King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:16 Mean?

2 Kings 18:16 in the King James Version says “At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria. it: Heb. them

2 Kings 18:16 · KJV


Context

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.

15

And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house.

16

At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria. it: Heb. them

17

And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field. great: Heb. heavy

18

And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder. scribe: or, secretary


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria.

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. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 · 18 words
בָּעֵ֣ת1 of 18

At that time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֗יא2 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

קִצַּ֨ץ3 of 18

cut off

H7112

to chop off (literally or figuratively)

חִזְקִיָּ֖ה4 of 18

did Hezekiah

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

אֶת5 of 18
H853

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

דַּלְת֨וֹת6 of 18

the gold from the doors

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

הֵיכַ֤ל7 of 18

of the temple

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

יְהוָה֙8 of 18

of the LORD

H3068

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

וְאֶת9 of 18
H853

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

הָאֹ֣מְנ֔וֹת10 of 18

and from the pillars

H547

a column

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 18
H834

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

צִפָּ֔ה12 of 18

had overlaid

H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

חִזְקִיָּ֖ה13 of 18

did Hezekiah

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

לְמֶ֥לֶךְ14 of 18

it to the king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה15 of 18

of Judah

H3063

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

וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖ם16 of 18

and gave

H5414

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

לְמֶ֥לֶךְ17 of 18

it to the king

H4428

a king

אַשּֽׁוּר׃18 of 18

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


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 18:16 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 18:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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