King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:19 Mean?

“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”

Context

Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

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.

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

In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.

So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots: and the people fled into their tents.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **To give him alway a light.**—Comp. 1Kings 15:4; 1Kings 11:36; and for the promise to David, 2Samuel 7:12-16. **And to his children.**—The reading of many Heb. MSS., the LXX., Vulg., and Targum. Thenius calls this a reading devised for the removal of a difficulty, and asserts that the promise was made to *David alone*. He would omit the conjunction, and render, “To give him alway a lamp in respect of (*i.e.*, through) his sons.” (See 2Chronicles 21:7, Note.) Keil adopts the same reading, but translates, “To give him, that is, his sons, a lamp,” making “to his sons” an explanatory apposition.

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 8:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.