2 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 8

Authorized King James Version

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He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

Original Language Analysis

הֽוּא H1931
הֽוּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 1 of 13
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
הִכָּ֧ה He smote H5221
הִכָּ֧ה He smote
Strong's: H5221
Word #: 2 of 13
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֛ים the Philistines H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֛ים the Philistines
Strong's: H6430
Word #: 4 of 13
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
עַד H5704
עַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 5 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עַזָּ֖ה even unto Gaza H5804
עַזָּ֖ה even unto Gaza
Strong's: H5804
Word #: 6 of 13
azzah, a place in palestine
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
גְּבוּלֶ֑יהָ and the borders H1366
גְּבוּלֶ֑יהָ and the borders
Strong's: H1366
Word #: 8 of 13
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
מִמִּגְדַּ֥ל thereof from the tower H4026
מִמִּגְדַּ֥ל thereof from the tower
Strong's: H4026
Word #: 9 of 13
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
נֽוֹצְרִ֖ים of the watchmen H5341
נֽוֹצְרִ֖ים of the watchmen
Strong's: H5341
Word #: 10 of 13
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
עַד H5704
עַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 11 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עִ֥יר city H5892
עִ֥יר city
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 12 of 13
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מִבְצָֽר׃ to the fenced H4013
מִבְצָֽר׃ to the fenced
Strong's: H4013
Word #: 13 of 13
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

Analysis & Commentary

He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. 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