2 Kings Chapter 14 · Verse 26

Authorized King James Version

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For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רָאָ֧ה saw H7200
רָאָ֧ה saw
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 2 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוָ֛ה For the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֛ה For the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֳנִ֥י the affliction H6040
עֳנִ֥י the affliction
Strong's: H6040
Word #: 5 of 15
depression, i.e., misery
לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ for Israel H3478
לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ for Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 6 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מֹרֶ֣ה bitter H4784
מֹרֶ֣ה bitter
Strong's: H4784
Word #: 7 of 15
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
מְאֹ֑ד that it was very H3966
מְאֹ֑ד that it was very
Strong's: H3966
Word #: 8 of 15
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וְאֶ֣פֶס for there was not H657
וְאֶ֣פֶס for there was not
Strong's: H657
Word #: 9 of 15
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
עָצוּר֙ any shut up H6113
עָצוּר֙ any shut up
Strong's: H6113
Word #: 10 of 15
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
וְאֶ֣פֶס for there was not H657
וְאֶ֣פֶס for there was not
Strong's: H657
Word #: 11 of 15
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
עָז֔וּב nor any left H5800
עָז֔וּב nor any left
Strong's: H5800
Word #: 12 of 15
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
וְאֵ֥ין H369
וְאֵ֥ין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 13 of 15
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
עֹזֵ֖ר nor any helper H5826
עֹזֵ֖ר nor any helper
Strong's: H5826
Word #: 14 of 15
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ for Israel H3478
לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ for Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 15 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis & Commentary

For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.

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

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