2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 24
Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽתַּחֲבֹשׁ֙
Then she saddled
H2280
וַֽתַּחֲבֹשׁ֙
Then she saddled
Strong's:
H2280
Word #:
1 of 15
to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule
נַעֲרָ֖הּ
to her servant
H5288
נַעֲרָ֖הּ
to her servant
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
5 of 15
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
נְהַ֣ג
Drive
H5090
נְהַ֣ג
Drive
Strong's:
H5090
Word #:
6 of 15
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh
וָלֵ֑ךְ
H1980
וָלֵ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
7 of 15
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
8 of 15
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּעֲצָר
slack
H6113
תַּעֲצָר
slack
Strong's:
H6113
Word #:
9 of 15
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
לִרְכֹּ֔ב
not thy riding
H7392
לִרְכֹּ֔ב
not thy riding
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
11 of 15
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
13 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 4 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's Miracles of Provision and Life) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 4 regarding god's compassionate power through his prophet?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 4: God's compassionate power through His prophet. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.