2 Kings Chapter 5 · Verse 24
And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹא֙
And when he came
H935
וַיָּבֹא֙
And when he came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מִיָּדָ֖ם
them from their hand
H3027
מִיָּדָ֖ם
them from their hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 11
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וַיִּפְקֹ֣ד
and bestowed
H6485
וַיִּפְקֹ֣ד
and bestowed
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
6 of 11
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
בַּבָּ֑יִת
them in the house
H1004
בַּבָּ֑יִת
them in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַיְשַׁלַּ֥ח
go
H7971
וַיְשַׁלַּ֥ח
go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
8 of 11
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Joshua 7:1But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.Joshua 7:21When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.1 Kings 21:16And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 5 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Naaman's Healing and Gehazi's Greed) 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 5 regarding god's grace extends to gentiles; judgment on greed?
- 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 when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 5: God's grace extends to Gentiles; judgment on greed. 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.