2 Kings

2 Kings front

Introduction to 2 Kings

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of 2 Kings

1. The prophets Elijah and Elisha (1:1-8:15)
   • Elijah brings Yahweh’s judgment onto King Ahaziah (1:1–18)
   • Elijah goes to heaven and Elisha replaces him (2:1–25)
   • Elisha defends the northern kingdom against Moab (3:1–27)
   • Elisha performs various miracles (4:1–44)
   • Elisha heals Naaman the Syrian (5:1–27)
   • Elisha acts in time of war against Syria (6:1–7:20)
   • Elisha’s reputation and prophecy about Hazael (8:1–15)
2. The history of Judah and Israel from Kings Jehoram and Joram to the fall of Israel (8:16–17:41)
3. The history of Judah from King Hezekiah to the fall of Judah (18:1–25:30)

What are the Books of 1 and 2 Kings about?

These books are about what happened to the people of Israel, from the time of King Solomon to the time both the northern and southern kingdoms were destroyed. These books describe how Israel split into two kingdoms after Solomon died. It also tells about all the kings that ruled over each kingdom after Solomon died.

In the southern kingdom, some kings did what Yahweh judged to be right. For example, King Josiah repaired the temple and reformed the worship of Yahweh. He responded to the high priest finding a copy of the Law of Yahweh in Jerusalem (2 Kings 22–23). However, all of the kings of the northern kingdom were wicked.

The Assyrians destroyed the northern kingdom in 722 B.C. The Babylonians destroyed the southern kingdom in 586 B.C.

How should the title of this book be translated?

The Books of 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book in Hebrew. They were separated into two books when translated into Greek. Translators might choose more meaningful titles such as “The First Book about the Kings” and “The Second Book about the Kings.”

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is the purpose of 1 and 2 Kings?

These books were probably finished during the exile, after the Babylonians had destroyed the temple. They show how being faithful to Yahweh results in his blessing and prospering his people. Worshipping idols and not being faithful result in their being punished and destroyed.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Why do the Books of 1 and 2 Kings refer to someone being addressed indirectly?

In the Bible, people often referred to themselves as “your servant” when speaking to anyone in a superior position to themselves. Indirectly addressing people in this way was intended to honor the one addressed. English sometimes uses the address “sir” in this way. But a translator should use whatever expressions that are natural in the project language in order to honor someone in a superior position.

What does the king “did what was right (or) evil in the eyes of Yahweh” mean?

The writer repeats this kind of expression throughout the Books of 1 and 2 Kings. Here “in the eyes of Yahweh” represents what Yahweh thinks about someone. If a king was faithful and obeyed the covenant, he did what was right according to Yahweh. If he was not faithful and disobeyed the covenant, he did what was evil according to Yahweh.

What is the meaning of the term “Israel”?

The name “Israel” is used in many different ways in the Bible. Jacob was the son of Isaac. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. The descendants of Jacob became a nation also called Israel. Eventually, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom was named Israel. The southern kingdom was named Judah. (See: Israel, Israelites)

What does the phrase “to this day” mean?

This phrase was used by the narrator to refer to the time when he was writing. The translator should be aware that “to this day” refers to a time already passed. The translator might decide to say, “to this day, at the time when this is being written,” or, “to this day, at the time of writing.” This Hebrew phrase occurs in 2 Kings 2:22; 8:22; 10:27; 14:7; 16:6; 17:23, 34, 41.

Can I translate 2 Kings before 1 Kings?

The Book of 1 Kings should be translated before 2 Kings, since 2 Kings continues from where 1 Kings ends.

2 Kings 1

2 Kings 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

2 Kings is a continuation of 1 Kings.

The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

God’s sovereignty

God is in control of the future. King Ahaziah sent messengers to ask the Philistine god if he would recover from his fall, but this god does not know the future. Because he asked another god instead of Yahweh, Elijah sent the messengers to tell Ahaziah that he would not recover. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

Elijah rebuked the king with a rhetorical question: “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to consult with Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron?” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 1:1

Alternate translation: “The people who lived in Moab rebelled”

2 Kings 1:2

The upper room was built on the roof of the palace. The lattice was made of thin boards decoratively crossed over one another to form a balcony or window covering. Alternate translation: “the wooden boards around the flat roof of his palace” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

(See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 1:3

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

This refers to someone from the city of Tishbe. (See: How to Translate Names)

This rhetorical question is asked as a rebuke for consulting Baal-Zebub. This is irony because they are definitely aware of the God of Israel. Alternate translation: “You fools! You know there is a God in Israel, but you were acting as though you did not know when you sent men to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Irony)

The word “consult” means to get the opinion of someone about a question.

2 Kings 1:4

This is Yahweh’s message to King Ahaziah. Alternate translation: “Therefore Yahweh says to King Ahaziah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

When King Ahaziah was injured, he was placed in a bed. Yahweh said that he will never become well and be able to get out of the bed. Alternate translation: “You will not recover and you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 1:5

After meeting with Elijah, the messengers returned to the king instead of going to Ekron. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 1:6

This rhetorical question is asked as a rebuke for consulting Baal-Zebub. This is irony because they are definitely aware of the God of Israel. See how you translated a similar question in 2 Kings 3:3. Alternate translation: “You fools! You know there is a God in Israel, but you were acting as though you did not know when you sent men to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

When King Ahaziah was injured, he was placed in a bed. Yahweh said that he will never become well and be able to get out of the bed. See how you translated this statement in 2 Kings 3:4. Alternate translation: “you will not recover and you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 1:8

This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor that speaks of him being very hairy as if his hair were a garment. Alternate translation: “He was very hairy” or (2) “His clothes were made from animal hair” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 1:9

The king sent the leader of the army with fifty men to bring Elijah back to him. Alternate translation: “Then the king sent a captain with fifty soldiers to seize Elijah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“50 soldiers” (See: Numbers)

2 Kings 1:10

The captain had called Elijah a man of God, but the captain and the king did not show Elijah proper respect. Elijah said this so that fire would come down from heaven, and this would prove that Elijah really was a man of God and he deserved their respect. Alternate translation: “Since I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven” or “If I am a man of God as you have said, let fire come down from heaven”

Alternate translation: “from the sky”

2 Kings 1:11

“50 soldiers” (See: Numbers)

2 Kings 1:12

The captain had called Elijah a man of God, but the captain and the king did not show Elijah proper respect. Elijah said this so that fire would come down from heaven, and this would prove that Elijah really was a man of God and he deserved their respect. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 1:10. Alternate translation: “Since I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven” or “If I am a man of God as you have said, let fire come down from heaven”

This means that the fire came from God. Alternate translation: “fire from God” (See: Possession)

2 Kings 1:13

“50 warriors” or “50 soldiers” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “begged him”

The captain says that his servants are Elijah’s servants to show him honor. AT “my fifty soldiers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here Elijah’s “sight” represents him judgement or evaluation. The captain is pleading with Elijah to let them live. Alternate translation: “please consider my life and the life of … as precious to you” or “consider my life and the life of … to be of worth to you and do not kill us” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 1:14

Here Elijah’s “sight” represents him judgement or evaluation. The captain is repeating his request for Elijah to show kindness to him and let him live. Alternate translation: “please be kind to me” or “please allow me to live” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 1:16

This rhetorical question is asked as a rebuke for consulting Baal-Zebub. This is irony because the king is definitely aware of the God of Israel. Alternate translation: “You must think there is no God in Israel whom you may ask for information!” or “You fool! You know there is a God in Israel to consult, but you acted as if you did not know.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Irony)

When King Ahaziah was injured, he was placed in a bed. Yahweh said that he will never become well and be able to get out of the bed. See how you translated this statement in 2 Kings 3:4. Alternate translation: “you will not recover and you will not get up from the bed where you are lying” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 1:17

Alternate translation: “what Yahweh had told Elijah that Elijah had spoken”

This describes the time that Joram began to reign over Israel by stating how long Jehoram had been reigning over Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “in the second year that Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat was king of Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Ordinal Numbers)

2 Kings 1:18

This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they are written … Israel.” or “someone has written about them in … Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

2 Kings 2

2 Kings 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter ends the story of Elijah and begins the story of Elisha.

Special concepts in this chapter

Elisha replaces Elijah as the chief prophet of God. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

2 Kings 2:1

“So it happened.” This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

a strong wind that spins around and around

2 Kings 2:2

“As surely as Yahweh lives and as you live.” Here Elisha compares the certainty that Yahweh and Elijah are alive to the certainty of what he is saying. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “I solemnly promise you that” (See: Simile)

2 Kings 2:3

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. Alternate translation: “A group of men who were prophets” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 2:4

“As surely as Yahweh lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” Here Elisha compares the certainty that Yahweh and Elijah are alive to the certainty of what he is saying. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:2. Alternate translation: “I solemnly promise you that I will not leave you” (See: Simile)

2 Kings 2:5

Alternate translation: “When Elijah and Elisha came near Jericho, the sons of the prophets who were from there said to Elisha”

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:3. Alternate translation: “the group of men who were prophets” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 2:6

“As surely as Yahweh lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” Here Elisha compares the certainty that Yahweh and Elijah are alive to the certainty of what he is saying. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:2. Alternate translation: “I solemnly promise you that I will not leave you” (See: Simile)

2 Kings 2:7

“50 of the sons” (See: Numbers)

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:3. Alternate translation: “the group of men who were prophets” (See: Idiom)

This means that they were standing, facing them. Alternate translation: “stood facing them” or “stood watching them” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 2:8

outer piece of clothing used as a covering

Alternate translation: “The water of the Jordan River opened up so there was a dry path for Elijah and Elisha to cross over to the other side”

“to the right and the left.” This refers to the right and the left of where Elijah struck the water.

2 Kings 2:9

Alternate translation: “it happened”

This refers to crossing the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “crossed over the Jordan River” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh takes me from you” (See: Active or Passive)

Here Elijah’s spirit refers to his spiritual power. Alternate translation: “twice as much of your spiritual power” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 2:11

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Here the phrase “of fire” means that these were surround by fire. Alternate translation: “a chariot surrounded by fire pulled by horses surrounded by fire” (See: Possession)

“was carried into the sky by a whirlwind.” Translate the word “whirlwind” the same as you did in 2 Kings 2:1.

2 Kings 2:12

Elisha is calling Elijah his respected leader.

People would often tear their clothes as a sign of great sadness or grief. Alternate translation: “ripped them in two pieces to show his great sadness” (See: Symbolic Action)

2 Kings 2:13

The cloak was the otter clothing of a prophet. It was the sign of his job. When Elisha took Elijah’s cloak he was saying he was taking Elijah’s place as prophet.

2 Kings 2:14

Elisha is asking if Yahweh is with him as he was with Elijah. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, the God of Elijah, are you here with me?” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The river separated and Elisha walked to the other side on dry ground, the same way he did previously when he was with Elijah.

“to the right and the left.” This refers to the right and the left of where Elijah struck the water.

2 Kings 2:15

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:3. Alternate translation: “the group of prophets” (See: Idiom)

They are showing him deep respect and acknowledging him as their new leader.

Here Elijah’s “spirit” refers to his spiritual power. This speaks of Elisha having this spiritual power as if it were something that physically rested upon him. Alternate translation: “Elisha does have the same spiritual power that Elijah did” or “The spiritual power Elijah had is now with Elisha” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

2 Kings 2:16

These men are referring to themselves when they say “fifty strong men.” Alternate translation: “See now, we are fifty strong men and we are now your servants. Let us go” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“50 strong men” (See: Numbers)

2 Kings 2:17

The sons of the prophets kept asking Elisha until he felt bad about saying “no.” Alternate translation: “They kept asking Elisha until he felt bad for denying their request, so” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 2:18

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he had told them previously what would happen. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I told you that you should not go, because you would not find him!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 2:19

Alternate translation: “The leaders of the city”

This means that the city is located in a good place. Alternate translation: “this city is in a good place” or “this city is in a good location” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The men refer to Elisha here as “my master” to honor him.

producing good crops

2 Kings 2:21

This speaks of Yahweh making the bad water pure as if he healed it. Alternate translation: “made the waters pure” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to things caused by the bad water. This also can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “there will be no more death or problems with crops caused by this water” or “from now on this water will bring life and help the land become fruitful” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Kings 2:22

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the waters have remained pure” (See: Active or Passive)

This means that something remains in a certain condition until the present time. Alternate translation: “by the word which Elisha spoke, and have always remained pure since” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 2:23

The phrase “went up” is used her because Bethel is higher in elevation than Jericho.

The young boys wanted Elisha to go away from them and expressed this by saying “go up.” Alternate translation: “Go away” (See: Idiom)

A bald person does not have any hair on their head. The young boys were mocking Elisha for having a bald head.

2 Kings 2:24

“42 of the boys” (See: Numbers)

2 Kings 3

2 Kings 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Elisha continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Victory and defeat

God is in control of victory and defeat. The armies of Israel, Judah and Edom united to attack Moab from the desert for failure to pay tribute. When they ran out of water, they were in desperate condition. Therefore, they asked Elisha (the prophet of God) what to do and he said God would give them water and victory over Moab. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

They described Elisha with the idiom, “who poured water on the hands of Elijah,” meaning “who served Elijah.” (See: Idiom)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Anger

It is said that, “Anger came on Israel.” It is not clear who was angry or why they were angry.

2 Kings 3:1

This describes the time that Joram began to reign by stating how long the current king of Judah had reigned. The meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “in the eighteenth year that Jehoshaphat was king of Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“year 18” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Sometimes this man is referred to as “Jehoram.” This is not the same person as the man mentioned in 2 Kings 1:17 named “Jehoram.”

2 Kings 3:2

Here “sight” refers to Yahweh’s thoughts or opinion. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considers to be evil” or “what is evil in Yahweh’s judgement” (See: Metaphor)

This compares how much evil he did to being less that the amount that his parents did. Alternate translation: “but he did not do as much evil as his father and mother had done” (See: Simile)

This pillar was used in the worship of Baal, though it is unknown what the pillar looked like. Alternate translation: “the sacred stone pillar for worshiping Baal” (See: Possession)

2 Kings 3:3

This is an idiom. Here “holding on” to something means to continue doing it. Alternate translation: “he continued to commit the sins” (See: Idiom)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“Turning away” from something is an idiom which means to stop doing it. Alternate translation: “he did not stop committing those sins” or “he continued committing those sins” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 3:4

Mesha had to give these things to the king of Israel because his kingdom was controlled by the king of Israel. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Every year he was forced to give 100,000 lambs and the wool from 100,000 rams to the king of Israel, because his kingdom was controlled by the king of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“one hundred thousand lambs … one hundred thousand rams” (See: Numbers)

2 Kings 3:6

“to prepare the people of Israel for war.” Here “all Israel” refers to all of the Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: “to mobilize all of the Israelite soldiers for war” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 3:7

The word “you” refers to Jehoshaphat, but refers to both him and his army. Here “Moab” stands for “the army of Moab.” Alternate translation: “Will you and your army go with me to fight against the army of Moab?” (See: Synecdoche)

Jehoshaphat is saying that he and his entire army will fight with King Joram against Moab. Alternate translation: “We will go with you” (See: Synecdoche)

Jehoshaphat is letting Joram use himself, his people, and his horses for his purposes. He speaks of this as if they belonged to Joram. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “We are ready to do whatever you want us to. My soldiers and my horses are ready to help you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 3:8

Alternate translation: “By going through the wilderness of Edom”

2 Kings 3:9

This refers to the kings accompanied by their armies. Alternate translation: “the king of Israel and his army went with the king of Judah and his army and the king of Edom and his army” (See: Synecdoche)

This could mean: (1) the kings were not sure where they were going, and so they changed direction often or (2) the kings knew where they were going and they walked around Moab (2 Kings 3:8).

2 Kings 3:10

The king uses a rhetorical question to emphasize how ridiculous and terrible their situation is. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It looks like Yahweh will allow all three of us to be captured by Moab!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “Moab” refers to its army. Also, “the hand of Moab” refers to the “control” of Moab’s army. Alternate translation: “to give us over to Moab’s control” or “so the army of Moab will defeat us” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy)

2 Kings 3:11

Jehoshaphat uses a rhetorical question here to state that he is certain that there is a prophet there and to find out where he is. Alternate translation: “I am sure there is a prophet of Yahweh here! Tell me where one is, so we may consult Yahweh by him.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This idiom means that he was Elijah’s helper. The phrase “poured water on the hands” is a description of one of the ways he served Elijah. Alternate translation: “who was a helper to Elijah” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 3:12

This means that he is a prophet and that Yahweh tells him what to say. Alternate translation: “He speaks what Yahweh tells him to say” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

They went to see Elijah and to consult with him about what they should do. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “went to see Elisha to ask him what they should do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 3:13

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he and the king have nothing in common. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have nothing to do with you.” or “I have nothing in common with you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the “hand of Moab” refers the Moab’s “control.” Alternate translation: “to give them over to the control of Moab” or “to allow them to be captured by the Moabite army” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 3:14

“As I know that Yahweh of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely.” Here Elisha compares the certainty that Yahweh is alive to the certainty that, if it were not for Jehoshaphat being there, he would not pay attention to Joram. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “As surely as Yahweh of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I promise you, if it” (See: Simile)

Here serving Yahweh is spoken of as standing in his presence. Alternate translation: “whom I serve” (See: Metaphor)

This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “I pay attention to you only because I honor the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah” (See: Double Negatives)

Here Jehoshaphat is referred to by his presence. Alternate translation: “I honor Jehoshaphat” (See: Metonymy)

These two phrases have similar meaning and are used together to emphasize that he would not pay any attention to Joram. Alternate translation: “I would not have anything at all to do with you” (See: Parallelism)

2 Kings 3:15

Alternate translation: “And it happened that”

someone who plays the harp

Here Yahweh’s “hand” refers to his “power.” Alternate translation: “the power of Yahweh came upon Elisha” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 3:16

A trench is a long ditch that workers dig in the ground to collect water.

2 Kings 3:17

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will fill this river valley with water” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to drinking the water that Yahweh provides. Alternate translation: “you will drink the water” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 3:18

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “Yahweh considers this as an easy thing to do” or “This is an easy thing for Yahweh to do” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 3:19

A fortified city is well protected from enemies by such things as high walls or a easily defensible location.

