2 Kings 15:5
And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְנַגַּ֨ע
smote
H5060
וַיְנַגַּ֨ע
smote
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיְהִ֤י
H1961
וַיְהִ֤י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מְצֹרָע֙
so that he was a leper
H6879
מְצֹרָע֙
so that he was a leper
Strong's:
H6879
Word #:
6 of 21
to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
7 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
י֣וֹם
unto the day
H3117
י֣וֹם
unto the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
8 of 21
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
מֹת֔וֹ
of his death
H4194
מֹת֔וֹ
of his death
Strong's:
H4194
Word #:
9 of 21
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב
and dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב
and dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
הַבַּ֔יִת
house
H1004
הַבַּ֔יִת
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 21
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בֶּן
son
H1121
בֶּן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבַּ֔יִת
house
H1004
הַבַּ֔יִת
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
17 of 21
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
שֹׁפֵ֖ט
judging
H8199
שֹׁפֵ֖ט
judging
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
18 of 21
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Leviticus 13:46All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be.Numbers 12:14And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.
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.