2 Kings 25:16

Authorized King James Version

The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָֽעַמּוּדִ֣ים׀

H5982

pillars

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

שְׁנַ֗יִם

H8147

The two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַיָּ֤ם

H3220

sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

הָֽאֶחָד֙

H259

one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְהַמְּכֹנ֔וֹת

H4350

and the bases

a pedestal, also a spot

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

עָשָׂ֥ה

H6213

had made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה

H8010

which Solomon

shelomah, david's successor

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

for the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#10

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#11

לֹֽא

H3808

was without

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

הָיָ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

מִשְׁקָ֔ל

H4948

weight

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

#14

לִנְחֹ֖שֶׁת

H5178

the brass

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

#15

כָּל

H3605

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

#16

הַכֵּלִ֥ים

H3627

of all these vessels

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

#17

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃

H428

these or those

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
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?

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