This means to put rocks on the fertile land so that it is difficult to use. The meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “ruin every good piece of land by covering them with rocks” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 3:20

Alternate translation: “water began flowing”

Alternate translation: “and soon the country became filled with water”

land, ground

2 Kings 3:21

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author tells background information about the Moabite army preparing to meet the three kings and their armies in battle. (See: Background Information)

Here “armor” represents ability to fight. Alternate translation: “all the men who could fight” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “kings” refers to both the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: “the kings had come with their armies” or “the kings and their armies had come” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 3:22

This compares the red appearance of the water to the color of blood. Alternate translation: “it was red like blood” (See: Simile)

2 Kings 3:23

The soldiers are referring to themselves here as “Moab.” Alternate translation: “soldiers of Moab” (See: Synecdoche)

“steal their belongings.” After an army defeated their enemies, they would often plunder their towns by stealing whatever was left of value.

2 Kings 3:24

Here “Israel” refers only to the Israelite soldiers and not to the whole nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “the area where the Israelite soldiers had set up their tents” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “Israelites” refers only to the Israelite soldiers and not to the whole nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “the Israelite soldiers surprised” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “ran away from them”

2 Kings 3:25

This is the capital of Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

The walls and buildings of the city were made of stones. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “still had its stone walls and buildings in place” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

A “sling” is piece of animal skin with long cords at both ends in which a person can put a stone or other small, hard object and throw it a long distance.

2 Kings 3:26

Translate the name of this king the same as you did in 2 Kings 3:4.

Alternate translation: “that his army was being defeated”

“700 swordsmen” (See: Numbers)

soldiers who fight with swords

“force their way through.” There were many soldiers fighting on the battlefield which made it difficult to move though the crowd.

2 Kings 3:27

King Mesha burned his son with fire until he died. He did this as an offering to Chemosh, the false god of Moab. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here the word “anger” can be expressed as a verb. There are two possibilities for who is angry here: (1) The Moabite soldiers. Alternate translation: “So the Moabite soldiers were very angry with Israel” or (2) God. Alternate translation: “So God was very angry with Israel” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Kings 4

2 Kings 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Elisha continues with a group of stories about the miracles Elisha did. (See: 2 Kings 4-6 and miracle, wonder, sign)

Special concepts in this chapter

Widow

Elisha helps a widow financially, and he correctly prophesies that a barren woman would conceive and have a baby by the next year. Later, when that child dies, Elisha miraculously causes him to come back to life. Also, Elisha causes a poisonous food to no longer be harmful, and he miraculously feeds 100 people with only 20 loaves of bread.

2 Kings 4:1

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:3. Alternate translation: “the prophets” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “My husband, who was your servant”

person who lends other people money

2 Kings 4:2

The woman refers to herself as Elisha’s servant to show him honor.

This is an exaggeration. The only valuable thing she had was a jar of oil. (See: Hyperbole)

2 Kings 4:4

This means to go inside their house. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “you must go inside your house” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 4:6

Alternate translation: “the jars”

2 Kings 4:7

This refers to Elisha. Alternate translation: “Elisha, the man of God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is an idiom. It means to use the money to buy the things that they need, such as food and clothing. Alternate translation: “use the rest of the money for you and your sons for what you need to live” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 4:8

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

This means that she asked him to stop and have a meal at her house. Alternate translation: “she asked him to come to her house to have a meal” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “traveled through Shunem”

2 Kings 4:9

Alternate translation: “Now I understand”

Alternate translation: “who travels by regularly”

2 Kings 4:10

Here “us” refers to the important woman and her husband.

2 Kings 4:12

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“Call the Shunammite woman.” This refers to the woman from Shunem that Elisha was staying with.

2 Kings 4:13

The phrase “gone to all this trouble” is an idiom that means to make great effort to do something. Alternate translation: “You have made a great effort to care for us” or “You have worked very hard to take care of us” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “What can we do for you” (See: Active or Passive)

Here Elisha is asking if she would like for him to speak to the king or army commander to make a request for her. The implicit meaning of this question can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Can we make a request for you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The woman is implying that she does not need anything because her family cares for her needs. Alternate translation: “I live surrounded by my family, and because they take care of me, I have no needs” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 4:15

Alternate translation: “Ask her to come to see me”

Alternate translation: “When Gehazi had called her”

This refers to the doorway. Alternate translation: “the doorway” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 4:16

Alternate translation: “your son”

The woman uses both of these names to refer to Elisha.

The woman refers to herself as Elisha’s servant to show him honor.

2 Kings 4:17

Alternate translation: “during the same season the next year”

2 Kings 4:18

Alternate translation: “When the child was older”

2 Kings 4:19

The child said this because his head hurt. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “My head hurts! My head hurts!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 4:20

Here the woman’s knees refer to her lap. She held her son in her lap until he died. Alternate translation: “she held him on her lap until noon and then he died” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 4:21

This was the bed in the room she had prepared for Elisha when he traveled through Shunem. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “Elisha, the man of God”

2 Kings 4:22

The woman told her husband she was going to see Elisha but she did not say that she was going because their son had died. This implicit information may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “that I may hurry to the man of God and then come back.’ But she did not tell her husband that their son had died” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 4:23

The woman states this, knowing this will be the case if her husband does as she requests. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Everything will be all right if you do as I ask” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 4:24

The woman did not saddle the donkey, rather the servant would have saddled it for her. Alternate translation: “she had her servant saddle a donkey” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 4:25

Alternate translation: “So she traveled toward Mount Carmel where Elisha, the man of God, was”

Alternate translation: “While she was still far off, and Elisha saw her coming”

2 Kings 4:26

Alternate translation: “It is well” or “Yes, everything is fine”

2 Kings 4:27

Alternate translation: “Mount Carmel”

This implies that she knelt or laid on the ground in front of him and grabbed his feet. Alternate translation: “she dropped down on the ground in front of him and put her hands around his feet” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Elisha can see that the woman is upset but Yahweh has not revealed to him the cause of her problem.

2 Kings 4:28

The woman uses these rhetorical questions to show that she is upset about what has happened. She is speaking about her conversation with Elisha when he told her that she was going to have a son. These questions may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “I did not ask you to give me a son, but I did ask you not to lie to me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 4:29

Alternate translation: “Get ready to travel”

Elisha wanted Gehazi to travel as quickly as possible, without even stopping to talk to anyone.

2 Kings 4:30

This shows that the mother is taking an oath. The mother compares the certainty that Yahweh and Elisha are alive to the certainty of what she is saying. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “As surely as Yahweh lives and as you live” or “I solemnly promise that”

2 Kings 4:31

This means that the child was not alive. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “but the child did not show any signs of being alive” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here being dead is spoken of as being asleep. Alternate translation: “is still dead” (See: Euphemism)

2 Kings 4:33

Alternate translation: “So Elisha went by himself into the room where the child lay, closed the door”

2 Kings 4:35

Alternate translation: “laid on top of the boy again”

2 Kings 4:36

Alternate translation: “the Shunammite woman”

2 Kings 4:37

The woman bowed down before Elisha as a sign of great respect and appreciation. Alternate translation: “Then she bowed in front of Elisha with her face to the ground to show him her gratitude” (See: Symbolic Action)

2 Kings 4:38

This is an idiom. It does not mean that they were actually the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:3. Alternate translation: “the group of men who were prophets” (See: Idiom)

This is a dish that is usually made of meat and vegetables cooked in a pot with liquid.

2 Kings 4:39

These vegetables were growing wild, meaning someone had not planted them.

He lifted the bottom edge of his robe up to his waist to make a place to carry more gourds than he could carry with his hands only.

Since they did not know what kind of gourds they were they did not know whether or not they were safe to eat. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “but did not know if they were good or bad to eat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 4:40

Alternate translation: “they poured the stew into bowls”

This means that there was something in the pot that could kill them, not that there is something dead in the pot. Alternate translation: “there is something in the pot that will kill us” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 4:41

Alternate translation: “He added it to the stew in the pot”

Alternate translation: “Serve it to the people”

2 Kings 4:42

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

“20 loaves” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “made from the grain from the new harvest”

“fresh heads of grain.” This refers to grain from the new harvest.

2 Kings 4:43

The man uses this rhetorical question to imply that this is not enough bread to feed 100 men. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “That is not enough to feed a hundred men!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

“100 men” (See: Numbers)

2 Kings 4:44

Here Yahweh is referred to by what he said. This phrase is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 5

2 Kings 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The stories of Elisha’s miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle, wonder, sign)

2 Kings 5:1

“sight.” The king’s “view” represents what he thinks about something. Alternate translation: “in the king’s opinion” (See: Metonymy)

Here “Aram” refers to the Aramean army. Alternate translation: “because through Naaman, Yahweh had given victory to the Aramean army”

2 Kings 5:2

Here the “Arameans” refer to the Aramean soldiers. (See: Synecdoche)

“in small groups attacking.” This means to go out attacking an enemy in small groups.

2 Kings 5:3

The girl from Israel, who had been captured by the Aramean soldiers, spoke to Naaman’s wife.

Here “my master” refers to Naaman.

2 Kings 5:5

The king is going to give the letter to Naaman to take with him to the king of Israel. Alternate translation: “I will send a letter with you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“10 talents of silver, 6,000 pieces of gold.” This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “330 kilograms of sliver, 6,000 pieces of gold” (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight)

This were gifts from the king of Aram for the king of Israel. Alternate translation: “took with him ten … clothes, which were gifts for the king of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 5:7

Often people would rip their clothes if they were in great distress. Alternate translation: “he ripped his clothes to show his distress” (See: Symbolic Action)

The king uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the request of the king of Aram is outrageous and something he cannot do. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The king of Aram must think I am some sort of God, with the power over death and life! He wants me to cure this man of his leprosy, but I cannot do that.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The king of Israel did not believe the request to heal Naamam was the real reason for the letter. He thought the real reason was to start a fight. Alternate translation: “It seems he is looking for an excuse to start a fight with me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 5:8

Elisha talks to the King of Israel about Naaman.

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize to the king that he does not need to be distressed and tear his clothes. Alternate translation: “There is no need to be distressed and tear your clothes.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 5:10

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “your flesh will be well” (See: Active or Passive)

this means that he will no longer be unclean. A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. God considers a person who has leprosy as being defiled and unclean. (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 5:11

This word is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

Here Yahweh is referred to by his name. Alternate translation: “Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “over the diseased area of my skin” or “over my leprosy”

2 Kings 5:12

Naaman uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the Abanah and the Pharpar are better rivers than the Jordan. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The Abanah and the Pharpar Rivers, in my home country of Aram, are much better than any of the rivers of Israel! (See: Rhetorical Question)

These are the names of rivers. (See: How to Translate Names)

Naaman uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he could have bathed in the other rivers easily. He believes that bathing in them could heal him just as bathing in the Jordan could. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I should have just bathed in them and been healed!” or “I could just as easily have bathed in them and been healed!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Irony)

Alternate translation: “was very angry as he walked away”

2 Kings 5:13

The servants were showing respect to Naaman by addressing him as “my father” or “sir.”

The servant uses this question to carefully rebuke Naaman. Alternate translation: “you surely would have done it!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The servant is comparing how much more willing Naaman should be to obey a simple command since he is willing to obey a difficult one. Alternate translation: “How much more willing you should be to obey” or “Should you not be even more willing to obey” (See: Ellipsis)

The servant uses this rhetorical question to emphasize to Naaman that he should obey Elisha’s command. This question can be written as statement. Alternate translation: “You should be even more willing to obey when he says to you simply, ‘Dip yourself and be clean.’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 5:14

Alternate translation: “Elisha, the man of God”

This speaks how smooth Namaan’s skin is after he is healed by comparing it to the skin of a young child. Alternate translation: “His flesh was restored again and was as soft as the flesh of a young child” or “His skin was well again and was smooth like a young child’s skin” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “His skin”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his leprosy was gone” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 5:15

This word is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

Alternate translation: “the only God in all the earth is in Israel”

2 Kings 5:16

“As surely as I know that Yahweh lives, before whom I stand.” Here Elisha compares the certainty that Yahweh is alive to the certainty that he will not receive any gifts from Naaman. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “As surely as Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I promise you that I” (See: Simile)

Here serving Yahweh is spoken of as standing in his presence. Alternate translation: “whom I serve” (See: Metaphor)

This means that he will not accept any gifts. Alternate translation: “I will not take any gifts” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 5:17

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: “If you will not take the gifts I have brought for you” (See: Ellipsis)

This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: “let me have” (See: Active or Passive)

Naaman is asking to take soil from Israel and place it in sacks for two mules to carry home with him. He then plans to build an altar on the soil. Alternate translation: “as much soil from Israel as two mules can carry, so that I can build an altar to Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Naaman refers to himself as Elisha’s servant to honor him.

This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but Yahweh” or “will only offer burnt offerings and sacrifices to Yahweh” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Kings 5:18

This is referring to the king of Aram, the king that Namaan works for.

“he supports himself on my arm.” This means that Naaman assists the king when he bows in the house of Rimmon because the king is either old or sick.

2 Kings 5:19

Alternate translation: “Go home and do not worry” or “Leave without fear”

2 Kings 5:20

Alternate translation: “Naaman had traveled”

See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Kings 4:12. (See: How to Translate Names)

This word is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

Alternate translation: “has let Naaman the Aramean leave too easily”

Alternate translation: “by not accepting”

Here Naaman is referred to by his hands to emphasize the act of giving. Alternate translation: “from him” (See: Synecdoche)

“As surely as Yahweh lives.” Here Gehazi compares the certainty that Yahweh is alive to the certainty of what he has decided to do. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “As Yahweh lives, I promise” (See: Simile)

2 Kings 5:22

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:3. Alternate translation: “from among the prophets there” (See: Idiom)

Gehazi is asking Naaman to give these things to him so that he can take them and give them to the prophets. Alternate translation: “Please give me a talent of sliver and two changes of clothes to give to them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This word is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “33 kilograms of silver” (See: Biblical Weight)

2 Kings 5:23

This can be written in modern measurements. This talents are of silver. Alternate translation: “two talents of silver” or “66 kilograms of silver” (See: Biblical Weight and Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “gave them to”

Naaman urged him to take gifts. Alternate translation: “Naaman urged Gehazi to take the gifts” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 5:25

Gehazi refers to himself here as Elisha’s servant.

2 Kings 5:26

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that Yahweh allowed him to see what Gehazi had done. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have realized that my spirit could see you when Naaman stopped his chariot and talked to you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that this is not the time take gifts. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is not the time to accept money … female servants.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 5:27

This speaks of Gehazi and his descendant getting leprosy as if Naaman’s leprosy was taken from him and given to Gehazi. Alternate translation: “you and your descendants will have leprosy, just as Naaman had leprosy”

The phrase “his presence” refers to the area where Elisha could see him. This means that he left the room where Elisha was. Alternate translation: “When Gehazi left the room, he was” (See: Idiom)

Leprosy makes skin white. Here Gehazi’s leprous skin is compared to the color of snow. Alternate translation: “with skin that was white like snow” (See: Simile)

2 Kings 6

2 Kings 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The stories of Elisha’s miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle, wonder, sign)

Special concepts in this chapter

Impossible actions

Elisha caused an iron ax head to float. He fooled the whole army of Aram that was sent to arrest him. When the king of Aram besieged the capital of Israel, the people became so hungry they started eating their children. Elisha told the king of Israel that there would be plenty of food the next day, but the king’s counselor said it was impossible.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

The king’s counselor expressed his unbelief in Elisha’s prophecy of plenty of food: “See, even if Yahweh should make windows in heaven, can this thing happen?” (See: Rhetorical Question and believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief and heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly)

2 Kings 6:1

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:3. Alternate translation: “The group of prophets” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 6:2

This refers to the area by the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “let us go beside the Jordan River” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 6:3

Here one of the prophet refers to the of the sons of the prophets as Elisha’s servants to show him honor.

2 Kings 6:4

Elisha goes with the prophets to cut trees.

2 Kings 6:5

The ax head refers to the blade of the ax. This means that the ax head came loose from its the handle and fell into the water. Alternate translation: “the ax head separated from the handle and fell into the water”

The man said this to show that he was upset and frustrated. If you have a way of expressing these emotions in your language, you can use it here.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I borrowed it” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 6:6

Alternate translation: “So Elisha, the man of God, asked”

God uses Elisha to perform a miracle. The ax head rises to the surface of the water and it stays there so the prophet can pick it up.

Alternate translation: “caused the iron to float”

“the ax head.” The ax head was made of iron.

2 Kings 6:8

Alternate translation: “When the king of Aram was at war with Israel,”

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

The king of Aram was telling his counselors where to set up the camp. Here the phrase “such and such” is a way to refer to the information of the location of the camp without writing it out. If this phase does not translate well into your language this may be written as indirect speech. Alternate translation: “and told them where his camp would be located” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

2 Kings 6:9

Alternate translation: “Elisha the man of God”

Elisha knew the specific place that the Arameans were going to set up their camp and advised the king of Israel for his soldiers to avoid that area.

2 Kings 6:10

This refers to the place that Elisha had warned the king about in 2 Kings 6:9.

Elisha would warn the king of where the Aramean army would attack so that he could alert the people before the attack happened. Alternate translation: “Elisha warned the king of Israel in this way several times and the Israelites were able to stay safe” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 6:11

The king of Aram assumes there is a traitor among his soldiers who is giving information to the Israelite king. He uses this rhetorical question to try to find out who that traitor is. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me which of you is for the king of Israel!” or “Tell me which of you is revealing our plans to the king of Israel!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

“To be for someone” means to be loyal to that person. In this case, it means that they would give information to help the king of Israel. Alternate translation: “is helping the king of Israel” or “is loyal to the king of Israel” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 6:12

The servant is saying that none of the king’s soldiers are giving information to the king of Israel. Alternate translation: “It is none of us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This refers to the king of Aram.

Alternate translation: “what you say in the privacy of your own bedroom”

2 Kings 6:13

The king plans to send the men to capture Elisha for him. The king does not plan to capture him himself. Alternate translation: “I may send men to capture him” (See: Metonymy)

This word is used here to draw the king’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

Alternate translation: “Elisha is in Dothan”

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 6:14

This refers to the king of Aram.

2 Kings 6:15

Alternate translation: “Elisha” or “Elisha the man of God”

The word “behold” here shows that the servant was surprised by what he saw.

