King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 1:7 Mean?
“And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words? What: Heb. What was the manner of the man”
Context
5
And when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them, Why are ye now turned back?
6
And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.
7
And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words? What: Heb. What was the manner of the man
8
And they answered him, He was an hairy man , and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.
9
Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **He said.**—Spake. (See Note on 2Kings 1:3.)
**What manner of man?**—See margin. The word *mishpat* here denotes the *external* characteristics and visible peculiarities by which a man is *distinguished* (*shāphat*) from his fellows. (Comp. our expressions “sort,” “fashion,” “style,” and the Vulgate, “Cujus figuræ et habitus est vir ille?” LXX., ἡ κρίσις. Syriac, “appearance,” “look.” Targum, νόμος*.*)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Kings 1:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Kings 1:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge