2 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 3
And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֤י
H1961
וַיְהִ֤י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אִתָּהּ֙
H854
אִתָּהּ֙
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בֵּ֣ית
in the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שֵׁ֣שׁ
six
H8337
שֵׁ֣שׁ
six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
6 of 11
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
וַֽעֲתַלְיָ֖ה
And Athaliah
H6271
וַֽעֲתַלְיָ֖ה
And Athaliah
Strong's:
H6271
Word #:
8 of 11
athaljah, the name of an israelitess and two israelites
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.
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.