King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:3 Mean?

2 Kings 13:3 in the King James Version says “And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and i... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.

2 Kings 13:3 · KJV


Context

1

In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years. three: Heb. twentieth year and third year

2

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom. followed: Heb. walked after

3

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.

4

And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.

5

(And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime . as beforetime: Heb. as yesterday, and third day


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael, all their days.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. 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 13 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Decline of Israel and Judah) 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 13 regarding god's patience with recurring apostasy?
  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 · 16 words
וַיִּֽחַר1 of 16

was kindled

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַ֥ף2 of 16

And the anger

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

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

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל4 of 16

against Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֞ם5 of 16

and he delivered

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

וּבְיַ֛ד6 of 16

and into the hand

H3027

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

חֲזָאֵ֖ל7 of 16

of Hazael

H2371

chazael, a king of syria

מֶֽלֶךְ8 of 16

king

H4428

a king

אֲרָ֗ם9 of 16

of Syria

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

וּבְיַ֛ד10 of 16

and into the hand

H3027

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

בֶּן11 of 16
H0
הֲדַ֥ד12 of 16

of Benhadad

H1130

ben-hadad, the name of several syrian kings, possibly a royal title

בֶּן13 of 16

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֲזָאֵ֖ל14 of 16

of Hazael

H2371

chazael, a king of syria

כָּל15 of 16
H3605

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

הַיָּמִֽים׃16 of 16

all their days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso


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 13:3 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 13:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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