Question 1

What does 2 Kings 14:22 mean?

Accepted Answer

2 Kings 14:22 says that after the previous king died, his successor rebuilt the city of Elath and brought it back under the control of Judah. This verse highlights a moment of restoration and expansion for the kingdom after a period of loss or change. The verse is part of a summary about King Azariah (also called Uzziah), who took the throne after his father, King Amaziah, died. The focus is on Azariah’s action of rebuilding Elath, a strategic port city, and returning it to Judah’s territory, showing a positive achievement early in his reign.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 14:22

Accepted Answer

The word "built" (בָּנָה, banah) often means more than just constructing buildings; it can also suggest reestablishing or strengthening a city’s defenses, which fits the context of reclaiming an important location. "Restored" (שׁוּב, shuv) means to return or bring back, emphasizing that Elath had previously been lost to Judah and was now being reclaimed. "Slept" (שָׁכַב, shakav) is a respectful way of saying that the king died, using the image of sleeping with one’s ancestors, which was a common phrase for death in the Hebrew Bible.

Question 3

Why 2 Kings 14:22 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that Judah regained control of a valuable city, Elath, after a period of instability, which would have been significant for trade and security. The mention of the king "sleeping with his fathers" signals a transition of power and helps the reader track the timeline of Judah’s kings. The restoration of Elath connects to the broader theme in Kings of how leaders’ actions affected the nation’s fortunes, showing how a new king could reverse losses from previous reigns.

2 Kings 14:22 (KJV)