2 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 11
And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲמֵ֥ד
And he settled
H5975
וַיַּֽעֲמֵ֥ד
And he settled
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
1 of 9
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פָּנָ֖יו
his countenance
H6440
פָּנָ֖יו
his countenance
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 9
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיָּ֣שֶׂם
stedfastly
H7760
וַיָּ֣שֶׂם
stedfastly
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
4 of 9
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בֹּ֑שׁ
until he was ashamed
H954
בֹּ֑שׁ
until he was ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
Cross References
Luke 19:41And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,Psalms 119:136Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.Jeremiah 9:18And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters.Jeremiah 4:19My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) 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 8 regarding prophetic word shapes national events?
- 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 settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. 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.