2 Kings 19:2

Authorized King James Version

And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח

H7971

And he sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

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

אֶלְיָקִ֨ים

H471

Eliakim

eljakim, the name of four israelites

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבַּ֜יִת

H1004

which was over the household

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְשֶׁבְנָ֣א

H7644

and Shebna

shebna or shebnah, an israelite

הַסֹּפֵ֗ר

H5608

the scribe

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

וְאֵת֙

H853

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

#10

זִקְנֵ֣י

H2205

and the elders

old

#11

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים

H3548

of the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#12

מִתְכַּסִּ֖ים

H3680

covered

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

#13

בַּשַּׂקִּ֑ים

H8242

with sackcloth

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

יְשַׁעְיָ֥הוּ

H3470

to Isaiah

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

#16

הַנָּבִ֖יא

H5030

the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#17

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#18

אָמֽוֹץ׃

H531

of Amoz

amots, an israelite

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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