Alternate translation: “got up early in the morning and went outside, and he saw”

The servant went back inside the house to tell Elisha what he had seen. Alternate translation: “The servant went back inside and said to Elisha” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 6:16

“To be with someone” in battle means to fight for their side. Alternate translation: “those who are on our side in the battle are more than those who are on their side” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 6:17

Elisha is asking that his servant may be able to see things that other people cannot see, namely the horses and chariots of fire that are around them. Alternate translation: “make him able to see” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “he could see. What he saw was that”

The word “Behold” here shows that the servant was surprised by what he saw.

Alternate translation: “the mountainside was covered with horses”

This refers to the city where Elisha is. Alternate translation: “around the city where Elisha was” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 6:18

This refers to the Aramean soldiers.

“Cause these people to be blind!” This refers to Yahweh causing them to be unable to see clearly.

2 Kings 6:19

Elisha confuses the Arameans by telling them that they are not at the city they are searching for. Alternate translation: “This is not the way, neither is this the city you are looking for” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 6:20

Alternate translation: “It happened that” or “Then,”

Elisha is asking Yahweh to cause the men to see clearly again. Alternate translation: “allow these men to see” (See: Idiom)

Yahweh allowed the men to see clearly again. Alternate translation: “Yahweh took away their blindness” or “Yahweh allowed them to see clearly” (See: Idiom)

The word “behold” here shows that the Arameans were surprised by what they saw.

2 Kings 6:21

Alternate translation: “when he saw the Aramean soldiers”

The king is speaking to Elisha the prophet and calling him “father” to show respect.

Here the king of Israel is referring to his army as himself. Alternate translation: “Should I order my army to kill these enemy soldiers?” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 6:22

Elisha was replying to the king of Israel’s question.

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to rebuke the king and tell him not to kill these men. The words “sword and bow” are a metonym for war in which soldiers use swords and bows and arrows. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You would not kill men whom you had captured in war, so you should not kill these men.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metonymy)

Here “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “Give them food to eat and water to drink” (See: Synecdoche)

This refers to the king of Aram.

2 Kings 6:23

The king ordered his servants to prepare the food. He did not prepare the food himself. Alternate translation: “Then the king ordered his servants to prepare a lot of food for them” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Those groups”

This means that they did not attack Israel for a long time. Alternate translation: “stopped attacking the land of Israel for a long time” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 6:24

The name of the king of Aram. His name means “son of Hadad.” (See: How to Translate Names)

The king and his army attacked Samaria. Alternate translation: “they attacked Samaria” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 6:25

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a donkey’s head cost” (See: Active or Passive)

“80 pieces of silver” (See: Numbers)

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “a fourth part of a liter” or “a quarter of a liter” (See: Biblical Volume)

This is one part out of four equal parts. Alternate translation: “one fourth” or “a quarter” or “1/4” (See: Fractions)

The words “was sold for” are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “dove’s dung was sold for” or “dove’s dung cost” (See: Ellipsis)

2 Kings 6:26

Alternate translation: “walking on top of the city wall”

The woman referred to the king by this name to show him respect.

2 Kings 6:27

Alternate translation: “The king of Israel answered the woman,”

The king uses this rhetorical question to tell the woman that he cannot help her. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If Yahweh is not helping you, then I cannot help you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The king uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no food available. Here the threshing floor refers to grain and the winepress refers to wine. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing coming from the threshing floor or the winepress.” or “There is no food to harvest or any grapes to make wine to drink.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 6:28

“The king said.” This means that they continued talking.

2 Kings 6:29

Alternate translation: “we cooked”

2 Kings 6:30

The words “the words” are a metonym for what the woman said. Alternate translation: “heard the woman tell what she and the other woman had done” (See: Metonymy)

The king ripped his outer garment to show his distress. Alternate translation: “he tore his clothes in grief” (See: Symbolic Action)

He had been walking on the city wall when the woman called out to him in 2 Kings 6:24. Now he continued walking along it.

By wearing sackcloth even for his undergarments, the king showed that he was very sad and upset. Alternate translation: “he had sackcloth underneath his outer garment, against his skin” or “he was wearing sackcloth underneath his robe because he was very upset” (See: Symbolic Action)

2 Kings 6:31

The king is saying he hopes God will punish him and even kill him if Elisha the prophet does not die because of the things that have happened in the city of Samaria. Alternate translation: “May God punish me and kill me” (See: Euphemism)

This refers to Elisha dying, specifically be being beheaded. Alternate translation: “if Elisha son of Shaphat is not beheaded today” or “if my soldiers do not behead Elisha son of Shaphat today” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 6:32

“To be before the king” means to be one of his servants. Alternate translation: “The king of Israel sent one of his servants as a messenger” (See: Idiom)

Here Elisha is speaking to the elders right before the king’s messenger arrived. Alternate translation: “when the messenger had almost arrived, Elisha said to the elders” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to draw attention to the kings messenger and to insult the king. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “See, this son of a murderer has sent someone to remove my head!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This means that the king of Israel has the characteristics of a murderer. Alternate translation: “this man who is like a murderer” or “that murderer” (See: Idiom)

It is understood that he sent a person. Alternate translation: “has sent someone to” (See: Ellipsis)

This means to behead him. Alternate translation: “to cut off my head” or “to behead me” (See: Euphemism)

Elisha uses this word here to draw the elder’s attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen to what I want you to do: when”

If a door is shut against someone it means that it is closed and that they may not enter through it. Alternate translation: “hold the door shut so that he cannot come in” (See: Idiom)

Elisha uses this question to assure the elders that the king is coming not far behind him. This rhetorical question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “The sound of his master’s feet is right behind him.” or “The king will be coming along soon after he arrives.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 6:33

The word “behold” alerts us to the arrival of the messenger.

The messenger arrived, and so did the king, as Elisha had said he would. The phrase “came down to him” means that they arrived at the place where he was. Alternate translation: “the messenger and the king arrived” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Idiom)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important”

“Indeed, this trouble.” The word “behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. The phrase “this trouble” refers to the famine in Samaria and the suffering it caused.

This king use this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not believe that Yahweh is going to help them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Why should I continue to wait for Yahweh to help us?” or “I will not wait any longer for help from Yahweh!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 7

2 Kings 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The stories of Elisha’s miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle, wonder, sign)

Special concepts in this chapter

Fear

God caused the army of Aram to hear the sound of an enormous army approaching so they all ran away leaving all their food behind.

2 Kings 7:1

It is implied that the Israelites will be paying less money for these item than they had been. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will sell a measure of fine flour for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Here the word “measure” translates the word “seah,” which is a unit of dry measurement equal to about 7 liters. Alternate translation: “7 liters of fine flour…14 liters of barley” (See: Biblical Volume)

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: “about 11 grams of silver” or “one silver coin” (See: Biblical Money)

2 Kings 7:2

A high ranking captain who was the king’s personal assistant is spoken of as if he was a person on whom the king leaned his hand. Alternate translation: “the captain who was close to the king” or “the captain who was the king’s personal assistant” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh causing much rain to fall in order to make the crops grow is spoken of as if Yahweh were opening windows in heaven through which he pours down rain. Alternate translation: “even if Yahweh were to cause much rain to fall from heaven” (See: Metaphor)

The captain asks this question to express his unbelief. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “this could never happen!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The phrase “with your own eyes” emphasizes that the captain will certainly see the things that Elisha prophesied. Alternate translation: “you yourself will watch these things happen” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “but you will not eat any of the flour or barely”

2 Kings 7:3

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the writer starts to tell a new part of the story.

Although there were four men, probably only one of them asks this question. The question is rhetorical and emphasizes that they should not do this. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Certainly we should not sit here until we die” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 7:4

The four men with leprosy are saying that the Arameans might feed them so that they can live, or they might kill them, which would be no worse since they would die anyway.

2 Kings 7:5

This refers to the early evening after the sun has set, but before it is dark.

Alternate translation: “the edge”

2 Kings 7:6

The soldiers of the Aramean army heard noises that sounded like a large army approaching to battle them. This was not an actual army, but the Lord had made them hear these sounds.

Alternate translation: “the Aramean soldiers said to each other”

Here the word “kings” represents the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: “the armies of the Hittites and the Egyptians” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “to fight us” or “to attack us”

2 Kings 7:7

This is what happened after the Lord caused the Aramean soldiers to think they heard a large enemy army approaching their camp.

This refers to the early evening after the sun has set, but before it is dark.

2 Kings 7:8

This refers to items that a conquering army takes from another army that they have defeated. Here it refers to “silver and gold and clothes.”

2 Kings 7:9

Alternate translation: “until morning”

Someone punishing the four men is spoken of as if punishment were a person who captures them. Alternate translation: “the people will punish us” or “someone will punish us” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

Here the word “household” represents the people who live in the king’s palace. Alternate translation: “tell the king and his people” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 7:10

The implicit information may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “as they were when the soldiers were still there” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 7:11

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “then people told it inside the king’s household” or “then people told it to the king and those in his palace” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 7:12

Alternate translation: “are planning to do to us” or “have done to deceive us”

This means that they would capture the people and not kill them.

2 Kings 7:13

Many of the horses belonging to the Israelites had died because of the famine. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “the horses in the city that are still alive” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The implicit information about what he wanted to see may be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: “see if what these lepers have said is true” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 7:14

The implicit information about what the king wanted them to see may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Go and see if what these lepers have said is true” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 7:15

Alternate translation: “They followed the path the Aramean army took all the way to the Jordan River”

This is an exaggeration that means the men saw these items scattered along the road as they traveled. Alternate translation: “there were clothes and equipment all along the road” (See: Hyperbole)

2 Kings 7:16

This refers to taking items from a defeated army.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “So people sold a measure of fine flour for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the word “measure” translates the word “seah,” which is a unit of dry measurement equal to about 7 liters. Alternate translation: “7 liters of fine flour…14 liters of barley” (See: Biblical Volume)

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: “about 11 grams of silver” or “one silver coin”(See: Biblical Money)

Here “word” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “just as Yahweh had said” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 7:17

A high ranking captain who was the king’s personal assistant is spoken of as if he were a person on whom the king leaned his hand. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 7:2. Alternate translation: “the captain who was close to the king” or “the captain who was the king’s personal assistant” (See: Metaphor)

The crowd of people were in such a rush to get to the food in the camp that they knocked over the man and trampled him to death.

2 Kings 7:18

In this verse, the writer summarizes what happened by repeating the events that he described in 2 Kings 7:1. (See: End of Story)

Alternate translation: “About this time tomorrow”

Here the word “measure” translates the word “seah,” which is a unit of dry measurement equal to about 7 liters. Alternate translation: “14 liters of barley…7 liters of fine flour” (See: Biblical Volume)

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: “about 11 grams of silver” or “one silver coin” (See: Biblical Money)

2 Kings 7:19

In this verse, the writer summarizes what happened by repeating the events that he described in 2 Kings 7:2. (See: End of Story)

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Yahweh causing much rain to fall in order to make the crops grow is spoken of as if Yahweh were opening windows in heaven through which he pours down rain. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 7:2. Alternate translation: “even if Yahweh were to cause much rain to fall from heaven” (See: Metaphor)

The captain asks this question to express his unbelief. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 7:2. Alternate translation: “this could never happen!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The phrase “with your own eyes” emphasizes that the captain will certainly see the things that Elisha prophesied. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 7:2. Alternate translation: “you yourself will watch these things happen” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “but you will not eat any of the flour or barley”

2 Kings 8

2 Kings 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The stories of Elisha’s miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle, wonder, sign)

Special concepts in this chapter

Kings

Elisha told Hazael that he would be king of Aram. Jehoram became king of Judah. He was evil so Edom and Libna revolted and chose their own kings. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)

2 Kings 8:1

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

The story of this woman and her son is found at 2 Kings 4:8.

Alternate translation: “he had caused to become alive again”

To arise here is for a person to stop what he is doing and begin to do what he needs to do. Alternate translation: “Do as I say, and go”

2 Kings 8:2

To arise here is for a person to stop what he is doing and begin to do what he needs to do. She may have been standing when she heard Elisha speak and decided to go.

Alternate translation: “Elisha, the man of God”

2 Kings 8:3

This refers to the king of Israel.

While the woman was gone, her home and property were sieged. She is begging for them to be returned to her. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “for her home and her property to be returned to her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 8:4

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author tells us background information about what the king was doing when the woman arrived. (See: Background Information)

2 Kings 8:5

Alternate translation: “had caused the child who was dead to become alive again”

While the woman was gone, her home and property were sieged. She is begging for them to be returned to her. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “for her home and her property to be returned to her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 8:6

This refers to the story of her son dying and Elisha bringing him back to life. The meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “about what had happened to her son” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This metonym refers to the amount of money that the harvests of her fields were worth while she was away. Alternate translation: “all the profit from the harvests of her fields” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 8:7

This is the name of the king of Aram. His name means “son of Hadad.” See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Kings 6:24. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 8:8

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Hazael was to take many gifts, not just one. Alternate translation: “take many gifts” (See: Synecdoche)

The phrase “in your hand” is an idiom meaning for him to take the gifts with him. Alternate translation: “with you” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “Elisha, the man of God”

Alternate translation: “ask Elisha to ask Yahweh”

2 Kings 8:9

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which forty camels carried”

“40 camels” (See: Numbers)

Ben Hadad was not actually Elisha’s son, but Hazael called him that to show a close relationship between them. Alternate translation: “Ben Hadad, the king of Aram, who is like a son to you” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 8:11

Alternate translation: “until Hazael felt uncomfortable”

2 Kings 8:12

Hazael refers to Elisha this way to honor him.

God has shown Elisha what will take place in the future.

The word “you” represents Hazael and refers to himself and the soldiers under his control when he is king. Alternate translation: “you will cause to happen” or “you will order your soldiers” (See: Synecdoche)

The word “you” represents Hazel but here refers to his soldiers and not to Hazael personally. Alternate translation: “You soldiers will set … your soldiers will kill” (See: Metonymy)

“crush their little children.” This is a brutal description of the soldiers killing children.

This means that the men will be killed in battle. The sword was the main weapon used in battle. Alternate translation: “kill their young men in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Specifically this refers to tear open their stomachs. Alternate translation: “rip open the stomachs of their pregnant women with swords” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 8:13

Hazel refers to himself here as Elisha’s servant. Hazel uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not think he could do the terrible things that Elisha has said. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I could never do such great things!” or “Who am I, that I would have the power to do such things?” (See: Rhetorical Question)

“this terrible thing.” Here the word “great” refers to something that has a large effect and is terrible.

Hazael is talking about himself. He speaks of his low status and lack of influence by comparing himself to a dog. Here a dog represents a lowly animal. Alternate translation: “I am as powerless as a dog” or “I am as powerless as a lowly animal” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 8:14

The phrase “his master” refers to Ben Hadad.

2 Kings 8:15

This means that Ben Hadad suffocated under the wet blanket. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “face. Ben Hadad was unable to breathe through it, and so he died” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 8:16

Jehoram becomes king of Judah.

This describes the time that Jehoram began to reign over Judah by stating how long Joram, the current king of Israel, had been reigning. Alternate translation: “In the fifth year that Jorman son of Ahab was king of Israel” or “In year five of the reign of Joram son of Ahab, king of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“year 5” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, became the king of Judah.

2 Kings 8:17

“32 years old” (See: Numbers)

2 Kings 8:18

Here “walking” is an idiom that refers to how he lived and reigned as king. At this time in history, the recent kings of Israel had been evil kings. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Jehoram was an evil king, just as other kings of Israel who ruled before him had been” (See: Idiom and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here the “house” of Ahab refers to the members of Ahab’s family and his recent descendants. Ahab is Jehoram father-in-law. Alternate translation: “the same as the rest of the family of Ahab was doing” (See: Metonymy)

Jehoram had married king Ahab’s daughter.

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 8:19

Here “Judah” is a metonym for the people who live there. Alternate translation: “destroy the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

“since Yahweh had told David that he would always give David descendants.” This refers to Yahweh’s promise to David that his descendants would always rule Judah. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “since he had told David that his descendants would always rule Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 8:20

Alternate translation: “Edom rebelled against”

Here the word “hand” refers to the control of Judah, and “Judah” refers specifically to the king of Judah. Alternate translation: “the control of the king of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “they appointed a king to rule over themselves”

2 Kings 8:21

What was “crossed over” can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Then Jehoram crossed the enemy lines” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 8:22

King Jehoram of Judah dies and his son Ahaziah becomes king.

Alternate translation: “So after that, Edom was no longer controlled by Judah, and it is still like that”

Here “Judah” refers to the king of Judah. Alternate translation: “the rule of the king of Judah” or “the authority of the king of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

to the time that this book was written

Libnah rebelled against the king of Judah just as Edom had. Alternate translation: “During that same time, Libnah also rebelled against the king of Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is another city that was originally part of Judah. Here “Libnah” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the people of Libnah” (See: How to Translate Names and Metonymy)

2 Kings 8:23

Alternate translation: “To read more about the history of Jehoram and what he did,”

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Jehoram is in this other book. Alternate translation: “these things are written … Judah.” or “someone has written about them … Judah.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

2 Kings 8:24

Here “rested” is a polite way of referring to someone dying. After he died, his body was buried in the same place as the bodies of his forefathers. The phrase “was buried” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jehoram died as his ancestors had died, and they buried him with his ancestors” (See: Euphemism and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “Then Ahaziah, Jehoram’s son, became king after he died”

2 Kings 8:25

Ahaziah becomes king of Judah.

This describes the time that Ahaziah began to reign as king of Judah by stating how long Joram, the current king of Israel, had reigned. Alternate translation: “in the twelfth year that Joram son of Ahab was king of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“12th year” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

2 Kings 8:26

“22 years” (See: Numbers)

Athaliah is the name of a woman. Omri is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 8:27

Here “walking” refers his behavior or the way in which he lived. Alternate translation: “Ahaziah lived the same way as the others in” (See: Idiom)

Here the “house” of Ahab refers to his family. Alternate translation: “the family of Ahab” (See: Metonymy)

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

This explains Ahaziah’s family relationship to Ahab. Ahaziah’s father was married to Ahab’s daughter. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “the son of Ahab’s son-in-law” or “a grandson of King Ahab” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 8:28

The names of the three kings listed here are synecdoches and refer also to their armies that accompany them. Alternate translation: “Ahaziah’s army joined the army of King Joram of Israel to fight against the army of King Hazael of Aram” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 8:29

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to heal” or “to recover” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “Hazael” refers to himself and his army. Alternate translation: “the army of Hazael king of Aram” (See: Synecdoche)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Arameans had wounded Joram” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 9

2 Kings 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The life of Elisha continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

King Jehu

Elisha told a young prophet to go and tell Jehu that God had made him the new king. Jehu killed the kings of both Israel and Judah and Jezebel, the mother of the king. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

2 Kings 9:1

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:3. Alternate translation: “the group of the prophets” (See: Idiom)

The phrase “in your hand” refers to him taking the bottle with him. Alternate translation: “with you” (See: Synecdoche)

Translate the name of this city the same as you did in 2 Kings 8:28. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 9:2

This means that Jehoshaphat is Jehu’s father and that Nimshi is Jehoshapat’s father. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the people with whom Jehu was sitting.

