2 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 20

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.

Original Language Analysis

בְּיָמָיו֙ In his days H3117
בְּיָמָיו֙ In his days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 1 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
פָּשַׁ֣ע revolted H6586
פָּשַׁ֣ע revolted
Strong's: H6586
Word #: 2 of 9
to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel
אֱד֔וֹם Edom H123
אֱד֔וֹם Edom
Strong's: H123
Word #: 3 of 9
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
מִתַּ֖חַת H8478
מִתַּ֖חַת
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 4 of 9
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
יַד from under the hand H3027
יַד from under the hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 5 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְהוּדָ֑ה of Judah H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה of Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 6 of 9
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וַיַּמְלִ֥כוּ and made H4427
וַיַּמְלִ֥כוּ and made
Strong's: H4427
Word #: 7 of 9
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 8 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מֶֽלֶךְ׃ a king H4428
מֶֽלֶךְ׃ a king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 9 of 9
a king

Analysis & Commentary

In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) 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