2 Kings 14:22 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 14:22 mean?

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.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 14:22

• 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.

Why 2 Kings 14:22 matters

• 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.