King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:7 Mean?

2 Kings 16:7 in the King James Version says “So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me ou... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

2 Kings 16:7 · KJV


Context

5

Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.

6

At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria , and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day. from Elath: Heb. from Eloth

7

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

8

And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

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 · 22 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח1 of 22

sent

H7971

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

אָחָ֜ז2 of 22

So Ahaz

H271

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

מַלְאָכִ֗ים3 of 22

messengers

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֶל4 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תִּ֠גְלַת5 of 22
H0
פְּלֶ֤סֶר6 of 22

to Tiglathpileser

H8407

tiglath-pileser or tilgath-pilneser, an assyryrian king

מֶ֣לֶךְ7 of 22

king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁוּר֙8 of 22

of Assyria

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

לֵאמֹ֔ר9 of 22

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עַבְדְּךָ֥10 of 22

I am thy servant

H5650

a servant

וּבִנְךָ֖11 of 22

and thy 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

אָ֑נִי12 of 22
H589

i

עֲלֵ֨ה13 of 22

come up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וְהֽוֹשִׁעֵ֜נִי14 of 22

and save

H3467

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

וּמִכַּף֙15 of 22

and out of the hand

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

מֶ֣לֶךְ16 of 22

king

H4428

a king

אֲרָ֗ם17 of 22

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

וּמִכַּף֙18 of 22

and out of the hand

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

מֶ֣לֶךְ19 of 22

king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל20 of 22

of Israel

H3478

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

הַקּוֹמִ֖ים21 of 22

which rise up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עָלָֽי׃22 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications


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 16:7 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 16:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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