ֣ת

H8141

year

a year (as a revolution of time)

שָׁלֹ֔שׁ

H7969

Now it came to pass in the third

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

לְהוֹשֵׁ֥עַ

H1954

of Hoshea

hoshea, the name of five israelites

בֶן

H1121

son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֵלָ֖ה

H425

of Elah

elah, the name of an edomite, of four israelites, and also of a place in palestine

מֶ֥לֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מָלַ֛ךְ

H4427

began to reign

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

#10

חִזְקִיָּ֥ה

H2396

that Hezekiah

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

#11

בֶן

H1121

son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

אָחָ֖ז

H271

of Ahaz

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

#13

מֶ֥לֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

#14

יְהוּדָֽה׃

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 kingdom of God 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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