2 Kings 18:6
For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּדְבַּק֙
For he clave
H1692
וַיִּדְבַּק֙
For he clave
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
יְהוָ֖ה
to the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
to the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מֵאַֽחֲרָ֑יו
not from following
H310
מֵאַֽחֲרָ֑יו
not from following
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וַיִּשְׁמֹר֙
him but kept
H8104
וַיִּשְׁמֹר֙
him but kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מִצְוֹתָ֔יו
his commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתָ֔יו
his commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
7 of 12
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
to the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
to the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:20Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.Joshua 23:8But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.John 14:15If ye love me, keep my commandments.Acts 11:23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.1 John 5:3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.John 15:14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.2 Kings 17:13Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.Jeremiah 11:4Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:John 14:21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.2 Kings 17:16And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.
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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.
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. 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.