King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:24 Mean?

2 Kings 18:24 in the King James Version says “How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt fo...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?”

2 Kings 18:24 · KJV

Context

22

But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?

23

Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them. pledges: or, hostages

24

How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

25

Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

26

Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that are on the wall.

Read 2 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. 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 · 15 words
וְאֵ֣יךְ1 of 15
H349

how? or how!; also where

תָּשִׁ֗יב2 of 15

“How then wilt thou turn away”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֵ֠ת3 of 15
H853

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

פְּנֵ֨י4 of 15

“the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

פַחַ֥ת5 of 15

“captain”

H6346

a prefect (of a city or small district)

אַחַ֛ד6 of 15

“of one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

עַבְדֵ֥י7 of 15

“servants”

H5650

a servant

אֲדֹנִ֖י8 of 15

“of my master's”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הַקְּטַנִּ֑ים9 of 15

“of the least”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

וַתִּבְטַ֤ח10 of 15

“and put thy trust”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

לְךָ֙11 of 15
H0
עַל12 of 15
H5921

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

מִצְרַ֔יִם13 of 15

“on Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְרֶ֖כֶב14 of 15

“for chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וּלְפָֽרָשִֽׁים׃15 of 15

“and for horsemen”

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

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 18:24 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 18:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 10:8Jeremiah 42:14-18Isaiah 31:1Deuteronomy 17:16Daniel 4:22Isaiah 31:3

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in 2 Kings 18 →

Test Your Knowledge

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