2 Kings Chapter 15 · Verse 37
In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.
Original Language Analysis
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
In those days
H3117
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
In those days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הֵחֵ֣ל
began
H2490
הֵחֵ֣ל
began
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְהַשְׁלִ֙יחַ֙
to send
H7971
לְהַשְׁלִ֙יחַ֙
to send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
5 of 13
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בִּֽיהוּדָ֔ה
against Judah
H3063
בִּֽיהוּדָ֔ה
against Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
6 of 13
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
אֲרָ֑ם
of Syria
H758
אֲרָ֑ם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
9 of 13
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Isaiah 7:1And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.2 Kings 16:5Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 15 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Rapid Succession and Instability) 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 15 regarding political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy?
- 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?
Analysis & Commentary
In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.