King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:9 Mean?

2 Kings 14:9 in the King James Version says “And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.

2 Kings 14:9 · KJV


Context

7

He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day. Selah: or, the rock

8

Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.

9

And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.

10

Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? at home: Heb. at thy house

11

But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 14 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Amaziah of Judah and Jeroboam II) 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 14 regarding pride leads to downfall; god's mercy continues?
  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 · 31 words
שָׁ֠לַח1 of 31

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוֹאָ֣שׁ2 of 31

And Jehoash

H3060

jehoash, the name of two israelite kings

מֶֽלֶךְ3 of 31

king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל4 of 31

of Israel

H3478

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

אֶל5 of 31
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲמַצְיָ֣הוּ6 of 31

to Amaziah

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

מֶֽלֶךְ7 of 31

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָה֮8 of 31

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לֵאמֹ֔ר9 of 31

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַחֽוֹחַ׃10 of 31

The thistle

H2336

a thorn; by analogy, a ring for the nose

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 31
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בַּלְּבָנ֔וֹן12 of 31

that was in Lebanon

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

שָׁ֠לַח13 of 31

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶל14 of 31
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאֶ֜רֶז15 of 31

to the cedar

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר16 of 31
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בַּלְּבָנ֔וֹן17 of 31

that was in Lebanon

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

לֵאמֹ֔ר18 of 31

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תְּנָֽה19 of 31

Give

H5414

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

אֶת20 of 31
H853

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

בִּתְּךָ֥21 of 31

thy daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לִבְנִ֖י22 of 31

to my 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

לְאִשָּׁ֑ה23 of 31

to wife

H802

a woman

וַֽתַּעֲבֹ֞ר24 of 31

and there passed

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

חַיַּ֤ת25 of 31

beast

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הַשָּׂדֶה֙26 of 31

by a wild

H7704

a field (as flat)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר27 of 31
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בַּלְּבָנ֔וֹן28 of 31

that was in Lebanon

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

וַתִּרְמֹ֖ס29 of 31

and trode down

H7429

to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)

אֶת30 of 31
H853

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

הַחֽוֹחַ׃31 of 31

The thistle

H2336

a thorn; by analogy, a ring for the nose


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 14:9 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 14:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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