2 Kings 16:17
And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּסְגְּר֣וֹת
the borders
H4526
הַמִּסְגְּר֣וֹת
the borders
Strong's:
H4526
Word #:
5 of 23
something enclosing, i.e., a margin (of a region, of a panel); concretely, a stronghold
מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶם֙
H5921
מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶם֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
ואֶת
H853
ואֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכִּיֹּ֔ר
the laver
H3595
הַכִּיֹּ֔ר
the laver
Strong's:
H3595
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיָּ֣ם
the sea
H3220
הַיָּ֣ם
the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
12 of 23
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
הוֹרִ֔ד
from off them and took down
H3381
הוֹרִ֔ד
from off them and took down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
13 of 23
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
מֵעַ֛ל
H5921
מֵעַ֛ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבָּקָ֥ר
oxen
H1241
הַבָּקָ֥ר
oxen
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
15 of 23
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת
from off the brasen
H5178
הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת
from off the brasen
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
16 of 23
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 #:
17 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ
H8478
תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
18 of 23
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
that were under it and put
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
that were under it and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
19 of 23
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
21 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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 king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. 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.