King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 3:2 Mean?

“And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made. image: Heb. statue”

Context

Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made. image: Heb. statue

Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.

And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Wrought evil.**—*Did the evil in the eyes, &c., i.e.*, maintained the illicit worship of the bullock at Beth-el (2Kings 3:3). **Like his mother.**—Jezebel lived throughout his reign (2Kings 9:30), which explains why he did not eradicate the Baal-worship (2Kings 10:18-28). **For he put away.**—*And he removed,* scil., from its place in the temple of Baal. (Comp. 1Kings 16:31-32.) It must have been afterwards restored, probably by the influence of Jezebel. (Comp. 2Kings 10:26-27, and Notes.) **The image.**—*Pillar.* (Comp. 2Chronicles 34:4.) The LXX., Vulg., and Arabic read “pillars” (a different pointing); and the LXX. adds at the end, “and brake them in pieces.” This seems original. Ahab would be likely to set up more than one pillar to Baal.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 3:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.