Alternate translation: “go along with him to” or “take him along to”

Alternate translation: “a private room”

2 Kings 9:5

The writer uses the word “behold” to direct attention to what follows. If you have a way of doing this in your language, you can use it here.

Jehu was sitting among the captains. You may introduce Jehu to the story line here if this is necessary in your language. Alternate translation: “Jehu and some other army officers were sitting together” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “us” refers to Jehu and the other army captains.

2 Kings 9:7

Here the “blood” of the prophets and the servants refers to their deaths. Alternate translation: “I may avenge the deaths of my servants the prophets and all the servants of Yahweh” or “so that I may punish them for murdering my servants the prophets and all the servants of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: “avenge the blood” (See: Ellipsis)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom Jezebel commanded her servants to murder” or “whose deaths were commanded by Jezebel” (See: Active or Passive)

This means that Jezebel commanded the people to be killed. Alternate translation: “by an order from Jezebel” or “by Jezebel’s command” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 9:8

Here to be “cut off” means to be killed. Alternate translation: “For the whole family of Ahab will perish, and I will cause every male child in his family to be killed” or “Every member of Ahab’s family will die, including every male child” (See: Euphemism)

This phrase is used to refer to every male, but it specifies “child” to emphasize that it includes children. Alternate translation: “every male” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 9:9

This means that God will destroy Ahab and his family just as he destroyed Jeroboam and Baasha and their families. Alternate translation: “I will get rid of the house of Ahab like I got rid of” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This phrase is used in this verse three times. Each time, the word “house” refers to the “family” of the man specified. Alternate translation: “the family of” (See: Metonymy)

These are the names of men. Translate the name “Nebat” the same as you did in 2 Kings 3:3. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

2 Kings 9:10

This means that the dogs will eat her dead body. Alternate translation: “Dogs will eat the dead body of Jezebel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 9:11

This refers to the other officers who were serving King Ahab.

Alternate translation: “crazy man”

Jehu says that he is a young prophet and they all are familiar with the kinds of things young prophets generally say. Alternate translation: “You know what kinds of things young prophets like him say”

2 Kings 9:12

Alternate translation: “Tell us what he said”

Alternate translation: “He talked about some things”

2 Kings 9:13

In this culture, putting clothing on the ground was a way of honoring the king, so that his feet would not touch the dirty ground. Alternate translation: “took off their outer clothes and put them in front of Jehu for him to walk on” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Not every man blew a trumpet. It is likely only one man blew a trumpet. Alternate translation: “One of them blew the trumpet and they all said” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 9:14

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 2 Kings 9:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author tells background information about how Joram was wounded and went to recover in Jezreel. (See: Background Information)

These refers only to the Israelite army and not to everyone who lives in Israel. Alternate translation: “he and his army” or “he and the Israelite army” (See: Synecdoche)

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 2 Kings 8:8. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 9:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to recover from” (See: Active or Passive)

This means that he was wounded in battle with the Arameans. Alternate translation: “wounds that Joram got during the battle with the Aramean army” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This refers to Hazael and his army. Alternate translation: “against Hazael king of Aram and his army” (See: Synecdoche)

This refers to the officers who were with Joram at Ramoth Gilead.

“If you are in agreement with me” Jehu uses this phrase to refer to if people are supportive of him being king and of his decisions. Alternate translation: “If you truly want me to be your king” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This refers to telling Joram and his army of Jehu’s plans. Alternate translation: “to warn king Joram and his army in Jezreel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 9:16

The word “now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author tells background information about Ahaziah visiting Joram. (See: Background Information)

2 Kings 9:17

guard

Alternate translation: “Jehu and his men as they were still far away”

2 Kings 9:18

Jehu uses this rhetorical question to tell the messenger that it is none of his concern if he comes in peace or not. Alternate translation: “It is not your concern if I have come in peace!” or “It is not for you to know if I have come in peace!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The watchman told King Joram that the man he sent out is not coming back with a reply to the king’s question.

2 Kings 9:19

Alternate translation: “Then king Joram sent a second messenger riding a horse, who went out to meet Jehu and his army”

Joram had already sent one man. This was the next. Alternate translation: “another man” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Jehu uses this rhetorical question to tell the messenger that it is none of his concern if he comes in peace or not. See how you translated this question in 2 Kings 9:18. Alternate translation: “It is not your concern if I have come in peace!” or “It is not for you to know if I have come in peace!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 9:20

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Because the driver of the chariot drives the same way that Jehu son of Nimshi drives” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 9:21

Alternate translation: “each in his own chariot”

Alternate translation: “When they reached Jehu, he was at”

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to a person from Jezreel. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 9:22

Jehu uses this rhetorical question to state why he is not coming in peace. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “There can be no peace as long as your mother Jezebel practices and promotes so much idolatry in the form of prostitution and witchcraft.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 9:23

Alternate translation: “turned his chariot around to try to flee”

trickery or deception

2 Kings 9:24

Alternate translation: “with all of his strength” or “with all of his power”

Joram died from being shot with arrow. Alternate translation: “Joram fell down dead in his chariot” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 9:25

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Pick up his dead body and throw it” or “Take his corpse and throw it”

Alternate translation: “Remember”

This means that they rode in the chariot behind Ahab’s chariot. Alternate translation: “behind his father Ahab’s chariot” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this prophecy against Ahab”

2 Kings 9:26

This means that he will punish Ahab as he deserves for the evil he has done. Alternate translation: “I will give you what you deserve for the evil you have done” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “take Joram’s dead body and throw it into the field of Naboth”

Alternate translation: “to fulfill the prophecy spoken to us”

2 Kings 9:27

This is the account of what happened to Ahaziah, the king of Judah, after Jehu killed Joram.

Alternate translation: “saw what happened to Joram”

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “ascent” means that they were going up hill while travelling on the road to Gur. Alternate translation: “on the road leading up to Gur” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 9:28

Alternate translation: “his ancestors”

2 Kings 9:29

This describes the time that Ahaziah began to reign by stating how long the current king of Israel had reigned. Alternate translation: “in the eleventh year that Joram son of Ahab was king of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“11th year” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

2 Kings 9:30

Alternate translation: “put on makeup, made her hair look nice”

2 Kings 9:31

Jezebel uses this rhetorical question to accuse Jehu of not coming peacefully. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are certainly not coming in peace, you Zimri, your master’s murderer!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here Jezebel calls Jehu “Zimri” to say that he is a murderer. Zimri was a commander of the army of Israel who murdered the king of Israel because he wanted to be king. Alternate translation: “you murdered your master, just like Zimri murdered his master” (See: Metaphor)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 9:32

To “be on someone’s side” means to be loyal to them and supportive of them. Alternate translation: “Who is loyal to me” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 9:33

Jehu was telling the eunuchs to throw Jezebel out of the window.

The eunuchs threw Jezebel out of the high window and she died when she hit the ground. (See: Euphemism)

This means that he drove his horses over her body. Alternate translation: “Jehu’s horses that were pulling his chariot trampled her body under their feet” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 9:34

The phrase “see now to” means to give your attention to whatever is specified. Alternate translation: “Now go to” (See: Idiom)

Since Jezebel was the daughter of a king, it was necessary to bury her properly. Alternate translation: “because she is a king’s daughter and therefore should be buried properly” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 9:35

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “all they found that was left of her body were”

The palm is the inner part of the hand.

2 Kings 9:36

This refers to someone from the city of Tishbe. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 1:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 9:37

This speaks of the pieces of Jezebel’s body being scattered in the field as if they were dung spread in the field. Since the pieces of her body were so small and spread out there was nothing that could be collected and buried. Alternate translation: “the pieces of Jezebel’s body will be scattered like dung in the fields … so that no one will be able to recognize them and say” (See: Simile)

manure, specifically dung used as a fertilizer

Alternate translation: “so that no one will be able to recognize her body.” or “so no one will be able to tell this was Jezebel.”

2 Kings 10

2 Kings 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God’s prophecy against the family of Ahab was fulfilled. Jehu killed all of Ahab’s descendants and all the worshipers of Baal. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

2 Kings 10:1

“70 descendants” (See: Numbers)

This means that Jehu sent a messenger to deliver the letters. Alternate translation: “Jehu wrote letters and sent a messenger to deliver them in Samaria” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 10:3

Here, sitting on the king’s throne means to be appointed as king. Alternate translation: “make him king in his father’s place” (See: Metonymy)

“your master’s descendants.” Here the man that they selected to be king is referred to as Ahab’s royal line of descendants. Alternate translation: “to defend your master’s descendant” or “to defend him” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 10:4

Alternate translation: “Then they were very afraid”

Alternate translation: “two kings, Joram and Ahaziah”

Here “stand” means to be able to endure under trouble. Alternate translation: “could not endure against Jehu” or “could not resist Jehu”

The descendants use the rhetorical question to imply that they cannot stand against Jehu. Alternate translation: “We cannot stand against him either!” or “We cannot resist him either!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 10:5

Here to be “over” something means to have authority and responsibility over it. Alternate translation: “the man who was in charge of the city”

This refers to the people who raised the king’s children. Alternate translation: “they who raised the king’s children” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here Jehu’s “eyes” refer to his “sight.” His “sight” refers to what he thinks. Alternate translation: “Do what you judge to be right” or “Do whatever you think is the best” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 10:6

Joram had written one letter. This was the next. Alternate translation: “again wrote a letter to them” or “wrote another letter to them” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

To “be on someone’s side” means to be loyal to them and supportive of them. Alternate translation: “loyal to me” (See: Idiom)

to hear and obey

Here Jehu’s “voice” refer to what he says. Alternate translation: “to what I say” (See: Metonymy)

It is implied that they are to bring the heads of the Ahab’s descendant and present them to Jehu. Alternate translation: “you must take the heads … and bring them to me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This refers to killing them and removing their heads. Alternate translation: “kill your master’s descendants and cut off their heads” (See: Euphemism)

“70 in number” (See: Numbers)

This means that they were supervising them and teaching them. Alternate translation: “who were raising them” or “who were supervising them” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 10:7

“70 persons” (See: Numbers)

This means that they sent people to deliver the baskets to Jehu. Alternate translation: “sent people to take them to Jehu” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 10:8

Alternate translation: “of Ahab’s descendants”

2 Kings 10:9

Alternate translation: “Jehu went to the city gate and stood before the people”

It can be stated clearly what they were innocent of. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “You are innocent of what happened to Joram” or (2) this means that they are not held responsible for the deaths of Joram’s family. Alternate translation: “You are innocent of what happened to Joram and his family” or “You are innocent of this matter” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jehu uses this word here to draw the peoples’ attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Hear my words”

Jehu uses a rhetorical question to cause the people to think deeply about the situation. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “but the men of Samaria are responsible for killing Ahab’s 70 descendants” or (2) Alternate translation: “but it was Yahweh’s will for these men to die” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 10:10

Alternate translation: “understand” or “be aware of the fact that”

This speaks of everything happening that Yahweh has said will happen as if it were something that did not die and fall to the ground. Alternate translation: “No part of Yahweh’s word … will fail” or “every part of Yahweh’s word … will happen” (See: Metaphor)

This speaks of Yahweh causing Ahab’s descendants to be killed as if he killed them himself. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has caused to happen” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 10:11

Jehu did not kill all of these people personally, rather he commanded for them to be killed. Alternate translation: “So Jehu commanded for all … to be killed” or “So Jehu commanded for all … to die” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “all who were alive” or “all who were left”

This means that they had all been killed. Alternate translation: “until all of them had been killed” or “until all of them were dead” (See: Euphemism)

2 Kings 10:12

This was the name of a place where sheep were sheared. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 10:13

Alternate translation: “going to visit”

Alternate translation: “the children of King Joram”

2 Kings 10:14

This means to capture them, but not to kill them. Alternate translation: “Seize them” or “Capture them” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “So they captured them”

“42 men” (See: Numbers)

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “He killed all of them”

2 Kings 10:15

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here a person’s “heart” refers to their loyality. If a person’s loyalty is “with someone,” it means that they are loyal to that person. Alternate translation: “Will you be loyal to me, as I will be loyal to you?…‘I will.’” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

“If so, put your hand in mine” or “If so, let us shake hands” In many cultures, when two people shake hands, it confirms their agreement. (See: Symbolic Action)

2 Kings 10:16

The word “zeal” may be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “see how zealous I am” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Kings 10:17

Alternate translation: “entire royal family”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to fulfill the prophecy that Elijah had spoken, which Yahweh gave to him” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 10:18

Alternate translation: “called all the people and had them come to where he was”

Alternate translation: “all the people of Samaria”

Alternate translation: “serve him much more than Ahab”

2 Kings 10:19

Alternate translation: “Do not leave anyone out”

This means that if they do not come they will be executed. Alternate translation: “We will execute anyone who does not come” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 10:20

This means to designate and prepare a period of time for something. In this case they were to prepare for an assembly for Baal. Alternate translation: “Prepare” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 10:21

This means that he sent messengers to take this message throughout the land. Alternate translation: “Then Jehu sent messengers” or “Then Jehu sent the message” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “so that every worshiper of Baal was there” or “so that every man came” (See: Double Negatives)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they filled it” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 10:22

Here “to keep” something means to care for it and oversee it. Alternate translation: “who was in charge of the priest’s wardrobe” or “who cared for the priest’s wardrobe” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 10:23

Alternate translation: “Jehu said to the people who were in the temple to worship Baal”

Alternate translation: “but that only worshipers of Baal are here”

2 Kings 10:24

Here the “hands” of the men refer to their “control.” By being stationed around the temple they were in control of the situation and it was up to them whether people were able to escape or not. Alternate translation: “If any of these men that I brought into your control escapes” or “If any of the men that are inside gets away” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “we will kill the man who let him escape”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This is a polite way to refer to a person being killed. Alternate translation: “we will take his life” or “we will kill him” (See: Active or Passive)

“in exchange for the life of the man.” Here this man is referred to by his “life” to emphasize that he did not die. Alternate translation: “for the man” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 10:25

You may need to state that Jehu came out of the temple before he spoke to the guard. Alternate translation: “he went back outside of the temple of Baal and said to the guards and captains” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The men used swords to kill the worshipers of Baal. This phrase refers to their swords. Alternate translation: “with their swords” (See: Synecdoche)

This means that threw the dead bodies of the people out of the temple. Alternate translation: “threw their dead bodies out of the temple” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 10:27

“made it a public toilet” A latrine is a bathroom, or a toilet area, usually for a camp or buildings used to house soldiers.

This means that something has remained in a certain condition until the present time. Alternate translation: “and since then it has always been that way” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 10:29

This speaks of Jehu committing the same sins that Jeroboam committed, as if Jeroboam’s sins were a place that Jehu did not leave. Alternate translation: “did not stop committing the kinds of sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had committed” (See: Metaphor)

See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Kings 3:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 10:30

Alternate translation: “in carrying out” or “in accomplishing”

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what I judge to be right” or “what I consider to be right” (See: Metaphor)

Here Ahab’s “house” refers to his “family.” Alternate translation: “the family of Ahab” (See: Metonymy)

Here the “heart” represents “desire.” Alternate translation: “all that I desired for you to do” or “all that I wanted you to do” (See: Metonymy)

Sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: “be the kings” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to his son, grandson, great-grandson, and great-great-grandson. Alternate translation: “to the 4th generation” or “for four more generations” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

2 Kings 10:31

Here “walking” refers to “living.” Alternate translation: “Jehu was not careful to live according to the law of Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

Here the “heart” refers to a person’s will and desire. Alternate translation: “in everything that he did” or “with all of his will” (See: Metonymy)

To “turn away” from something means to stop doing it. Alternate translation: “Jehu did not stop from sinning in the same ways as Jeroboam” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 10:32

Alternate translation: “began to cause the territory controlled by Israel to become smaller”

areas of land

Here “Hazael” refers to himself and his army. Alternate translation: “Hazael and his army” or “King Hazael’s Aramean army” (See: Synecdoche)

See how you translated this king’s name in 2 Kings 8:8. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 10:33

Alternate translation: “from the land east of the Jordan”

These are all names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

“the Arnon River” This is the name of a river. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 10:34

This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. See how this phrase is translated in 2 Kings 1:18. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the history of the kings of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 10:35

This means that Jehu died. This speaks of him being buried where his ancestors were buried as if he were sleeping with them. Alternate translation: “Jehu died and they buried him in Samaria, where they had also buried his ancestors” (See: Euphemism and Metaphor)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 10:36

Alternate translation: “Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria for twenty-eight years”

“28 years” (See: Numbers)

2 Kings 11

2 Kings 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the beginning of the story of the spiritual revival in Judah under Joash. The people returned to properly worshiping Yahweh. (See: spirit, wind, breath)

Special concepts in this chapter

Athaliah’s evil actions

The mother of the king of Judah, Athaliah, killed all the royal children so that she could rule. She was not able to kill the baby Joash because his aunt hid him in the temple. When Joash was seven years old, the chief priest conspired with the army and made Joash king. They killed Athaliah and destroyed the temple of Baal. (See: temple, house, house of God)

2 Kings 11:1

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “became aware that her son was dead”

Athaliah did not personally kill the children. Alternate translation: “she commanded her servants to kill all the members of Ahaziah’s family who might become king” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 11:2

Alternate translation: “took Ahaziah’s very young son Joash and hid him and his nursemaid in a bedroom in the temple. So he was not killed”

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a man.

2 Kings 11:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Joash and Jehosheba hid him in the house of Yahweh for six years while Athaliah ruled the land” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a metonym for the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: “people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 11:4

This continues the story of what happens after Joash, the son of King Azahiah, was hidden in the temple after all King Azahiah’s other descendants were killed.

“In the seventh year of Athaliah’s reign” or “In year 7 of Athaliah’s reign” (See: Numbers)

the high priest (See: How to Translate Names)

The phrases “commander of hundreds” is probably an official title for a military officer. This could mean: (1) the word “hundreds” represents the exact amount of soldiers that each of these commanders led. Alternate translation: “the commanders of 100 soldiers” or (2) the word translated as “hundreds” does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. Alternate translation: “the commanders of military divisions” (See: Numbers)

This is the name of a particular group of the royal guards.

