King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:9 Mean?

2 Kings 18:9 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 18:9 · KJV


Context

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.

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. 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 · 21 words
וַיְהִ֞י1 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַשָּׁנָ֣ה2 of 21

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הָֽרְבִיעִית֙3 of 21

And it came to pass in the fourth

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

מֶֽלֶךְ4 of 21

king

H4428

a king

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ5 of 21

Hezekiah

H2396

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

הִ֚יא6 of 21
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

הַשָּׁנָ֣ה7 of 21

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔ית8 of 21

which was the seventh

H7637

seventh

לְהוֹשֵׁ֥עַ9 of 21

of Hoshea

H1954

hoshea, the name of five israelites

בֶּן10 of 21

son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֵלָ֖ה11 of 21

of Elah

H425

elah, the name of an edomite, of four israelites, and also of a place in palestine

מֶֽלֶךְ12 of 21

king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל13 of 21

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עָלָ֞ה14 of 21

came up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

שַׁלְמַנְאֶ֧סֶר15 of 21

that Shalmaneser

H8022

shalmaneser, an assyrian king

מֶֽלֶךְ16 of 21

king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֛וּר17 of 21

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

עַל18 of 21
H5921

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

שֹֽׁמְר֖וֹן19 of 21

against Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיָּ֥צַר20 of 21

and besieged

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

עָלֶֽיהָ׃21 of 21
H5921

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


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 18:9 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 18:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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