2 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 7

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.

Original Language Analysis

וְהָיָ֤ה H1961
וְהָיָ֤ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יְהוָה֙ And the LORD H3068
יְהוָה֙ And the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עִמּ֔וֹ H5973
עִמּ֔וֹ
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 3 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בְּכֹ֥ל H3605
בְּכֹ֥ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 4 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 5 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֵצֵ֖א whithersoever he went forth H3318
יֵצֵ֖א whithersoever he went forth
Strong's: H3318
Word #: 6 of 12
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יַשְׂכִּ֑יל was with him and he prospered H7919
יַשְׂכִּ֑יל was with him and he prospered
Strong's: H7919
Word #: 7 of 12
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
וַיִּמְרֹ֥ד and he rebelled H4775
וַיִּמְרֹ֥ד and he rebelled
Strong's: H4775
Word #: 8 of 12
to rebel
בְּמֶֽלֶךְ against the king H4428
בְּמֶֽלֶךְ against the king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 9 of 12
a king
אַשּׁ֖וּר of Assyria H804
אַשּׁ֖וּר of Assyria
Strong's: H804
Word #: 10 of 12
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
וְלֹ֥א H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 11 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עֲבָדֽוֹ׃ and served H5647
עֲבָדֽוֹ׃ and served
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 12 of 12
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

Analysis & Commentary

And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.

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