King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:37 Mean?

2 Kings 15:37 in the King James Version says “In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.”

2 Kings 15:37 · KJV

Context

35

Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.

36

Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

37

In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.

38

And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

Read 2 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. 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. 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 15 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Rapid Succession and Instability) 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 15 regarding political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy?
  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 · 13 words
בַּיָּמִ֣ים1 of 13

“In those 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

הָהֵ֔ם2 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הֵחֵ֣ל3 of 13

“began”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

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

לְהַשְׁלִ֙יחַ֙5 of 13

“to send”

H7971

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

בִּֽיהוּדָ֔ה6 of 13

“against Judah”

H3063

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

רְצִ֖ין7 of 13

“Rezin”

H7526

retsin, the name of a syrian and of an israelite

מֶ֣לֶךְ8 of 13

“the king”

H4428

a king

אֲרָ֑ם9 of 13

“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

וְאֵ֖ת10 of 13
H853

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

פֶּ֥קַח11 of 13

“and Pekah”

H6492

pekach, an israelite king

בֶּן12 of 13

“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

רְמַלְיָֽהוּ׃13 of 13

“of Remaliah”

H7425

remaljah, an israelite

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 15:37 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 15:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 16:5Isaiah 7:1Isaiah 7:8Deuteronomy 28:48Isaiah 38:1-22Isaiah 10:5-7

Places in This Verse

Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Kings 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

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