2 Kings Chapter 20 · Verse 4
And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יְשַֽׁעְיָ֔הוּ
And it came to pass afore Isaiah
H3470
יְשַֽׁעְיָ֔הוּ
And it came to pass afore Isaiah
Strong's:
H3470
Word #:
2 of 11
jeshajah, the name of seven israelites
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָצָ֔א
was gone out
H3318
יָצָ֔א
was gone out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
4 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
הָצֵ֖יר
court
H2691
הָצֵ֖יר
court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
5 of 11
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
וּדְבַר
that the word
H1697
וּדְבַר
that the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 20 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery) 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 20 regarding god's mercy and human presumption?
- 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?
Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 20: God's mercy and human presumption. 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.