2 Kings Chapter 9 · Verse 35
And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ
H1980
וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מָ֣צְאוּ
her but they found
H4672
מָ֣צְאוּ
her but they found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
כִּ֧י
H3588
כִּ֧י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
no more of her than
H518
אִם
no more of her than
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
7 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
הַגֻּלְגֹּ֛לֶת
the skull
H1538
הַגֻּלְגֹּ֛לֶת
the skull
Strong's:
H1538
Word #:
8 of 11
a skull (as round); by implication, a head (in enumeration of persons)
וְהָֽרַגְלַ֖יִם
and the feet
H7272
וְהָֽרַגְלַ֖יִם
and the feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
9 of 11
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 9 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Violent Revolution) reflects the historical reality of violent political revolution motivated by zeal for Yahweh but lacking genuine heart transformation. 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 9 regarding divine judgment executed on ahab's house?
- 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
And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 9: Divine judgment executed on Ahab's house. 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.