2 Kings 14:7
He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
הוּא
H1931
הוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
הִכָּ֨ה
He slew
H5221
הִכָּ֨ה
He slew
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
2 of 19
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱד֤וֹם
of Edom
H123
אֱד֤וֹם
of Edom
Strong's:
H123
Word #:
4 of 19
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
בְּגֵי
in the valley
H1516
בְּגֵי
in the valley
Strong's:
H1516
Word #:
5 of 19
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
המֶ֙לַח֙
of salt
H4417
המֶ֙לַח֙
of salt
Strong's:
H4417
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)
אֲלָפִ֔ים
thousand
H505
אֲלָפִ֔ים
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
8 of 19
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וְתָפַ֥שׂ
and took
H8610
וְתָפַ֥שׂ
and took
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
9 of 19
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
by war
H4421
בַּמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
by war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
12 of 19
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
and called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
and called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
13 of 19
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמָהּ֙
the name
H8034
שְׁמָהּ֙
the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
15 of 19
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יָקְתְאֵ֔ל
of it Joktheel
H3371
יָקְתְאֵ֔ל
of it Joktheel
Strong's:
H3371
Word #:
16 of 19
joktheel, the name of a place in palestine, and of one in idumaea
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
17 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
2 Samuel 8:13And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.1 Chronicles 18:12Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.Joshua 15:38And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,Psalms 60:1O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
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
He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.
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.