2 Kings 3:2

Authorized King James Version

And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָשָׂ֖ה
And he wrought
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
הָרַע֙
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#3
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#4
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
רַ֕ק
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
#6
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
אָבִֽיו׃
H1
but not like his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
וּכְאִמּ֑וֹ
and like his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#9
וַיָּ֙סַר֙
for he put away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
מַצְּבַ֣ת
the image
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
#12
הַבַּ֔עַל
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#13
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
עָשָׂ֖ה
And he wrought
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#15
אָבִֽיו׃
H1
but not like his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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