“had them come to meet with him.” Jehoiada, the high priest, had these military men report to him at the temple.

Jehoiada revealed to them that Joash, King Azahiah’s son, was still alive.

2 Kings 11:7

They were to keep watch for the purpose of protecting the king from harm. Alternate translation: “in order to protect King Joash” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 11:8

“Anyone who tries to go past you while you are protecting King Joash.” A rank refers to a line of soldiers.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must kill him” (See: Active or Passive)

These two opposite things are a merism that refers to everything the king does. Alternate translation: “You must stay near the king at all times” (See: Merism)

2 Kings 11:9

The phrase “commander of hundreds” is probably an official title for a military officer. This could mean: (1) the word “hundreds” represents the exact amount of soldiers that each of these commanders led. Alternate translation: “the commanders of 100 soldiers” or (2) the word translated as “hundreds” does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. Alternate translation: “the commanders of military divisions” See how you translated this in 2 Kings 11:4. (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “Each commander”

2 Kings 11:10

Alternate translation: “were stored in the temple”

2 Kings 11:11

Some versions translate the first two occurrences of “temple” as “palace.” These versions say, “from the right side of the palace to the left side of the palace, near the altar and the temple.”

2 Kings 11:12

Jehoiada, the high priest, brought king Ahaziah’s son, Joash, out from the temple apartment where he had been raised in hiding.

Alternate translation: “presented him with the book of the law”

The priest poured olive oil on the head of Joash as a symbol that he was now the king. Alternate translation: “poured some olive oil on Joash’s head” (See: Symbolic Action)

Clapping their hands was a sign of the happiness of the people at the anointing of the new king.

2 Kings 11:13

This refers to the noise made by all the soldiers.

Alternate translation: “she came to where the people had gathered at the temple”

2 Kings 11:14

Alternate translation: “When she arrived, she was surprised to see King Joash standing”

Alternate translation: “by one of the pillars of the temple”

Alternate translation: “which was the usual place for the king to stand”

Alternate translation: “the people who played the trumpets”

She tore her clothes to express that she was very upset and angry. (See: Symbolic Action)

Alternate translation: “You are traitors! You have betrayed me!”

2 Kings 11:15

The phrase “commander of hundreds” is probably an official title for a military officer. This could mean: (1) the word “hundreds” represents the exact amount of soldiers that each of these commanders led. Alternate translation: “the commanders of 100 soldiers” or (2) the word translated as “hundreds” does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. Alternate translation: “the commanders of military divisions” See how you translated this in 2 Kings 11:4. (See: Numbers)

“Take her away between two rows of guards” or “Lead her away with a row of soldiers on each side of her.” Ranks are lines or rows of soldiers.

It is implied that a person who followed her would be trying to help her. Alternate translation: “Anyone who follows to try to rescue her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 11:16

Some versions translate this as “the guards seized her and took her to the palace, to the place where horses enter the courtyard.”

2 Kings 11:17

Alternate translation: “also made a covenant between the king and the people”

2 Kings 11:18

This is a generalization to show that a large group of people tore down the temple of Baal. Alternate translation: a large number of the people of the land” (See: Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “the temple of Baal”

This is the name of a male priest. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 11:19

They take the new king, Joash, from the temple to the palace.

The phrase “commander of hundreds” is probably an official title for a military officer. This could mean: (1) the word “hundreds” represents the exact amount of soldiers that each of these commanders led. Alternate translation: “the commanders of 100 soldiers” or (2) the word translated as “hundreds” does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. Alternate translation: “the commanders of military divisions” See how you translated this in 2 Kings 11:4. (See: Numbers)

This is the name of a particular group of the royal guards.

Alternate translation: “brought the king from the temple to the palace”

2 Kings 11:20

This is a generalization. It is possible that some did not rejoice. Alternate translation: “many people in the land rejoiced” (See: Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “the city was calm” or “the city was peaceful”

2 Kings 11:21

“Joash was 7 years old” (See: Numbers)

2 Kings 12

2 Kings 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the end of the story of the revival in Judah under Joash.

Special concepts in this chapter

Temple

Joash repaired the temple. In many ways, the temple represents the relationship between the people and Yahweh. (See: temple, house, house of God)

2 Kings 12:1

“During year 7 of the reign of Jehu over Israel” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “Joash began to reign over Judah”

This was the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Zibiah, from the city of Beersheba”

2 Kings 12:2

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh judges to be right” or “what Yahweh considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “teaching him”

2 Kings 12:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But the people did not destroy the high places” (See: Active or Passive)

Yawheh forbid the people to worship at these place. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “The people continued to go to places that were unacceptable to Yahweh, to make sacrifices and burn incense” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 12:4

This refers to money that people gave to support the temple. This money came in three forms that are described in the rest of the sentence.

2 Kings 12:6

Alternate translation: “when Joash had been king for twenty three years”

2 Kings 12:7

Joash asks this question to rebuke the priests. Alternate translation: “You should have been repairing the temple!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “pay workers who will do the repairs”

2 Kings 12:9

Alternate translation: “Instead of the priests collecting the money, Jehoiada”

Alternate translation: “on the right side of the entrance to the temple”

Alternate translation: “put into the chest” or “put in the box”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the money that people brought” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 12:10

Many versions put this in a more logical order such as “count the money and put it in bags.”

This could mean: (1) “put the money in bags” or (2) “tied up the money in bags” .

Alternate translation: “the money that they found in the chest”

2 Kings 12:11

Alternate translation: “counted”

Here “hands” refers to the men. Alternate translation: “to men” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “who repaired the temple”

people who build and repair things made of wood

2 Kings 12:12

people who build with stone

people who cut stones into the correct size and shape

Alternate translation: “to buy wood and to cut stone”

Alternate translation: “to pay for all of the needed repairs”

2 Kings 12:13

Alternate translation: “was not spent to pay for any of the temple’s”

These are items that would have been used by the priests for various temple tasks, such as sacrifices or festivals.

2 Kings 12:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they did not require the men who received the money and paid the workmen for the repairs to account for the money” (See: Active or Passive)

to keep a record of how much money was received and spent

2 Kings 12:16

It is implied that this money was not used for the repairs. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they did not use the money from the guilt offerings and the sin offerings to pay for the repairs to the temple of Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

2 Kings 12:17

This refers to Hazael’s army as well as to Hazael. Alternate translation: “Hazael king of Aram and his army attacked … Then they turned to attack” (See: Synecdoche)

This is the name of the king of the country of Syria. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “defeated and took control of it”

2 Kings 12:18

These men were previous kings of Judah. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “dedicated”

Alternate translation: “the gold that was stored in the storerooms”

The gifts Joash gave Hazael convinced him not to attack Jerusalem. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “So Hazael stopped attacking Jerusalem and left”

2 Kings 12:19

This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in 2 Kings 8:23. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the history of the kings of Judah.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 12:20

The location of this place is unknown. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 12:21

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “in the place where his ancestors were buried”

Alternate translation: “became the next king of Judah”

2 Kings 13

2 Kings 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the last chapter about Elisha.

Special concepts in this chapter

Elisha’s death

The king of Israel is upset when Elisha is dying. Elisha assures him that he will have three victories over Aram.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The king compares the protection that Elisha had given Israel to “The chariot of Israel and the horsemen.” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 13:1

“After Joash had been ruling Judah for almost 23 years” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “rule over the kingdom of Israel located in Samaria”

Alternate translation: “Jehoahaz was king for 17 years”

2 Kings 13:2

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “did the same sins as Jeroboam”

Here stopping his sin is spoken of as if he turned away from them. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Jehoahaz did not stop doing the sins of Jeroboam” or “Jehoahaz continued to do the same sins as Jeroboam” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 13:3

Yahweh becoming angry with Israel is spoken of as if his anger was a fire that burned. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh became very angry with Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Here “them” refers to Israel and “hand” refers to the power to control them. Alternate translation: “allowed Hazael the king of Aram, and Ben Hadad, his son, to repeatedly defeat the Israelites in battle” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 13:4

Alternate translation: “prayed to Yahweh”

2 Kings 13:5

Alternate translation: “someone to rescue them”

Here “hand” refers to the power to control them. Alternate translation: “he enabled them to be free from Aram’s power” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 13:6

To stop sinning is spoken of as if they departed from the sins. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Israel did not stop doing the same sins as Jeroboam had done” or “Israel continued to commit the same sins as Jeroboam had committed” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “the family of Jeroboam”

2 Kings 13:7

Alternate translation: “had defeated the army of Jehoahaz”

The Aramean army had so severely defeated the army of Israel that what remained was so worthless that it is compared to wheat chaff that the laborers walk on at harvest time. Alternate translation: “had crushed them as workers crush chaff under their feet at harvest time” (See: Simile)

2 Kings 13:8

This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in 2 Kings 1:18. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 13:9

This is a polite way of saying that he died. (See: Euphemism)

2 Kings 13:10

“After Joash had ruled Judah for almost 37 years” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “Jehoash son of Jehoahaz began to rule over Israel in Samaria”

This was a king of Israel who was the son of Jehoahaz. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 13:11

Here “sight” represents God’s thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “He did things that Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

To stop sinning is spoken of as if he left behind the sins. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Jehoash did not stop committing the same sins as Jeroboam” or “Jehoash kept committing the same sins as Jeroboam” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “by which Jeroboam had caused Israel to sin”

To sin is spoken of as if he was walking along a sinful path. Alternate translation: “but Jehoash continued to do these same sins” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 13:12

Here the strength of Jehoash’s army is spoken of as Jehoash’s “might.” Alternate translation: “the power that his army showed when they fought against the army of Amaziah king of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in 2 Kings 1:18. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 13:13

This a polite way to say that Jehoash died. (See: Euphemism)

Here “sat on his throne” refers to ruling as king. Alternate translation: “Jeroboam became king after him” or “Jeroboam began to rule after him” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 13:14

Alternate translation: “wept because Elisha was sick”

Elisha was not the king’s literal father. King Joash used this term as a sign of respect.

This is a reference to Elijah going to heaven in 2 Kings 2:11 and 2 Kings 2:12. Joash uses this phrase to say that Elisha was going to die. Alternate translation: “the chariots of Israel and the horsemen are taking you to heaven” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This refers to the men who drove the chariots. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the drivers of the chariots” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 13:17

Alternate translation: “open the window that faces east” or “open that window towards the east”

Since this happens after Joash takes the bow and arrows, he may have had a servant open the window. Alternate translation: “So a servant opened it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “Joash shot the arrow”

The relationship between the arrow and victory can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “This arrow is a sign from Yahweh that he will give you victory over Aram” or “This arrow symbolizes the victory Yahweh will give you over Aram” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This was a city in the land of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 13:19

Alternate translation: “But Elisha was angry with King Joash”

Alternate translation: “until you completely destroyed it” or “until they were completely wiped out”

2 Kings 13:20

This word marks a break in the main story line. This new section gives background information for the part of the story that follows. (See: Background Information)

Alternate translation: “each year during spring”

2 Kings 13:21

Alternate translation: “As some Israelites were burying a man’s body”

It can be made explicit that they were afraid of the Moabites. Alternate translation: “they saw a group of Moabite raiders coming toward them and they were afraid” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “the grave where Elisha was buried”

Here “the man” refers to his dead body. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “As soon as the dead man’s body touched the bones of Elisha” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “the dead man came back to life and stood up”

2 Kings 13:23

It may be helpful to divide this sentence into shorter parts. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh was very kind to the Israelite people. He helped them”

Yahweh’s covenant is the reason he did not destroy Israel. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “This is the reason that Yahweh did not destroy them” or “Because of his covenant, Yahweh did not destroy them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh’s rejection is spoken of as if he had physically driven Israel away from where he was. Alternate translation: “has not rejected them” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 13:24

These are names of kings. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “became king after him”

2 Kings 13:25

These are names of kings. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “Jehoash” and “him” refer to the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: “Jehoash’s army attacked Ben Hadad’s army three times” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “Jehoash took back control of the Israelite cities that Ben Hadad had captured”

2 Kings 14

2 Kings 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The text begins to alternate between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah again.

Special concepts in this chapter

Pride

Pride in one’s success can make a person attempt and fail at something else. Amaziah defeated Edom so he wanted to fight Israel. But Israel defeated him and thoroughly humiliated him.

2 Kings 14:1

Alternate translation: “When Jehoash son of Jehoahaz had been king of Israel for almost two years”

Alternate translation: “Amaziah son of Joash, became the king of Judah”

2 Kings 14:2

“He was 25 years old when he became king” (See: Numbers)

“he was the king in Jerusalem for 29 years” (See: Numbers)

(See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 14:3

Here “the eyes of Yahweh” refers to his sight, and his sight refers to his judgment. Alternate translation: “Amaziah did many things that pleased Yahweh, but he did not do as many things that pleased Yahweh as King David had done” (See: Metaphor)

Joash obeyed Yahweh and did good things. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “He did the same good things that his father Joash had done” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 14:4

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The high places were used for pagan worship. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “But he did not remove the high places” (See: Active or Passive)

The high places were used for pagan worship. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “sacrificed and burned incense to pagan gods at the high places”(See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 14:5

This is used to introduce a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as soon as Amaziah securely established his royal rule and kingly authority” (See: Active or Passive)

Amaziah probably ordered other people to kill the officials. Alternate translation: “he made his servants execute the officials” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 14:6

The narrator tells about what king Amaziah did after his father King Joash was murdered.

King Amaziah did not order his servants to kill the children of the men who killed his father. If he was going to have them executed though, he would have commanded his servants do it, he would not have done it himself. Alternate translation: “But he did not tell his servants to execute those officials’ children” (See: Synecdoche)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People must not kill the fathers for the sins of their children, and they must not kill the children for the sins of their parents” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “every person must die for his own sin” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 14:7

Here “He” refers to his army. Alternate translation: “Amaziah’s army killed” or “Amaziah’s soldiers killed” (See: Synecdoche)

“10,000 soldiers” (See: Numbers)

This is the name of a place that is located south of the Dead Sea.

Here the word “he” refers to King amaziah and represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “King Amaziah’s army captured the city of Sela” (See: Synecdoche)

They renamed the city of Sela. The new name was Joktheel. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 14:8

Here “each other” also included their armies. Alternate translation: “Then Amaziah sent messengers to King Jehoash of Israel, saying, ‘Come here and let us and our armies fight each other in battle.’” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 14:9

This is a word picture and a riddle. A cedar tree is great and a thistle is small and worthless. Jehoash compares himself to the cedar and Amaziah to the thistle and warns Amaziah not to attack. If you have a similar comparison in your own language, you can use it. (See: Metaphor)

type of bush with thorns

This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “asking the cedar to give his daughter to the thistle’s son for a wife” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

2 Kings 14:10

This is the warning part of Jehoash’s message to Amaziah. “Amaziah, you have definitely defeated Edom”

This is an idiom that refers to being proud. Alternate translation: “you are very proud of what you have done” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “Be content with your victory”

Jehoash uses this question to warn Amaziah not to attack him. Alternate translation: “for you should not cause trouble for yourself and suffer defeat” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 14:11

Here “listen” refers to obeying the warning. Alternate translation: “However, Amaziah would not obey Jehoash’s warning” (See: Metonymy)

The armies of these kings went to battle with them. Alternate translation: “So Jehoash and his army went to fight Amaziah and his army and they met each other” (See: Synecdoche)

This is a town in Judah near the border of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 14:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Israel defeated Judah” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “all the men in the army of Judah ran home”

2 Kings 14:13

This is what happened after the army of Israel defeated the army of Judah at Beth Shemesh.

Here “He” refers to Jehoash and his army. Alternate translation: “Jehoash and his army came … Jehoash’s soldiers took” (See: Synecdoche)

There are the names of gates in the wall of Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

“about 180 meters” (See: Numbers)

A cubit was about 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

2 Kings 14:14

Here “He” refers to Jehoash and his army. Alternate translation: “Jehoash and his army came … Jehoash’s soldiers took” (See: Synecdoche)

This implies that Jehoash needed to take these hostages to prevent Amaziah from attacking again. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and they also took to Samaria some prisoners to make sure that Amaziah would cause them no more trouble” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 14:15

This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in 2 Kings 1:18. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 14:16

This is a polite way to say that he died. Alternate translation: “Then Jehoash died” (See: Euphemism)

Alternate translation: “became king after him”

2 Kings 14:18

This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in 2 Kings 8:23. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the history of the kings of Judah.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 14:19

A conspiracy is a secret plan to do harm to someone or something. Alternate translation: “Some people in Jerusalem plotted against Amaziah”

This is a city in southwestern Judah. (See: How to Translate Names)

The men who made the conspiracy sent other men to follow Amaziah to Lachish.

2 Kings 14:20

This is what happened after the death of King Amaziah.

Alternate translation: “They brought Amaziah’s body back on horses”

2 Kings 14:21

This is a generalization. Some people may not have wanted him to be king. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah took the 16 year-old Azariah and made him king after his father, Amaziah” (See: Hyperbole)

This king is better known today by the name “Uzziah.”

2 Kings 14:22

Azariah did not do this alone. Alternate translation: “It was Azariah who ordered Elath to be rebuilt” or “It was Azariah who supervised the rebuilding of Elath” (See: Synecdoche)

a city in Judah (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “returned it to Judah”

This is a poetic way to say he died. (See: Euphemism)

2 Kings 14:23

This describes what King Uzziah did after he became king.

“In year 15 of Amaziah” (See: Numbers)

“41 years” (See: Numbers)

2 Kings 14:24

Here “sight” is a metaphor for judging or considering. Alternate translation: “evil according to Yahweh” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

To stop sinning is spoken of as leaving a path. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “He did not stop committing the same sins as Jeroboam” or “He continued to commit the same sins as Jeroboam” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 14:25

This means his army restored the land up to the border. Alternate translation: “His soldiers conquered again some of the territory that had previously belonged to Israel” (See: Metonymy)

This city was also called Hamath. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “the Dead Sea”

2 Kings 14:26

Suffering that was difficult is spoken of as if it had a bitter taste. Alternate translation: “it was very difficult” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “there was no one who could rescue Israel”

2 Kings 14:27

To completely destroy Israel is spoken of as if Yahweh wiped them away with a cloth. Alternate translation: “completely destroy” (See: Metaphor)

Here “the name of Israel” represents all of Israel and its inhabitants. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “on earth”

Here “hand” is a metonym for power. Also, “Jehoash” is a synecdoche representing Jehoash and his army. Alternate translation: “he enabled King Jeroboam and his army to rescue them” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

2 Kings 14:28

This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in 2 Kings 1:18. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 14:29

This is a polite way to say that he died and was buried. Alternate translation: “Jeroboam died, and was buried where the other kings of Israel were buried” (See: Euphemism)

2 Kings 15

2 Kings 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel’s evil

Israel assassinated one king after another. The Assyrians began attacking Israel. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)

2 Kings 15:1

It can be stated clearly that this is the twenty-seventh year of his reign. Alternate translation: “In year 27 of the reign of Jeroboam” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Numbers)

This king is better known today by the name “Uzziah.”

