2 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 18
And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשַּׁבָּ֜ת
for the sabbath
H7676
הַשַּׁבָּ֜ת
for the sabbath
Strong's:
H7676
Word #:
3 of 16
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בֵּ֣ית
he from the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
he from the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
6 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מְב֤וֹא
entry
H3996
מְב֤וֹא
entry
Strong's:
H3996
Word #:
8 of 16
an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards
הַֽחִיצ֔וֹנָה
without
H2435
הַֽחִיצ֔וֹנָה
without
Strong's:
H2435
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred)
הֵסֵ֖ב
turned
H5437
הֵסֵ֖ב
turned
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
11 of 16
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
בֵּ֣ית
he from the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
he from the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
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. 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.