2 Kings 11:18
And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַם֩
And all the people
H5971
עַם֩
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 26
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בֵּ֥ית
into the house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
into the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 26
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
צְלָמָיו֙
and his images
H6754
צְלָמָיו֙
and his images
Strong's:
H6754
Word #:
11 of 26
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
שִׁבְּר֣וּ
brake they in pieces
H7665
שִׁבְּר֣וּ
brake they in pieces
Strong's:
H7665
Word #:
12 of 26
to burst (literally or figuratively)
הֵיטֵ֔ב
thoroughly
H3190
הֵיטֵ֔ב
thoroughly
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
13 of 26
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
וְאֵ֗ת
H853
וְאֵ֗ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַתָּן֙
Mattan
H4977
מַתָּן֙
Mattan
Strong's:
H4977
Word #:
15 of 26
mattan, the name of a priest of baal, and of an israelite
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
And the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
And the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
16 of 26
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
19 of 26
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם
appointed
H7760
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם
appointed
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
21 of 26
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
And the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
And the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
22 of 26
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
פְּקֻדֹּ֖ת
H6486
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
24 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:3And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.1 Kings 18:40And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.2 Kings 10:26And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them.2 Kings 18:4He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.Deuteronomy 13:5And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 11 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Athaliah's Usurpation and Downfall) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. 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 11 regarding preservation of davidic line and covenant faithfulness?
- 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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 11: Preservation of Davidic line and covenant faithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.