King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:18 Mean?

2 Kings 11:18 in the King James Version says “And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in p... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD. officers: Heb. offices

2 Kings 11:18 · KJV


Context

16

And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain.

17

And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people.

18

And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD. officers: Heb. offices

19

And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings.

20

And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 11: Preservation of Davidic line and covenant faithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 11 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Athaliah's Usurpation and Downfall) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 11 regarding preservation of davidic line and covenant faithfulness?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ1 of 26

went

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כָל2 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַם֩3 of 26

And all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֨רֶץ4 of 26

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בֵּ֥ית5 of 26

into the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַבַּ֔עַל6 of 26

of Baal

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

וַֽיִּתְּצֻ֗הוּ7 of 26

and brake it down

H5422

to tear down

אֶת8 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽמִּזְבְּח֑וֹת9 of 26

his altars

H4196

an altar

וְאֶת10 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

צְלָמָיו֙11 of 26

and his images

H6754

a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol

שִׁבְּר֣וּ12 of 26

brake they in pieces

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

הֵיטֵ֔ב13 of 26

thoroughly

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

וְאֵ֗ת14 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַתָּן֙15 of 26

Mattan

H4977

mattan, the name of a priest of baal, and of an israelite

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן16 of 26

And the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַבַּ֔עַל17 of 26

of Baal

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

הָֽרְג֖וּ18 of 26

and slew

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

לִפְנֵ֣י19 of 26

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַֽמִּזְבְּח֑וֹת20 of 26

his altars

H4196

an altar

וַיָּ֧שֶׂם21 of 26

appointed

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן22 of 26

And the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

פְּקֻדֹּ֖ת23 of 26
H6486

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

עַל24 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בֵּ֥ית25 of 26

into the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָֽה׃26 of 26

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


Study Guide

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 11:18 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 11:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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