King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:12 Mean?

2 Kings 18:12 in the King James Version says “Because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, and all that Moses the servant o... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, and all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them.

2 Kings 18:12 · KJV


Context

10

And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken.

11

And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes:

12

Because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, and all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them.

13

Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them. Sennacherib: Heb. Sanherib

14

And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, and all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

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 18 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Reforms and Assyrian Threat) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from 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 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
  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 · 21 words
עַ֣ל׀1 of 21
H5921

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 21
H834

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

לֹֽא3 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָֽׁמְע֖וּ4 of 21

Because they obeyed

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּקוֹל֙5 of 21

not the voice

H6963

a voice or sound

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֔ם7 of 21

their God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיַּֽעַבְרוּ֙8 of 21

but transgressed

H5674

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

אֶת9 of 21
H853

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

בְּרִית֔וֹ10 of 21

his covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֵ֚ת11 of 21
H853

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

כָּל12 of 21
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 21
H834

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

צִוָּ֔ה14 of 21

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁ֖ה15 of 21

and all that Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עֶ֣בֶד16 of 21

the servant

H5650

a servant

יְהוָ֑ה17 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

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

וְלֹ֥א18 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָֽׁמְע֖וּ19 of 21

Because they obeyed

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וְלֹ֥א20 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָשֽׂוּ׃21 of 21

them nor do

H6213

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


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 18:12 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 18:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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