2 Kings Chapter 14 · Verse 12

Authorized King James Version

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And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּנָּ֥גֶף was put to the worse H5062
וַיִּנָּ֥גֶף was put to the worse
Strong's: H5062
Word #: 1 of 7
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)
יְהוּדָ֖ה And Judah H3063
יְהוּדָ֖ה And Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 2 of 7
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
לִפְנֵ֣י before H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 3 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 4 of 7
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיָּנֻ֖סוּ and they fled H5127
וַיָּנֻ֖סוּ and they fled
Strong's: H5127
Word #: 5 of 7
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
אִ֥ישׁ every man H376
אִ֥ישׁ every man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 6 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לְאֹֽהָלָֽו׃ to their tents H168
לְאֹֽהָלָֽו׃ to their tents
Strong's: H168
Word #: 7 of 7
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

Analysis & Commentary

And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. 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.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 14 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Amaziah of Judah and Jeroboam II) 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