King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 8:17 Mean?
“Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.”
Context
15
And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
16
And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign. began: Heb. reigned
17
Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.
18
And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.
19
Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him alway a light, and to his children. light: Heb. candle, or, lamp
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(17) **Thirty and two years old . . . in Jerusalem.**—Comp. the similar notices in 2 Kings 12 and the succeeding chapters. How different are these short annalistic summaries, the work of the Judæan compiler, from the rich and flowing narratives about Elijah and Elisha!
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 8:17 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 8:17
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge