2 Kings 14:13
And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵת֩
H853
וְאֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוּדָ֜ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֜ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
4 of 27
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 27
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 27
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲחַזְיָ֗הוּ
of Ahaziah
H274
אֲחַזְיָ֗הוּ
of Ahaziah
Strong's:
H274
Word #:
8 of 27
achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king
תָּפַ֛שׂ
took
H8610
תָּפַ֛שׂ
took
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
9 of 27
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 27
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיָּבֹא֙ו
and came
H935
וַיָּבֹא֙ו
and came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
15 of 27
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם
of Jerusalem
H3389
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם
of Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
16 of 27
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וַיִּפְרֹץ֩
and brake down
H6555
וַיִּפְרֹץ֩
and brake down
Strong's:
H6555
Word #:
17 of 27
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם
of Jerusalem
H3389
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם
of Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
19 of 27
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙
of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
21 of 27
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
22 of 27
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַפִּנָּ֔ה
unto the corner
H6438
הַפִּנָּ֔ה
unto the corner
Strong's:
H6438
Word #:
24 of 27
an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain
Cross References
Nehemiah 8:16So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.Jeremiah 31:38Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner.Nehemiah 12:39And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.Zechariah 14:10All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.
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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 14 regarding pride leads to downfall; god's mercy continues?
- 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 Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.