2 Kings 23:6

Authorized King James Version

And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּצֵ֣א
And he brought out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הָֽאֲשֵׁרָה֩
the grove
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
#4
מִבֵּ֨ית
from the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
מִח֤וּץ
without
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#7
לִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
בְּנַ֥חַל
it at the brook
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#10
קִדְר֖וֹן
Kidron
kidron, a brook near jerusalem
#11
וַיִּשְׂרֹ֥ף
and burned
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#12
אֹתָ֛הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
בְּנַ֥חַל
it at the brook
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#14
קִדְר֖וֹן
Kidron
kidron, a brook near jerusalem
#15
וַיָּ֣דֶק
and stamped it small
to crush (or intransitively) crumble
#16
עֲפָרָ֔הּ
the powder
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#17
וַיַּשְׁלֵךְ֙
and cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#18
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
עֲפָרָ֔הּ
the powder
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#20
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
קֶ֖בֶר
thereof upon the graves
a sepulcher
#22
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#23
הָעָֽם׃
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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