2 Kings 23:15

Authorized King James Version

Moreover the altar that was at Beth-el, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he brake down, and burned the high place, and stamped it small to powder, and burned the grove.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַ֨ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַמִּזְבֵּ֧חַ
Moreover the altar
an altar
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
בְּבֵֽית
H0
#6
אֵ֗ל
that was at Bethel
beth-el, a place in palestine
#7
הַבָּמָ֛ה
and the high place
an elevation
#8
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
עָשָׂ֜ה
had made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
יָֽרָבְעָ֤ם
which Jeroboam
jarobam, the name of two israelite kings
#11
בֶּן
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
#12
נְבָט֙
of Nebat
nebat, the father of jeroboam i
#13
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
הֶֽחֱטִ֣יא
to sin
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
who made Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#17
גַּ֣ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#18
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
הַמִּזְבֵּ֧חַ
Moreover the altar
an altar
#20
הַה֛וּא
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
#21
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#22
הַבָּמָ֛ה
and the high place
an elevation
#23
נָתָ֑ץ
he brake down
to tear down
#24
וְשָׂרַ֥ף
and burned
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#25
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#26
הַבָּמָ֛ה
and the high place
an elevation
#27
הֵדַ֥ק
and stamped
to crush (or intransitively) crumble
#28
לְעָפָ֖ר
it small to powder
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#29
וְשָׂרַ֥ף
and burned
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#30
אֲשֵׁרָֽה׃
the grove
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Kings.

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

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