King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 18:5 Mean?
“He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.”
2 Kings 18:5 · KJV
Context
3
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.
4
He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. images: Heb. statues Nehushtan: that is, A piece of brass
5
He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.
6
For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. from: Heb. from after him
7
And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryHe trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.
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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsבַּֽיהוָ֥ה1 of 14
“in the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵֽי2 of 14
“God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל3 of 14
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בָּטָ֑ח4 of 14
“He trusted”
H982properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
וְאַֽחֲרָ֞יו5 of 14
“so that after”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
לֹֽא6 of 14
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָיָ֣ה7 of 14
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּכֹל֙9 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְהוּדָ֔ה11 of 14
“of Judah”
H3063jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 14
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָי֖וּ13 of 14
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְפָנָֽיו׃14 of 14
“nor any that were before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
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 18:5 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 18:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge