2 Kings 13:5
(And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָ֤ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מוֹשִׁ֔יעַ
a saviour
H3467
מוֹשִׁ֔יעַ
a saviour
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
וַיֵּ֣צְא֔וּ
so that they went out
H3318
וַיֵּ֣צְא֔וּ
so that they went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מִתַּ֖חַת
H8478
מִתַּ֖חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
6 of 14
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 #:
7 of 14
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
אֲרָ֑ם
of the Syrians
H758
אֲרָ֑ם
of the Syrians
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
8 of 14
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֧וּ
dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֧וּ
dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְנֵֽי
and the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
and the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
11 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּאָֽהֳלֵיהֶ֖ם
in their tents
H168
בְּאָֽהֳלֵיהֶ֖ם
in their tents
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
12 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
Cross References
Nehemiah 9:27Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.2 Kings 13:25And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel.2 Kings 14:27And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.2 Kings 14:25He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gath-hepher.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 13 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Decline of Israel and Judah) 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 13 regarding god's patience with recurring apostasy?
- 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 the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. 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.