King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:5 Mean?

2 Kings 13:5 in the King James Version says “(And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israe... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

(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

2 Kings 13:5 · KJV


Context

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

6

Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria.) walked: Heb. he walked remained: Heb. stood

7

Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
(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.

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 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.

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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 · 14 words
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן1 of 14

gave

H5414

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

יְהוָ֤ה2 of 14

And the LORD

H3068

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל3 of 14

Israel

H3478

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

מוֹשִׁ֔יעַ4 of 14

a saviour

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

וַיֵּ֣צְא֔וּ5 of 14

so that they went out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִתַּ֖חַת6 of 14
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

יַד7 of 14

from under 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

אֲרָ֑ם8 of 14

of the Syrians

H758

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

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֧וּ9 of 14

dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְנֵֽי10 of 14

and the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל11 of 14

Israel

H3478

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

בְּאָֽהֳלֵיהֶ֖ם12 of 14

in their tents

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

כִּתְמ֥וֹל13 of 14
H8543

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃14 of 14

as beforetime

H8032

trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday


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 13:5 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 13:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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