2 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 5

Authorized King James Version

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He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.

Original Language Analysis

בַּֽיהוָ֥ה in the LORD H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֥ה in the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 1 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵֽי God H430
אֱלֹהֵֽי God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 2 of 14
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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 3 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בָּטָ֑ח He trusted H982
בָּטָ֑ח He trusted
Strong's: H982
Word #: 4 of 14
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
וְאַֽחֲרָ֞יו so that after H310
וְאַֽחֲרָ֞יו so that after
Strong's: H310
Word #: 5 of 14
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָיָ֣ה H1961
הָיָ֣ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 7 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כָמֹ֗הוּ H3644
כָמֹ֗הוּ
Strong's: H3644
Word #: 8 of 14
as, thus, so
בְּכֹל֙ H3605
בְּכֹל֙
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 9 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַלְכֵ֣י him was none like him among all the kings H4428
מַלְכֵ֣י him was none like him among all the kings
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 10 of 14
a king
יְהוּדָ֔ה of Judah H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה of Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 11 of 14
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 12 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָי֖וּ H1961
הָי֖וּ
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 13 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְפָנָֽיו׃ nor any that were before H6440
לְפָנָֽיו׃ nor any that were before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 14 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Cross References

2 Kings 23:25And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.2 Kings 19:10Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.Matthew 27:43He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.Ephesians 1:12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.Psalms 13:5But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.Psalms 84:12O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.Job 13:15Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.2 Chronicles 14:11And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.2 Chronicles 20:20And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.2 Chronicles 20:35And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:

Analysis & Commentary

He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 18 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Reforms and Assyrian Threat) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from Assyria. 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