2 Kings 16:14
And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the LORD, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the LORD, and put it on the north side of the altar.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵ֨ת
H853
וְאֵ֨ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנְּחֹשֶׁת֮
also the brasen
H5178
הַנְּחֹשֶׁת֮
also the brasen
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
3 of 21
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
פְּנֵ֣י
from the forefront
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
from the forefront
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיַּקְרֵ֗ב
And he brought
H7126
וַיַּקְרֵ֗ב
And he brought
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
7 of 21
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
מֵאֵת֙
H853
מֵאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פְּנֵ֣י
from the forefront
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
from the forefront
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בֵּ֣ית
and the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
and the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
10 of 21
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
מִבֵּין֙
H996
מִבֵּין֙
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
11 of 21
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּמִבֵּ֖ין
H996
וּמִבֵּ֖ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
13 of 21
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
בֵּ֣ית
and the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
and the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
14 of 21
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
and put
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
16 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹת֛וֹ
H853
אֹת֛וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
2 Chronicles 4:1Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.Exodus 40:29And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses.Exodus 40:6And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 16 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Ahaz's Apostasy) reflects the historical reality of desperate political alliances and religious syncretism as Judah faced external threats. 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 16 regarding desperate alliances and religious compromise?
- 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 he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the LORD, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the LORD, and put it on the north side of the altar.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. 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.