2 Kings 18:4

Authorized King James Version

He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ה֣וּא׀

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הֵסִ֣יר

H5493

He removed

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

הַבָּמ֗וֹת

H1116

the high places

an elevation

וְשִׁבַּר֙

H7665

and brake

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

הַמַּצֵּבֹ֔ת

H4676

the images

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

וְכָרַ֖ת

H3772

and cut down

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת

H853

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

#10

הָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֑ה

H842

the groves

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

#11

וְכִתַּת֩

H3807

and brake in pieces

to bruise or violently strike

#12

נְחַ֨שׁ

H5175

serpent

a snake (from its hiss)

#13

הַנְּחֹ֜שֶׁת

H5178

the brasen

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

#14

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#15

עָשָׂ֣ה

H6213

had made

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

#16

מֹשֶׁ֗ה

H4872

that Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#17

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#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

הַיָּמִ֤ים

H3117

for unto those days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#20

הָהֵ֙מָּה֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#21

הָי֤וּ

H1961

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

#22

בְנֵֽי

H1121

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

#23

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

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

#24

מְקַטְּרִ֣ים

H6999

did burn incense

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

#25

ל֔וֹ

#26

וַיִּקְרָא

H7121

to it and he called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#27

ל֖וֹ

#28

נְחֻשְׁתָּֽן׃

H5180

it Nehushtan

something made of copper, i.e., the copper serpent of the desert

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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