King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:11 Mean?

2 Kings 16:11 in the King James Version says “And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made i... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.

2 Kings 16:11 · KJV


Context

9

And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin. Damascus: Heb. Dammesek

10

And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof. Damascus: Heb. Dammesek

11

And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.

12

And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon.

13

And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar. his peace offerings: Heb. the peace offerings which were his


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. 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 16 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Ahaz's Apostasy) reflects the historical reality of desperate political alliances and religious syncretism as Judah faced external threats. 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 16 regarding desperate alliances and religious compromise?
  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 · 20 words
וַיִּ֛בֶן1 of 20

built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֽוּרִיָּ֣ה2 of 20

And Urijah

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן3 of 20

the priest

H3548

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

אֶת4 of 20
H853

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ5 of 20

an altar

H4196

an altar

כְּכֹ֣ל6 of 20
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר7 of 20
H834

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

שָׁלַח֩8 of 20

had sent

H7971

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ9 of 20

according to all that king

H4428

a king

אָחָ֖ז10 of 20

Ahaz

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

מִדַּמָּֽשֶׂק׃11 of 20

from Damascus

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

כֵּ֤ן12 of 20
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עָשָׂה֙13 of 20

made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֽוּרִיָּ֣ה14 of 20

And Urijah

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן15 of 20

the priest

H3548

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

עַד16 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בּ֥וֹא17 of 20

came

H935

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ18 of 20

according to all that king

H4428

a king

אָחָ֖ז19 of 20

Ahaz

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

מִדַּמָּֽשֶׂק׃20 of 20

from Damascus

H1834

damascus, a city of syria


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 16:11 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 16:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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