2 Kings 23:5

Authorized King James Version

And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִשְׁבִּ֣ית

H7673

And he put down

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

אֶת

H853

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

הַכְּמָרִ֗ים

H3649

the idolatrous priests

properly, an ascetic (as if shrunk with self-maceration), i.e., an idolatrous priest (only in plural)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

נָֽתְנוּ֙

H5414

had ordained

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מַלְכֵ֣י

H4428

whom the kings

a king

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הַֽמְקַטְּרִ֣ים

H6999

them also that burned incense

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

בַּבָּמוֹת֙

H1116

in the high places

an elevation

#10

בְּעָרֵ֣י

H5892

in the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#11

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#12

וּמְסִבֵּ֖י

H4524

and in the places round about

a divan (as enclosing the room); abstractly (adverbial) around

#13

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#14

וְאֶת

H853

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

#15

הַֽמְקַטְּרִ֣ים

H6999

them also that burned incense

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

#16

לַבַּ֗עַל

H1168

unto Baal

baal, a phoenician deity

#17

לַשֶּׁ֤מֶשׁ

H8121

to the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

#18

וְלַיָּרֵ֙חַ֙

H3394

and to the moon

the moon

#19

וְלַמַּזָּל֔וֹת

H4208

and to the planets

a constellation, i.e., zodiacal sign (perhaps as affecting the weather)

#20

וּלְכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#21

צְבָ֥א

H6635

and to all the host

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#22

הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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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