2 Kings 23:16

Authorized King James Version

And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned them upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּ֣פֶן

H6437

turned

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֗הוּ

H2977

And as Josiah

joshijah, the name of two israelites

וַיַּ֨רְא

H7200

himself he spied

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

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

הַקְּבָרִ֔ים

H6913

out of the sepulchres

a sepulcher

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

שָׁם֙

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בָּהָ֔ר

H2022

that were there in the mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח

H7971

and sent

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

#10

וַיִּקַּ֤ח

H3947

and took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

הָֽעֲצָמוֹת֙

H6106

the bones

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

#13

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#14

הַקְּבָרִ֔ים

H6913

out of the sepulchres

a sepulcher

#15

וַיִּשְׂרֹ֥ף

H8313

and burned

to be (causatively, set) on fire

#16

עַל

H5921

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

#17

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ

H4196

them upon the altar

an altar

#18

וַֽיְטַמְּאֵ֑הוּ

H2930

and polluted

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

#19

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים

H1697

it according to the word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#20

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#21

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#22

קָרָ֔א

H7121

proclaimed

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#23

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

which the man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#24

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#25

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#26

קָרָ֔א

H7121

proclaimed

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#27

אֶת

H853

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

#28

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים

H1697

it according to the word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#29

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃

H428

these or those

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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