2 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 2
And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָׂ֖ה
And he wrought
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
And he wrought
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רַ֕ק
H7535
רַ֕ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָבִֽיו׃
but not like his father
H1
אָבִֽיו׃
but not like his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 15
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וּכְאִמּ֑וֹ
and like his mother
H517
וּכְאִמּ֑וֹ
and like his mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
8 of 15
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַצְּבַ֣ת
the image
H4676
מַצְּבַ֣ת
the image
Strong's:
H4676
Word #:
11 of 15
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
2 Kings 10:18And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much.1 Kings 21:25But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.Exodus 23:24Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 3 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Moabite Rebellion and God's Deliverance) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. 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 3 regarding god's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness?
- 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 he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.