2 Kings 15:2

This is the name of Azariah’s mother. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 15:3

Alternate translation: “Azariah did what was right”

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what was right in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 15:4

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one took away the high places” or “Azariah did not have anyone take the high places away” (See: Active or Passive)

Being taken away represents being destroyed. Alternate translation: “were not destroyed” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 15:5

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word death, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “die.” Alternate translation: “until the day he died” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The word “household” refers to the people living in the king’s palace. Because Azariah was a leper, he had to live in a separate house. So his son, Jotham, took charge over the palace.

Being over the household represents having authority over those in it. Alternate translation: “was in charge of the household” or “had authority over those in Azariah’s palace” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 15:6

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Azariah is in this other book. This can also be stated in active form. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 8:23. Alternate translation: “they are written … Judah.” or “you can read about them … Judah.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

2 Kings 15:7

Sleeping represents dying. Alternate translation: “Azariah died as his ancestors had” or “like his ancestors, Azariah died” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

Alternate translation: “his family buried him where his ancestors had been buried”

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Azariah” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 15:8

It can be stated clearly that this is the thirty-eighth year of his reign. Alternate translation: “In year 38 of the reign of Azariah king of Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Numbers)

This Jeroboam was the second king of Israel that had that name. He was the son of King Jehoash.

Samaria is the city that Zechariah lived in when he was king of Israel. Alternate translation: “lived in Samaria and reigned over Israel for six months”

2 Kings 15:9

Alternate translation: “Zechariah did what was evil”

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

Departing from sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate translation: “Zechariah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat” or “He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned” (See: Metaphor)

This Jeroboam was the first king of the ten northern tribes that made up the kingdom of Israel.

Here the word “Israel” represents the people of the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “who had caused the people of Israel to sin” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 15:10

These are the names of two men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “against King Zechariah”

This was the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Then Shallum became king in Zechariah’s place”

2 Kings 15:11

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you can read about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 15:12

It can be stated clearly that the events described in verse 10 fulfilled the word of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “What happened to Zechariah was according to the word of Yahweh” or “What happened to Zechariah fulfilled the word of Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Sitting on the throne represents being the king. Alternate translation: “Your descendants will be the kings of Israel for four generations” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 15:13

It can be stated clearly that this is the thirty-ninth year of his reign. Alternate translation: “in year 39 of the reign of Azariah king of Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Numbers)

These are the names of two men. See how you translated these names in 2 Kings 15:10. (See: How to Translate Names)

Samaria is the city that he lived in when was king of Israel. Alternate translation: “Shallum lived in Samaria and reigned over Israel for only one month” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 15:14

These are the names of two men. (See: How to Translate Names)

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Shallum” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 15:15

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word conspiracy, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “plan.” It can be stated clearly what this conspiracy was. Alternate translation: “how he planned to murder King Zechariah” or “and how he murdered King Zechariah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you can read about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 15:16

This is the name of a city. Some versions have “Tappuah,” which is the name of another city. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 15:17

It can be stated clearly that this is the thirty-ninth year of his reign. Alternate translation: “In year 39 of the reign of Azariah king of Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Numbers)

2 Kings 15:18

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word life, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “live.” Alternate translation: “The whole time that he lived” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Departing from sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate translation: “Zechariah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat” or “He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “Israel” represents the people of the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “who had caused the people of Israel to sin” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 15:19

The phrase “Pul the king of Assyria” represents Pul and his army. Alternate translation: “Pul the king of Assyria came with his army against the land” (See: Synecdoche)

Pul is the name of a man who was king of Assyria. He was also named Tiglath-Pileser. (See: How to Translate Names)

The phrase “came against” is an idiom meaning to attack. “The land” refers to the land of Israel and represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “came with his army to attack the people of Israel” (See: Idiom and Metonymy)

“1,000 talents of silver.” You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “thirty-three thousand kilograms of silver” or “thirty-three metric tons of silver” (See: Numbers and Biblical Money)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word support, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “support.” Alternate translation: “so that Pul might support him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Having the kingdom in his hand represents ruling the kingdom. Alternate translation: “to strengthen his rule over the kingdom of Israel” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 15:20

Alternate translation: “took this money from Israel”

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “six hundred grams of silver” or “three-fifths of a kilogram of silver” (See: Biblical Money)

Alternate translation: “did not stay there in Israel”

2 Kings 15:21

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Menahem is in this other book. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 1:18. Alternate translation: “they are written in The Book of the Events of the Kings of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 15:22

Sleeping represents dying. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 10:35. Alternate translation: “Menahem died as his ancestors had” or “like his ancestors, Menahem died” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

This a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Menahem” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 15:23

It can be stated clearly that this is the fiftieth year of his reign. Alternate translation: “In year 50 of the reign of Azariah king of Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Numbers)

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 15:24

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

Leaving behind sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate translation: “Pekahiah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat” or “He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “Israel” represents the people of the kingdom of Israel. (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 15:25

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “secretly planned to kill Pekahiah”

“50 men” (See: Numbers)

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “the fortified part of the king’s palace” or “the safe place in the king’s palace”

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Pekahiah” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 15:26

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you can read about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 15:27

It can be stated clearly that this is the fifty-second year of his reign. Alternate translation: “In year 52 of the reign of Azariah king of Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Numbers)

2 Kings 15:28

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

Departing from sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate translation: “Zechariah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat” or “He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 15:29

It can be stated clearly that this refers to the time of Pekah’s reign. Alternate translation: “In the days of the reign of Pekah king of Israel” or “During the time that Pekah was king of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

In 2 Kings 15:19 this man was called “Pul.” (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of cities or regions. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “He” refers to Tiglath-Pileser and represents him and his army. Carrying the people to Assyria represents forcing them to go to Assyria. Alternate translation: “He and his army forced the people to go to Assyria (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

It can be stated clearly which people these are. Alternate translation: “the people of those places” or “the people of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 15:30

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

A conspiracy is a secret plan by a group to do harm to someone or something.

Alternate translation: “Hoshea attacked Pekah and killed him”

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Pekah” (See: Metaphor)

It can be stated clearly that this is the twentieth year of his reign. Alternate translation: “In year 20 of the reign of Jotham son of Uzziah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Numbers)

2 Kings 15:31

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you can read about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 15:32

It can be stated clearly that this is the second year of his reign. Alternate translation: “In year 2 of the reign of Pekah son of Remaliah, king of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Numbers)

Alternate translation: “Jotham son of Azariah, king of Judah became king of Judah”

2 Kings 15:33

“He was 25 years old…16 years” (See: Numbers)

This is a woman’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 15:34

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what was right in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 15:35

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one took away the high places” or “Jotham did not have anyone take the high places away” (See: Active or Passive)

Being taken away represents being destroyed. Alternate translation: “were not destroyed” (See: Metaphor)

“Jotham built” represents Jotham making his workers build it. Alternate translation: “Jotham had his workers build the upper gate” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 15:36

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Jotham is in this other book. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 8:23. Alternate translation: “they are written in The Book of the Events of the Kings of Judah.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 15:37

This refers to a time period. What time period this refers to can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “During that time” or “While Jotham was king of Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are men’s names. Pekah was the king of Israel. See how you translated them in 2 Kings 15:37. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 15:38

Sleeping represents dying. Alternate translation: “Jotham died as his ancestors had” or “Like his ancestors, Jotham died” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Jotham” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 16

2 Kings 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Ahaz

Ahaz was a wicked king. Israel and Aram united to fight against him, so he paid the Assyrian king to attack Aram. Assyria defeated the people of Aram and took them into captivity. The people were to trust in Yahweh and not rely on military alliances with other Gentile nations. This showed a lack of trust in the power of Yahweh. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

2 Kings 16:1

It can be stated clearly that this is the seventeenth year of his reign. Alternate translation: “In year 17 of the reign of Pekah son of Remaliah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Numbers)

These are men’s names. Pekah was the king of Israel. See how you translated them in 2 Kings 15:25. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 16:2

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what was right in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh his God considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

David had done what is right.

2 Kings 16:3

Walking represents behavior and actions. Alternate translation: “King Ahaz acted the same way that the kings of Israel had acted” or “he did the things that the kings of Israel had done” (See: Metaphor)

Here “following” represents doing what others do. Alternate translation: “copying the disgusting things that the other nations did, the nations” (See: Metaphor)

The word “nations” represents the people of other nations. Here it refers to the people of the nations who had lived in that land. Alternate translation: “the people of other nations” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Drive out” means “force out.” Alternate translation: “which Yahweh had forced to leave”

The people of those nations fled as the people of Israel moved into the land. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “before the people of Israel who moved into the land” or “as the people of Israel moved into the land” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 16:4

These are places where the people of the other nations worshiped their false gods.

God wanted his people to offer sacrifices to him in Jerusalem. The word “every” here is an exaggeration to show how determined King Ahaz was to disobey God by offering sacrifices in many other places instead. Alternate translation: “under many green trees” or “under many green trees around the country” (See: Hyperbole)

2 Kings 16:5

These are men’s names. See how you translated them in 2 Kings 15:37. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ahaz was in Jerusalem. Here “Ahaz” represents himself and the people who were in Jerusalem with him. Alternate translation: “surrounded the city with Ahaz in it” or “surrounded Ahaz and the others in the city with him” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 16:6

Here “Aram” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “took back control of the city of Elath for the people of Aram” (See: Metonymy)

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 2 Kings 14:22. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “forced the men of Judah to leave Elath”

This means to the time of the writing of this book.

2 Kings 16:7

In 2 Kings 15:19 this man was called “Pul.” See how you translated his name in 2 Kings 15:29. (See: How to Translate Names)

Being a servant and a son represents submitting to someone’s authority. Alternate translation: “I will obey you as if I were your servant or your son” (See: Metaphor)

The hand is a metonym that represents power. Alternate translation: “from the power of the king of Aram and from the power of the king of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

The kings attacking Ahaz represent the armies of those kings attacking Ahaz and his people. Alternate translation: “who have attacked me with their armies” or “whose armies have attacked me” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 16:9

The word “king” represents the king and his army. Also, Damascus represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the king of Assyria and his army attacked the people of Damascus” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy)

Carrying off the people represents forcing them to go away. Alternate translation: “made the people his prisoners and forced them to go to Kir” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) this is the name of a city or (2) this word means “city” and refers to the capital city of Assyria. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 16:10

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “all the instructions that the workers needed in order to build it” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 16:13

This is what King Ahaz did after he returned from Damascus and visited the new altar which Uriah the priest had built for him.

Alternate translation: “King Ahaz made his burnt offering”

This refers to the altar that King Ahaz told Uriah to build.

2 Kings 16:14

Both of these phrases tell where the bronze altar was. They refer to the same place.

2 Kings 16:15

This refers to the new altar that Ahaz told Uriah to build.

When Ahaz said “the king” and “his,” he was referring to himself. The king treated his offerings as special. Alternate translation: “my burnt offering and my grain offering” or “the royal burnt offering and royal grain offering” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

2 Kings 16:17

“the movable stands” or “the carts.” These stands had wheels on them so they could be moved around.

“he also removed the large bowl.” The “sea” was a huge basin or water bowl that was made of bronze.

2 Kings 16:18

Why they did this can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “to please the king of Assyria” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 16:19

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Ahaz is in this other book. This can also be stated in active form. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 8:23. Alternate translation: “they are written in The Book of the Events of the Kings of Judah.” or “someone has written about them in The Book … Judah.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

2 Kings 16:20

Sleeping represents dying. Alternate translation: “Ahaz died as his ancestors had” or “like his ancestors, Ahaz died” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people buried him with his ancestors” (See: Active or Passive)

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Ahaz” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 17

2 Kings 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter ends the story about the kingdom of Israel and continues with Judah alone.

Special concepts in this chapter

Idol worship

Israel continued to worship idols, so God punished them by allowing Assyria to conquer them and take them away. Assyria brought people from other lands and settled them in what used to be Israel’s territory and the new people worshiped their own gods in addition to Yahweh. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

2 Kings 17:1

Hoshea became the king of the northern kingdom of Israel.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Samaria was the capital city of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 17:2

He did not obey Yahweh’s laws as given to Moses. “In the sight of” is metaphor for judgment or opinion. Alternate translation: “evil to Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 17:3

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Hoshea did as the King of Assyria commanded and brought money to him so that the King would not destroy Israel.

2 Kings 17:4

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “every year”

Alternate translation: “put Hoshea in prison”

2 Kings 17:5

put troops around the city in order to force it to surrender

2 Kings 17:6

The name “Israel” is metonymy for the people living there. Alternate translation: “took the Israelite people to Assyria” (See: Metonymy)

These are the names of locations. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 17:7

The narrative pauses to summarize Yahweh’s judgment on Israel.

This refers to the capture of the Israelites by the Assyrians.

“Hand” is metonymy for control, authority or power. Alternate translation: “the control of” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 17:8

“Walking” is metaphor for the ways or patterns of behavior people use in their lives. Alternate translation: “doing the activities” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 17:10

These are exaggerations to show that worship of false gods was widespread. Alternate translation: “on high hills and under green trees everywhere” (See: Hyperbole)

2 Kings 17:11

Possible ways to render this: (1) “did many wicked things that caused Yahweh to become angry” or (2) “did many sinful things that made Yahweh angry”

2 Kings 17:12

Alternate translation: “about which Yahweh had warned them”

2 Kings 17:13

Yahweh spoke through the prophets.

Alternate translation: “Stop doing the evil things you have been doing”

The prophets were sent by Yahweh to remind the people of God’s Laws and to obey them.

2 Kings 17:14

They were unwilling to follow God’s laws and rely on Yahweh as their God.

2 Kings 17:15

They refused to obey God’s Laws.

They followed the practices of the people around them.

Alternate translation: “not to copy”

2 Kings 17:16

Cast metal figures are objects made by pouring melted metal into a form (or mold) to make a shape.

2 Kings 17:17

used magic to say what would happen in the future

To “sell themselves” is a metaphor for committing completely to do that which was evil. Alternate translation: “committed themselves to do things that Yahweh said were evil” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 17:18

“Sight” is metonymy for being within the attention of Yahweh so he no longer cared for them. Alternate translation: “removed them from his attention” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 17:19

The summary of Yahweh’s judgment on Israel includes how Judah also fell into idolatry.

The location “Judah” is metonymy for the people that live there. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 17:20

Alternate translation: “Yahweh punished the Israelites”

“Hand” is metonymy for control, power or authority. Alternate translation: “handed them over to those who robbed them of their property” (See: Metonymy)

“his sight” is metaphor for attention and caring. Alternate translation: “until he got rid of them all” or “until they were no longer in his presence” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 17:21

“He tore” here is a metaphor for violent removal. Alternate translation: “Yahweh removed the people of Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “from the rule of David’s descendants”

Alternate translation: “turned the people of Israel away from following Yahweh”

2 Kings 17:22

Alternate translation: “the Israelites did not stop committing these sins” or “they did not turn away from those sins”

2 Kings 17:23

“Sight” here is a metaphor for attention and care. Alternate translation: “so Yahweh removed the people of Israel from his attention and care” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 17:24

These are places in the Assyrian empire. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 17:25

Alternate translation: “When those people first lived there”

2 Kings 17:26

Alternate translation: “The people you have moved from other lands and sent to live in the cities of Samaria”

Alternate translation: “do not know how to worship the God that the Israelites worshiped in this land”

2 Kings 17:27

Alternate translation: “Take a priest who came from Samaria back there”

Alternate translation: “let the Samaritan priest teach the people who are living there now”

2 Kings 17:30

These are the names of gods, both male and female. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 17:31

These are the names of gods, both male and female. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “sacrificed their own children” or “burned their children in fire as an offering”

2 Kings 17:32

This refers to the pagan people that the king of Assyria moved into the cities of Samaria.

2 Kings 17:34

Alternate translation: “they continue in the same habits as before”

The people were only interested in appeasing Yahweh. They were either not interested or not aware Yahweh was interested in a relationship with them.

2 Kings 17:36

The summary comes toward the end with an appeal to worship only Yahweh.

The phrase “raised arm” is metonymy for displaying power and means basically the same thing as “great power.” Alternate translation: “with very great power” (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

2 Kings 17:37

Alternate translation: “obey them”

2 Kings 17:39

The summary now ends with an appeal to worship only Yahweh and a description of the sins of the people.

2 Kings 17:40

“Listen” here is a metaphor for paying attention and acting on the command. Alternate translation: “They did not obey” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 17:41

These nations feared Yahweh only to the point of appeasing him the same way they treated their own gods.

“and have continued ever since.” The phrase “this day” refers to the time period in which the writer lived.

2 Kings 18

2 Kings 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story of Hezekiah, one of the great kings of Judah (2 Kings 18 – 20). Because he was so important, there is more space dedicated to the history of his reign.

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust in Yahweh

Hezekiah trusted and obeyed God. He stopped paying tribute to Assyria so the Assyrians invaded Judah. The Assyrian king told the people of Judah that resistance was useless. Despite this, Hezekiah trusted in the power of Yahweh. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

2 Kings 18:1

Hezekiah becomes king over Judah in place of his father King Ahaz.

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 18:2

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 18:3

“In the eyes” here is a metaphor for Yahweh’s attention and care. Alternate translation: “King Hezekiah did what was right to Yahweh” or “Hezekiah did things that Yahweh said are right” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 18:4

Alternate translation: “Hezekiah removed the high places of worship, smashed into pieces the memorial stones, and cut down the wooden poles of Asherah”

This name could be translated “Bronze Serpent Idol.” (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 18:6

To “hold on” is metaphor for staying loyal and attached. Alternate translation: “Hezekiah stayed loyal to Yahweh” or “Hezekiah remained faithful to Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 18:7

Alternate translation: “wherever Hezekiah went he was successful”

2 Kings 18:8

city with a wall all around it

2 Kings 18:9

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 18:11

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “So the king of Assyria commanded his army to take the Israelites away from their homes, and he made them live in Assyria”

2 Kings 18:12

“Voice” is metonymy for the message about the command of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the command of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 18:13

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Cities with walls around them for protection. See how you translated “fortified city” in 2 Kings 18:8.

2 Kings 18:14

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

This expression assumes that “me” represents the kingdom of Hezekiah. Alternate translation: “Take your army out of my territory” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “I will pay you whatever you demand of me”

This is the name of type of weight that was used for money. One talent weighted about 33 kilograms. (See: Biblical Money)

2 Kings 18:15

This was the place in the palace where money and valuable things were stored.

2 Kings 18:17

Sennacherib sent a group of men from his army to Jerusalem to meet with King Hezekiah, including officials named Tartan and Rabsaris.

Some Bibles translate these as proper names. Other versions of the Bible translate them as titles. Alternate translation: “the Tartan … the Rabsaris” or “the leader of the soldier … a court official” (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

the channel where the water stored in the “upper pool” flows into the city of Jerusalem

Alternate translation: “and waited there for King Hezekiah to meet with them”

2 Kings 18:18

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 18:19

The King of Assyria (through his messenger Rabshakeh) wants to make King Hezekiah doubt himself and Egypt’s support. He does not ask this question looking for an answer. Alternate translation: “You have no reason to think that you can defeat me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 18:20

The King of Assyria (through his messenger Rabshakeh) wants to make King Hezekiah doubt himself and Egypt’s support. He does not ask this question looking for an answer. Alternate translation: “You cannot trust anyone to help you rebel against me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 18:21

The King of Assyria compares Egypt to a weak walking stick; you expect that it will support you when you lean on it, but instead it breaks and cuts you. Alternate translation: “the weak support from Egypt” (See: Metaphor)

The speaker is extending the metaphor by describing what happens when a reed is used as a support. Alternate translation: “but if someone uses this for support, he will be injured” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 18:22

This question assumes the listeners know the answer and is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “You need to remember that he is the one whose high places … Jerusalem’!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 18:24

He asks this question to emphasize that the army of Hezekiah does not have the resources to fight. He also uses exaggeration to mock Hezekiah’s army. Alternate translation: This could mean: (1) “You could not defeat even one of the least of the king’s soldiers.” or (2) “You could not defeat a group of the king’s soldiers commanded by his least important officer.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Hyperbole)

2 Kings 18:25

He asks this question to emphasize that Yahweh is behind his success to obey the command to destroy Israel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh himself told us to come here and destroy this land!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 18:26

Translate the names of these men as in 2 Kings 18:18. (See: How to Translate Names)

“In the ears” is metonymy for being able to listen. Alternate translation: “because the people standing on the city wall will hear it and be afraid” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 18:27

He asks these questions assuming the listeners know the answers to emphasize their intention to destroy and humiliate the leaders and people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “My master sent me not only to you and your master, but also to speak to the people in this city, who will suffer with you when they have to eat their own dung and drink their own urine to survive.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 18:29

“my power” is metonymy for the ability of the king himself. Alternate translation: “from me” or “from the power of my army” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 18:30

This can be expressed in an active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will never allow the king of Assyria’s army to take this city” (See: Active or Passive)

“Hand” is metonymy for control, authority and power. (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 18:31

Alternate translation: “Come out of the city and surrender to me” or “Make an agreement with me to surrender, and come out of the city to me”

These sources of food and water are metaphors for security and plenty. This also was a common way of expressing this idea. (See: Metaphor and Idiom)

2 Kings 18:32

These are metaphors for having good things and plenty in daily life. (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 18:33

He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: “None the gods of the peoples have rescued them … Assyria.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 18:34

He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: “I have destroyed the gods of … Arpad!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These are the names of places that represent the people living there. (See: How to Translate Names)

“Hand” is metonymy for control, power, or authority. Alternate translation: “out from my control” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 18:35

He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: “No god has rescued his land from my power.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

“My power” is metonymy for the person whose has the power. Alternate translation: “from me” (See: Metonymy)

He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: “There is no way Yahweh can save Jerusalem from my might!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 18:37

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who managed the king’s palace”

Alternate translation: “the history keeper”

and is the translation of the Hebrew; some see this as a personal name, “Rabshakeh”

2 Kings 19

2 Kings 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Hezekiah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

God’s power

God is in control of everything. God caused the Assyrian king to fail in conquering Jerusalem because he mocked God.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

“The virgin daughter of Zion” here is an idiom meaning the people of Jerusalem. “The virgin daughter of Zion despises you and laughs you to scorn” means that “the people of Jerusalem know that Assyria will fail because they have mocked God.” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 19:1

This is another way of saying “temple of Yahweh.”

2 Kings 19:2

These are all names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Hezekiah sent Eliakim”

Alternate translation: “all wearing sackcloth”

2 Kings 19:3

Alternate translation: “This is a time of distress”

This is a metaphor to describe how the people and their leaders have become so weak and unable to fight the enemy. (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 19:4

Alternate translation: “everything that the chief commander has said”

This a common way (an idiom) to use the action of lifting to metaphorically represent praying earnestly to Yahweh who is above us. Alternate translation: “pray earnestly” (See: Metaphor and Idiom)

2 Kings 19:7

Alternate translation: “I will control the attitude of the king of Assyria, so when he hears a report, he will want to return to his own country”

“I will influence his thinking” or “I will cause him to think differently.” Here “spirit” probably refers to his attitude and thoughts, rather than to a spirit being.

“Fall by the sword” is metonymy for being killed. Alternate translation: “I will cause him to die by the sword” or “I will cause some men to kill him with a sword” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 19:8

Alternate translation: “the official from Assyria in charge under the king”

Alternate translation: “discovered that the Assyrian army was fighting”

The names of cities in the kingdom of Judah. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 19:9

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “had prepared his army to fight against Assyria”

Alternate translation: “so Sennacherib sent”

This message was written in a letter.

2 Kings 19:10

This is the message that King Sennacharib of Assyria sent to King Hezekiah.

Alternate translation: “Do not believe your God in whom you trust. He is lying when he says”

“Hand” is metonymy for control, authority or power. Alternate translation: “the control of the government of Assyria” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 19:11

“Notice, you have heard” or “You have certainly heard.” Here “see” was used to draw attention to what he was about to say next.

Sennacharib used this question to emphasize that God will not be able to rescue them. Alternate translation: “Your God will not rescue you!” or “You will not be able to escape either!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 19:12

This question assumes Hezekiah knows the answer and provides emphasis. Alternate translation: “The gods of the nations, the nations … destroyed—Gozan … Assar—certainly did not rescue them!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “the previous kings of Assyria” or “the armies of the previous kings of Assyria”

These are all place names. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 19:13

These are all place names. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 19:14

This refers to the letter that King Sennacherib of Assyria sent to Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:8).

2 Kings 19:15

You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahweh’s footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. Alternate translation: “you who sit on your throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 19:16

Both of these sentences urge Yahweh to pay attention to the things that Sennacherib is saying. (See: Parallelism)

The words “Turn your ear” and “listen” mean the same thing and add emphasis to the plea. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, please listen to what he is saying” (See: Doublet)

The words “Open your eyes” and “see” mean the same thing and add emphasis to the plea. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, please pay attention to what is happening” (See: Doublet)

2 Kings 19:18

Alternate translation: “The Assyrian kings have burned up the gods of the other nations”

Alternate translation: “Assyrians have destroyed both the nations and the nations’ gods”

2 Kings 19:19

Alternate translation: “I beg of you”

Alternate translation: “from the power of the King of Assyria” or “from the armies of the King of Assyria”

2 Kings 19:21

“Virgin daughter” here is a metaphor for the people of Jerusalem as if they are young, vibrant and beautiful. The term “daughter” was used to give personal characteristics to cities by some biblical writers. Alternate translation: “The beautiful people of Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

Both of these sentences intend to give the same meaning. (See: Parallelism)

“Daughter” is metaphor for the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “The people of the city of Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor)

This action is a metaphor to represent disdain at the pride of the Assyrians. Alternate translation: “scorns you” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 19:22

Yahweh uses rhetorical questions to rebuke Sennacherib. Alternate translation: “You have defied and insulted me! You have exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes in pride against me, the Holy One of Israel!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

“lifted up your eyes in pride” is metonymy for a haughty or arrogant facial expression. Alternate translation: “looked at very proudly” (See: Metonymy)

An expression for the God of Israel, Yahweh.

2 Kings 19:23

To “defy” is to openly resist or mock.

These boasts made by Sennacherib could only be fulfilled by his army. The pronoun “I” represents him and his army. (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 19:24

This is a boast that Sennacherib has so many soldiers that their feet dry up the water when they cross a river. This is an exaggeration to emphasize the great number of soldiers he has. Alternate translation: “And by marching through the streams of Egypt, we dried them all up!” (See: Hyperbole)

2 Kings 19:25

To make the point strongly this question assumes the listener knows the answer. Alternate translation: “Surely you know how … times.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “cities that cannot be captured” or “cities surrounded by high walls”

2 Kings 19:26

This metaphor compares the weak victims of the Assyrian advance to fragile plants. Alternate translation: “as frail as plants and grass in the fields” or “as weak as shallow rooted plants” (See: Metaphor)

This continues the metaphor comparing the weak victims of the Assyrian advance to fragile plants in difficult conditions for growing fully. Alternate translation: “like grass before it has matured” or “like grass before it has grown tall” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 19:27

Alternate translation: “angry shouting about me”

2 Kings 19:28

“Ears” are metonymy for listening or hearing. Alternate translation: “because I have heard your proud words” (See: Metonymy)

A “hook” and a “bit” (to control a horse) are metaphors for Yahweh’s control of Sennacherib. Alternate translation: “I will lead you like an animal” (See: Metaphor)

That Sennacherib will return home before he can conquer Jerusalem can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I will make you return to your own country the same way you came, without conquering Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 19:29

Alternate translation: “grows without having been planted”

2 Kings 19:30

This metaphor compares restoration of the remnant to plantings that take hold and produce results. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah who remain alive will restore their lives and prosperity” or “The people who remain in Judah will prosper and have many children” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 19:31

Alternate translation: “The strong action of Yahweh will make this happen”

2 Kings 19:32

This is the end of the message from Yahweh, spoken through the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah. It uses parallelism throughout. (See: Parallelism)

“Arrow” is metonymy representing all tools of warfare and destruction. Alternate translation: “nor do any fighting here” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “and they will not even build up high mounds of earth against the city wall to enable them to attack the city”

2 Kings 19:33

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

2 Kings 19:34

Alternate translation: “for the sake of my own reputation and because of what I promised to King David, who served me well”

2 Kings 19:35

Alternate translation: “It happened”

“one hundred eighty-five thousand soldiers” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “When the men who were left alive got up”

2 Kings 19:37

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 20

2 Kings 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter finishes the story of Hezekiah.

Special concepts in this chapter

Hezekiah’s additional time

God hears the distressed call of his faithful believers. Hezekiah was dying but when he prayed, God gave him 15 more years of life. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy and believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief)

2 Kings 20:1

“House” is metonymy for what was under Hezekiah’s control. Alternate translation: “Give final instructions to your household and government” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 20:3

This is a common way of speaking, an idiom, urging Yahweh to remember. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “lived my life” (See: Idiom)

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in your judgment” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 20:4

“Word” represents the message Yahweh revealed to Isaiah. This is a common way of speaking, an idiom. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his word” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

2 Kings 20:5

The second part reinforces the first part to make one message by using parallelism. Alternate translation: “I have heard your prayers and seen your tears” (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “two days from now” The day Isaiah said this was the first day, so “the third day” would be the same as “two days from now.”

2 Kings 20:6

15 years (See: Numbers)

“Hand” is metonymy for power, authority and control. Alternate translation: “from the control of the king of Assyria” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 20:7

Alternate translation: “paste made of boiled figs”

Alternate translation: “Hezekiah’s servants did this and put the paste on Hezekiah’s sore”

2 Kings 20:9

The source of “the shadow” can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Do you want Yahweh to make the shadow caused by the sunlight on the stairway to go forward ten steps or to go back ten steps?” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This expression refers to the “stairway of Ahaz” in 2 Kings 20:11. This was probably a special stairway built for King Ahaz in such a way that its steps marked the hours of daylight as the sun’s rays advanced along them. In this way, the staircase served to tell the time during the day.

2 Kings 20:10

Why “it is an easy thing” can be stated clearly. “It is easy to cause the shadow to move forward ten steps, because that is the normal thing for it to do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 20:11

This was probably a special stairway built for King Ahaz in such a way that its steps marked the hours of daylight as the sun’s rays advanced along them. In this way, the staircase served to tell the time during the day. Alternate translation: “the steps that had been built for King Ahaz” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 20:12

These are the names of the king of Babylon and his son. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 20:13

Alternate translation: “carefully considered those letters” or “heard the message from the king of Babylon”

Here “There was nothing … did not show them” is an exaggeration used for emphasis. It means Hezekiah showed them all of his most valuable things. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Hezekiah showed him absolutely everything valuable in his house and in all his kingdom” (See: Double Negatives and Hyperbole)

2 Kings 20:14

This refers to the men sent to King Hezekiah with a message and gifts from Marduk-Baladan.

2 Kings 20:15

Hezekiah repeats the same idea in two ways to emphasize his point. (See: Hyperbole and Parallelism)

“Nothing” and “not” cancel each other out to make the idea positive. This exaggeration is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “I showed them absolutely every one of my valuable things” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Kings 20:16

Why Isaiah spoke can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “So, because Isaiah knew Hezekiah had been foolish to show the men all his valuable things, Isaiah said to him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh”

2 Kings 20:17

“Listen to me, someday there will come a time when”; “Look” is used to draw attention to what Isaiah is about to tell Hezekiah.

“Days” is synecdoche to refer to an undefined span of time. (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 20:19

Alternate translation: “Because Hezekiah thought”

Hezekiah asks this question for emphasis knowing the answer already. Alternate translation: “I can be sure that there will be peace and stability in my days.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 20:20

A small area of still water for storage

A tunnel for carrying the water

This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in 2 Kings 8:23. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the history of the kings of Judah.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 21

2 Kings 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God’s judgment

God judges sin. When Manasseh worshiped idols and did many evil things, God said he would cause Judah to be destroyed by its enemies. (See: judge, judgment and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and evil, wicked, unpleasant)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

“I will wipe Jerusalem clean, as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down” means “God would completely destroy Jerusalem.” (See: Simile)

2 Kings 21:1

The mother of King Manasseh (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 21:2

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

Another possible meaning is “including the disgusting things.”

2 Kings 21:3

Manasseh would have commanded his workers to do the building for him. Alternate translation: “he had the high places rebuilt … he had altars built for Baal, had an Asherah pole made” or “he had his workers rebuild the high places … he had them build altars for Baal, make an Asherah pole” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 21:4

The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem is where I will forever make known who I am” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 21:5

It is implied that he built these altars so people could make sacrifices and worship the stars. Also, he would not have built these altars himself, rather he would have commanded his workers to do it. Alternate translation: “He had his workers build altars in the two courtyards of the house of Yahweh so that the people could worship the stars and offer them sacrifices” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metonymy)

2 Kings 21:6

You may need to make explicit why he caused his son be put into the fire and what happened after he did so. Alternate translation: “He burned his son to death as an offering to his gods” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “asked for information from”

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated a similar phrase in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “many things that were evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “many things that Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 21:7

Manasseh probably did not do the work. His servants would have done the work. Alternate translation: “that Manasseh had ordered his servants to make” (See: Metonymy)

Here Yahweh putting his “name” on the temple represents him designating it as the place to worship him. Alternate translation: “where I want people to worship me forever” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 21:8

The feet are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” or “the Israelites” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 21:9

Here “nations” refers to the people who had lived in the land of Canaan before the Israelites had arrived. Alternate translation: “even more than the people whom Yahweh had destroyed as the people of Israel advanced through the land” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 21:13

The words “measuring line” and “plumb line” are metaphors for the standards Yahweh uses to judge people. Alternate translation: “judge Jerusalem using the same measure I used when I judged Samaria and the house of Ahab” (See: Metaphor)

Samaria is the capital city and it represents all the people of the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “against the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

a tool made of a heavy weight and a thin rope used to show if a wall is straight

Here “house” represents family. Alternate translation: “the family of Ahab” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 21:14

Alternate translation: “I will abandon” or “I will reject”

Here the “hand” of the enemies refers to their enemies’ control. Alternate translation: “let their enemies defeat them and take over their land” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 21:16

Alternate translation: “Also, Manasseh” or “In addition, Manasseh”

The words “shed much innocent blood” are a metonym for killing people violently. It might be best to translate this so the reader understands that other people helped Manasseh do this. Alternate translation: “Manasseh ordered his soldiers to kill many innocent people” (See: Metonymy)

This hyperbole emphasizes the great number of people Manasseh had killed throughout Jerusalem. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word death, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “dead people.” Alternate translation: “there were very many dead people throughout Jerusalem” (See: Hyperbole and Abstract Nouns)

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 21:17

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how this phrase is translated in 2 Kings 8:23. Alternate translation: “they are written … Judah.” or “you can find them … Judah.” (See: Active or Passive and Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 21:18

This is a polite way of saying he “died, as his ancestors had, and” (See: Euphemism)

This could mean: (1) “the garden that had once belonged to a man named Uzza” or (2) “Uzza Garden.” (See: How to Translate Names)

This is a man’s name (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 21:19

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 21:20

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 21:21

“walked in all the ways that his father walked in.” The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “lived completely the way his father had lived” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 21:22

Alternate translation: “He went away from Yahweh” or “He paid no more attention to Yahweh”

2 Kings 21:23

Alternate translation: “made plans and worked together to harm him”

2 Kings 21:24

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: “some of the people in Judah” (See: Hyperbole)

“made plans and worked together to harm.” See how you translated this in 2 Kings 21:23.

