King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 18:7 Mean?
“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.”
2 Kings 18:7 · KJV
Context
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.
8
He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city. Gaza: Heb. Azzah
9
And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.
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 · 12 wordsוְהָיָ֤ה1 of 12
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יְהוָה֙2 of 12
“And the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עִמּ֔וֹ3 of 12
H5973adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בְּכֹ֥ל4 of 12
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר5 of 12
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֵצֵ֖א6 of 12
“whithersoever he went forth”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יַשְׂכִּ֑יל7 of 12
“was with him and he prospered”
H7919to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
אַשּׁ֖וּר10 of 12
“of Assyria”
H804ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
וְלֹ֥א11 of 12
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עֲבָדֽוֹ׃12 of 12
“and served”
H5647to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
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 18:7 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 18:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge