The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.

2 CHRONICLES 28:18KJV
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2 Chronicles 28:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 28:18 mean?

2 Chronicles 28:18 reports that the Philistines invaded and captured several towns in the lowland and southern regions of Judah, including Bethshemesh, Ajalon, Gederoth, Shocho, Timnah, and Gimzo, along with their surrounding villages, and settled in those places. This verse highlights the extent of the Philistine advance and the loss of territory suffered by Judah during this period.

The verse is part of a historical account describing the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, a time marked by military defeat and national weakness. The Chronicler is explaining to his readers how Judah’s enemies, specifically the Philistines, took advantage of Judah’s vulnerability by seizing key towns and establishing themselves there, further diminishing Judah’s control over its land.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 28:18

  • "Philistines" (פְּלִשְׁתִּים, P'lishtim): This word refers to a well-known neighboring people who were frequent adversaries of Israel and Judah. Their mention here emphasizes the seriousness of Judah’s losses.
  • "Invaded" (פָּשַׁט, pashat): This word often carries the sense of a forceful incursion or raid, not just a peaceful entry. It highlights the aggression and violence of the Philistine action.
  • "Cities" (עָרִים, arim): The use of this word, along with the specific town names, shows that the Philistines were not just raiding but actually taking over established communities.
  • "Dwelt" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word means to settle or inhabit, indicating that the Philistines were not merely passing through but intended to stay and control these areas.

Why 2 Chronicles 28:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Judah’s troubles under King Ahaz were not limited to attacks from one enemy; multiple groups, including the Philistines, were taking advantage of Judah’s weakness.
  • By listing the specific towns and their villages, the verse shows the real and lasting impact of these invasions on the everyday lives of Judah’s people, not just on the king or the capital.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in 2 Chronicles 28 of the consequences of poor leadership and unfaithfulness, helping readers understand the historical reasons behind Judah’s suffering at this time.

Where else these words appear

“Gederoth” Hebrew H1450 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 15:41 And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:

“Shocho” Hebrew H7755 · used in 7 verses

  • Joshua 15:35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,
  • 1 Samuel 17:1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:18 And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took.

“Ajalon” Hebrew H357 · used in 10 verses

  • Joshua 10:12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
  • Judges 1:35 But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:69 And Aijalon with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs:

“Timnah” Hebrew H8553 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 38:12 And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.
  • Joshua 15:10 And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which is Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:
  • Judges 14:1 And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.