2 Kings 21:25

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 8:23. Alternate translation: “they are written … Judah.” or “you can find them … Judah.” (See: Active or Passive and Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 21:26

This could mean: (1) “the garden that had once belonged to a man named Uzza” or (2) “Uzza Garden.” See how you translated this in 2 Kings 21:18. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 22

2 Kings 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The next two chapters (2 Kings 22-23) tell about the spiritual revival under King Josiah. A revival occurs when the people begin to worship Yahweh properly again. (See: spirit, wind, breath)

Special concepts in this chapter

The law

The priests found a copy of the law in the temple and took it to the king. He was upset because the people had disobeyed the law so badly. Josiah asked God about it. God said that he would destroy Judah for these sins but not in Josiah’s lifetime, since he humbled himself and wanted to do better. Many scholars believe this was a copy of the book of Deuteronomy. (See: priest, priesthood, law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and temple, house, house of God and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

2 Kings 22:1

“31 years” (See: Numbers)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a town in Judah. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 22:2

Here “eyes” represents Yahweh’s thoughts or what he considered about something. Alternate translation: “He did what Yahweh considered to be right” or “He did what was right according to Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

“He walked in all the ways of David his ancestor” Josiah behaving as David did is spoken of as if he walked on the same road or way as David. Alternate translation: “He lived the way David his ancestor had lived” or “He followed the example of David his ancestor” (See: Metaphor)

To fully obey Yahweh is spoken of as if a person were on the correct road and never turned from it. Alternate translation: “he did not do anything that would displease Yahweh” or “he fully obeyed all the laws of Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 22:3

If your language has a way to mark the beginning of a new part of the story, consider using it here.

“Eighteenth” is the ordinal form of 18. Alternate translation: “year 18” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 22:4

The phrase “Go up” is used because Yahweh’s temple was higher in elevation than where King Josiah was located. Alternate translation: “Go to Hilkiah”

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the temple guards who gathered the money from the people brought into the temple of Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

This is another name for the “temple” (verse 3).

2 Kings 22:5

Here “house of Yahweh” and “temple” mean the same thing.

Here “hand” represents the workmen as a whole. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Tell Hilkiah to give the money to the workmen” (See: Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

2 Kings 22:6

Here “them” refers to the workmen who are in charge of the house of Yahweh in 2 Kings 22:5.

These are the same as the workmen who are in the house of Yahweh in 2 Kings 22:5. Here the workers are described in more detail.

workers who build with wood

workers who build with stone

2 Kings 22:7

Here “them” and “they” refer to the workmen who are in charge of the house of Yahweh in 2 Kings 22:5.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the workmen who were in charge did not have to report how they used the money that the temple guards gave them” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “because they used the money honestly”

2 Kings 22:8

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 18:18. (See: How to Translate Names)

Most likely these laws were written on a scroll. A scroll was a type of book made of one long, rolled-up sheet of papyrus or leather.

2 Kings 22:9

Here “hand” represents the workmen as a whole. Alternate translation: “given it to the workmen” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 22:11

If your language has a way to mark the beginning of a new part of the story, consider using it here.

Here “words” represents the message of the law. Alternate translation: “had heard the laws that were written in the book” or “had heard the laws that were written in the scroll” (See: Metonymy)

This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness. (See: Symbolic Action)

2 Kings 22:12

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 22:13

It is made clear in 22:14 that the king means for the men to go to the prophetess of Yahweh to determine Yahweh’s will.

to go to someone to ask for advice

Here “words” represents the laws. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the laws in this book that Hilkiah has found” (See:Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

Yahweh’s anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that was lit. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh is very angry with us” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the law that was given to Israel. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all that Moses wrote in the law that we should do” or “all the laws that God gave through Moses to the people of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 22:14

This is a woman’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

This could mean: (1) the person who took care of the clothing that priests wore in the temple or (2) the person who took care of the king’s clothing.

Here “second quarter” refers to the new part of the city that was built on the north side of Jerusalem. Also, “second” is the ordinal form of 2. Alternate translation: “she lived in Jerusalem in the new part of the city” or “she lived in the new part of Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Ordinal Numbers)

2 Kings 22:15

Here “the man” refers to King Josiah.

2 Kings 22:16

Yahweh causing terrible things to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that he could bring to a place. Alternate translation: “I will cause terrible things to happen to this place and to those who live there” (See: Metaphor)

“to Jerusalem.” This refers to the city of Jerusalem which represents the whole land of Judah. Alternate translation: “to Judah” (See: Synecdoche)

2 Kings 22:17

Yahweh’s anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that was lit. Alternate translation: “my anger against this place is like a fire that cannot be put out” (See: Metaphor)

Here “place” represents the people who live in Jerusalem and Judah. Alternate translation: “these people” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 22:18

Here “words” represents the message that Huldah just spoke. Alternate translation: “About the message that you heard” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 22:19

Here “heart” represents a person’s inner being. Feeling sorry is spoken of as if the heart were tender. Alternate translation: “because you felt sorry” or “because you repented” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

The abstract nouns “desolation” and “curse” can be stated as an adjective and a verb. Alternate translation: “that I would make the land desolate and would curse them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness. (See: Symbolic Action)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 19:33. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

2 Kings 22:20

This is the end of the message from Yahweh to King Josiah through the prophetess Huldah.

Both statements mean basically the same thing. They are polite ways of saying he will die. Alternate translation: “So I will allow you to die and be buried peacefully” (See: Parallelism and Euphemism)

Here “will not see” represents not experiencing something. Alternate translation: “You will not experience” (See: Metonymy)

Here “eyes” represents the whole person. (See: Synecdoche)

Yahweh causing terrible things to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that Yahweh would bring to a place. Alternate translation: “the terrible things I will cause to happen in this place” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 23

2 Kings 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Josiah ends in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Ending idolatry

Josiah destroyed idolatry in Judah and in the deserted areas of Israel. But he fought against Egypt and was killed in battle. After his death, Egypt set up a government of Judah that it controlled.

2 Kings 23:2

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: “many other people” (See: Hyperbole)

This merism includes everyone in between. Alternate translation: “from the least important to the most important” (See: Merism)

Alternate translation: “Then the king read aloud so that they could hear”

In 2 Kings 22:8 it states that Hilkiah found the book. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “that Hilkiah had found” or “that they had found” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 23:3

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path, and “to walk after” someone is a metonym for doing what that other person does or wants others to do. Alternate translation: “live obeying Yahweh” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

These words all share similar meanings. Together they emphasize everything that Yahweh had commanded in the law. (See: Doublet)

The idiom “with all his heart” means “completely” and “with all his soul” means “with all his being.” These two phrases have similar meanings. Alternate translation: “with all his being” or “with all his energy” (See: Idiom and Doublet)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “that this book contained” (See: Active or Passive)

This idiom means to “obey the terms of the covenant.” (See: Idiom)

2 Kings 23:4

Alternate translation: “the other priests who served him”

men who guarded the gates to the temple

Alternate translation: “so people could use them to worship Baal … so people could use them to worship all the stars”

The word “he” refers to Josiah. He would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: “he had them burn them … and carry them” (See: Metonymy)

names of places (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 23:5

The word “He” refers to Josiah. He would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: “He had them get rid” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “as a way to worship Baal, the sun and the moon, the planets, and all the stars”

2 Kings 23:6

The word “he” refers to Josiah. He would have commanded his workers to do these things. Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: “He had them bring out … and burn it … He had them beat it … and throw” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 23:7

The word “He” refers to Josiah. He would have commanded his workers to do these things. Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: “He had them clear” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “made clothes”

2 Kings 23:8

Josiah would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: “He commanded them to bring … and to defile … He had them destroy” (See: Metonymy)

names of places (See: How to Translate Names)

“the city ruler named Joshua” or “the city leader named Joshua.” This is a different Joshua from the Joshua in the Old Testament Book of Joshua.

2 Kings 23:9

Here “brothers” refers to their fellow priests who served at the temple.

2 Kings 23:10

place names (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “put his son or his daughter in the fire and burn them as an offering to Molech”

2 Kings 23:11

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and “the priests under him” (2 Kings 23:4), might have helped Josiah do this. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This could mean: (1) real horses or (2) statues of horses.

Here “given” represents being dedicated for worship. Alternate translation: “had used to worship the sun” (See: Metonymy)

a man’s name (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 23:12

Josiah would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: “Josiah the king commanded them to destroy … He had them smash … had them throw” (See: Metonymy)

Manasseh and the kings of Judah probably commanded their workers to make these things. Alternate translation: “the kings of Judah had their workers make … Manasseh had his workers make” (See: Metonymy)

place name. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 23:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 23:13

Josiah would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: “He had them ruin … He had them break … they filled” (See: Metonymy)

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do these things. Alternate translation: “Solomon the king of Israel had his workers build” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 23:14

Josiah would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: “He had them break … they filled” (See: Metonymy)

“covered the ground with human bones so people could not use it as a shrine anymore” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 23:15

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and “the priests under him” (2 Kings 23:4), might have helped Josiah do these things. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 23:16

Alternate translation: “had said that these things would happen”

2 Kings 23:17

marker or statue that honors a person. A tomb is one kind of monument.

2 Kings 23:18

Alternate translation: “So they did not touch his bones or the bones of”

2 Kings 23:19

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and “the priests under him” (2 Kings 23:4), might have helped Josiah do these things. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, probably the kings’ workers, might have helped the kings make these things. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “what he had done”

2 Kings 23:20

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and “the priests under him” (2 Kings 23:4), might have helped Josiah do these things. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

You may need to make explicit why he burned the bones. “he burned human bones on them so no one would use them again” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 23:21

Alternate translation: “You must celebrate the Passover”

2 Kings 23:22

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The descendants of Israel had not celebrated the Passover festival in such a great way in the time of” (See: Active or Passive)

The name “Israel” is a metonym for “the descendants of Israel.” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the time when the people of Israel had their own king and the people of Judah had their own king”

2 Kings 23:23

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah celebrated this Passover of Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 23:24

Alternate translation: “forced those … spirits to leave” or “made a law that those … spirits had to leave”

See how you translated “those who talked with the dead and … those who talked with spirits,” in 2 Kings 21:6.

things that people wrongly believe have special power

2 Kings 23:25

Alternate translation: “who gave himself completely to Yahweh”

Alternate translation: “And since then there has never been a king who was like Josiah”

2 Kings 23:26

The writer uses this word to show that even though all of these things that Josiah did were good, Yahweh was still angry with Judah.

Fire is a metaphor for anger, and starting a fire is a metaphor for becoming angry. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **anger, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Yahweh did not stop being fierce because he was angry with” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “had done to cause him to be angry”

2 Kings 23:27

Alternate translation: “from where I am” or “from being near me”

The name is a metonym for the honor that people should give to the person. Alternate translation: “People should worship me there” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 23:28

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 8:23. Alternate translation: “you can find them … Judah.” (See: Active or Passive and Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 23:29

Alternate translation: “During the time of Josiah, Pharaoh Necho, king of Egypt”

Necho is the name of a man. Megiddo is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 23:31

“23 years old” (See: Numbers)

This is a woman’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 23:32

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 23:33

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

Being put “in chains” represents being captured and imprisoned. Alternate translation: “put him in prison” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “forced the people of Judah to give him”

A talent was about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “3,300 kilograms…33 kilograms” (See: Biblical Money)

2 Kings 23:35

Alternate translation: “Jehoikim collected taxes from the people who owned land”

This could mean: (1) “the people who lived in the land of Judah” or (2) “the richest and most powerful of those who lived in Judah.”

2 Kings 23:36

This is a woman’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 23:37

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 24

2 Kings 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

These last two chapters are the final defeat of Judah and the beginning of their exile to Babylon.

Special concepts in this chapter

God’s punishment

God punished Judah because of their sin. The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem and carry away all the craftsmen, soldiers and wealthy. They make Zedekiah the king. He was not truly a king because he lacked absolute authority. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

2 Kings 24:1

Alternate translation: “During the time that Jehoiakim ruled Judah”

You may need to make explicit what happened after Nebuchadnezzar attacked Judah. Alternate translation: “attacked and defeated Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 24:2

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “This was according to the word of Yahweh that his servants the prophets had spoken” or “This was exactly what Yahweh had told his servants the prophets to say would happen” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 24:3

Some versions have, “It was certainly because of the wrath of Yahweh,” which is just as good a reading of the original text. If translators have access to versions in major languages in their region, they should probably follow their choice.

Here “mouth” represents Yahweh’s command. Alternate translation: “as Yahweh had commanded” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “get rid of them” or “destroy them”

2 Kings 24:4

Blood is a metonym for innocent life, and shedding blood is a metonym for killing innocent people. Alternate translation: “innocent people whom he killed” (See: Metonymy)

Blood is a metonym for innocent life, and shedding blood is a metonym for killing innocent people. Alternate translation: “he killed many innocent people in Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 24:5

This is written as a rhetorical question because at the time this was written people were already aware of this information. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. It can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 8:23. Alternate translation: “they are indeed written … Judah.” or “you can find them … Judah” (See: Active or Passive and Rhetorical Question)

2 Kings 24:6

Sleeping is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: “died and was buried along with his ancestors” (See: Euphemism)

2 Kings 24:7

Alternate translation: “The king of Egypt did not come out of his land any more to attack other people groups”

2 Kings 24:8

Nehushta is the name of a woman. Elnathan is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 24:9

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

Here “all” is a generalization. It means he did the same sinful things as his father. Alternate translation: “he committed the same kinds of sins his father had committed” (See: Hyperbole)

2 Kings 24:12

You may need to make explicit why Jehoiachin went out to meet Nebuchadnezzar. Alternate translation: “Jehoiachin the king of Judah, with his mother, his servants, his princes, and his officers, went out to where the king of Babylon was, to surrender to him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “After the king of Babylon had been king for more than seven years, he captured Jehoiachin”

2 Kings 24:13

You might want to translate this so the reader understands that Solomon might have had others help him do this. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 24:14

Here “Jerusalem” is a metonym for the people who lived there. And, “all” is a generalization. It means all the most important people Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar took all the important people away from Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy and Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “the men who knew how to make and repair things that are made from metal”

This can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “Only the poorest people in the land still lived there” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Kings 24:16

“7,000…1,000” (See: Numbers)

2 Kings 24:17

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 24:18

“21…11” (See: Numbers)

This is a woman’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 24:19

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

2 Kings 25

2 Kings 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the final defeat of Judah and the beginning of their exile to Babylon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Zedekiah’s revolt

Zedekiah revolted against the Babylonians, so they came and completely destroyed Jerusalem. They tore down the city walls and took the rest of the people to Babylon as slaves, except the very poorest people remained.

2 Kings 25:1

(See: Ordinal Numbers)

This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of December on Western calendars. This is during the cold season when there may be rain and snow. (See: Ordinal Numbers and Hebrew Months)

The name “Jerusalem” is a metonym for the people who lived in it. Alternate translation: “came with his whole army to fight against the people of Jerusalem” or “came with his whole army to conquer Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 25:3

This is the fourth month of the Hebrew calendar. The ninth day is near the end of June on Western calendars. This is during the dry season when there is very little or no rain. (See: Ordinal Numbers and Hebrew Months)

These are the inhabitants of Jerusalem, including refugees from the surrounding villages that fled to Jerusalem when the war started.

2 Kings 25:4

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then the Babylonian army broke into the city” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “all the warriors”

Alternate translation: “by using the gate”

Some translations use “Chaldeans” and others use “Babylonians.” Both terms refer to the same people group.

Alternate translation: “King Zedekiah also fled and he went toward”

2 Kings 25:5

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “His whole army ran away from him” or “The Chaldeans chased away his whole army” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Kings 25:6

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “decided what they would do to punish him”

2 Kings 25:7

The eyes are synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “they forced king Zedekiah to watch them kill his sons” (See: Synecdoche)

“Nebuchadnezzar put out Zedekiah’s eyes.” It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people might have helped Nebuchadnezzar do this. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 25:8

This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. The seventh day is near the end of July on Western calendars. (See: Ordinal Numbers and Hebrew Months)

This is the ordinal form of the number 19. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 25:10

Alternate translation: “This is what happened to all the walls around Jerusalem: all”

Alternate translation: “who were following the orders of”

2 Kings 25:11

Alternate translation: “This is what happened to the rest of the people … city: those”

Alternate translation: “the people who remained in the city”

Alternate translation: “left the city and gone to be with the king”

2 Kings 25:13

Alternate translation: “This is what happened to the bronze pillars … Yahweh: the Chaldeans”

This refers to the large, moveable bronze stands with bronze wheels and axles. “the moveable bronze stands” or “the bronze stands with wheels”

Alternate translation: “the large bronze basin”

Alternate translation: “cut them into pieces” or “chopped them up into small pieces”

2 Kings 25:14

A shovel was a tool that was used to clean the altar, typically used to move big piles of dirt, sand, or ashes.

Alternate translation: “which the priests had used in the temple service”

2 Kings 25:15

You may need to make explicit which ashes are spoken of. Alternate translation: “The pots that were used for removing ashes from the altar” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Kings 25:16

“the large bronze basin.” See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:13.

See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:13.

2 Kings 25:17

A cubit was 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 8.3 meters … about 1.4 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “an artistic, bronze design” or “a bronze piece with designs”

This was a design made of crossed strips that looked like a net.

Alternate translation: “completely made of bronze”

2 Kings 25:18

See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:8.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

These words refer to Zephaniah. Another possible meaning is “the priest under Seraiah.”

See how you translated this in 2 Kings 7:10.

2 Kings 25:19

Alternate translation: “captured and kept from escaping”

Other translations may read “a eunuch who was in charge of soldiers.” A eunuch is a man whose private parts have been removed.

This could mean: (1) the officer forced men to become soldiers or (2) the officer wrote down the names of the men who became soldiers.

2 Kings 25:20

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:8.

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:6.

2 Kings 25:21

This is a polite way of saying “killed them.” It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people might have helped the king do this. (See: Euphemism and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “So Judah was taken into exile out of its land”

Judah, the name of the people group, is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah went out of their land” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 25:22

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 25:23

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to a person who is a descendant of a man named Netophah. (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to a person who comes from a place called Maakah. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 25:25

This is the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 25:26

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: “many people” (See: Hyperbole)

This is a merism that means “everyone,” which is a generalization. Alternate translation: “from the least important to the most important” or “everyone” (See: Merism)

2 Kings 25:27

(See: Ordinal Numbers)

This is the twelfth month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-seventh day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Kings 25:28

Giving a good place at the dining table is a metonym for honoring him. Alternate translation: “more honor than the other kings” (See: Metonymy)

2 Kings 25:29

The act of removing Jehoiachins’ prison clothes represents making him a free man. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “with the king and his officials”

2 Kings 25:30

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The king made sure that he had a regular food allowance” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “Money to buy food”