What does 2 Kings 14:7 mean?
"He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day." - 2 Kings 14:7
The Bible verse 2 Kings 14:7 in the King James Version reads: "He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day."
This verse comes from the Book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament and is part of a larger narrative detailing the reign of King Amaziah of Judah. This particular passage describes a military campaign led by King Amaziah against the people of Edom.
To understand the context of this verse, it is necessary to look at the broader historical and political situation of the time. The kingdom of Judah, ruled by King Amaziah, was located in the southern region of the land of Israel. The neighboring kingdom of Edom, located to the southeast, had been a longstanding adversary of the Israelites. The valley of salt mentioned in the verse is believed to be a reference to the region of the Dead Sea, which was known for its salt deposits.
The verse begins by stating that King Amaziah "slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand." This indicates that he led a successful military campaign against the Edomites, resulting in a significant number of casualties on the side of his enemies. The language used here is characteristic of many passages in the Old Testament that depict military conquests and conflicts between different nations.
It goes on to say that King Amaziah "took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day." Selah, also known as Petra, was the capital city of the Edomites and was located in a highly defensible position within a rocky mountainous area. By capturing Selah, King Amaziah achieved a significant victory over the Edomites and expanded his territory. The renaming of the city to Joktheel is a common practice in ancient cultures, signifying the conquering ruler's authority and ownership over the conquered land.
From a thematic perspective, this verse speaks to the theme of military conquest and the exercise of power and authority. It reflects the historical reality of ancient kingdoms engaging in warfare to expand their territories and assert their dominance over rival nations. In the context of the Old Testament, the military victories of kings like Amaziah were often attributed to divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's will.
Symbolically, this verse can be seen as a representation of the broader biblical theme of the triumph of good over evil. In the narrative, King Amaziah is depicted as a righteous ruler who leads his people to victory against their enemies. His success in battle is attributed to his obedience to God's commandments and his commitment to upholding the faith of the Israelites.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 14:7 provides a glimpse into the historical and political dynamics of the ancient Near East, as well as the thematic and symbolic significance of military conquests in the Old Testament. It serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between different nations and the role of divine providence in shaping the course of human history.
Have questions about 2 Kings 14:7?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Kings 14:7 Artwork
2 Kings 14:7 - "He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day."
"He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day." - 2 Kings 14:7
2 Kings 7:14 - "They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see."
2 Kings 7:2
2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
"They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see." - 2 Kings 7:14
2 Kings 14:29 - "And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead."
2 chronicles 7:14
2 chronicles 7:14
2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 14:16 - "And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 14:14 - "And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria."
2 Kings 7:11 - "And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within."
2 Kings 7:7 - "Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life."
2 Kings 14:22 - "He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers."
2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."
2 Kings 14:15 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 2:7 - "And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan."
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
"And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" - 2 Kings 14:18
2 Kings 14:1 - "In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah."
2 Kings 25:14 - "And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away."
1 Kings 14:7 - "Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel,"
1 Kings 2:14 - "He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on."
2 Kings 17:14 - "Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God."
Humble ourselves and pray 2 Chronicles 7:14
2 Kings 20:7 - "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."
2 Kings 22:7 - "Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully."
2 Kings 14:17 - "¶ And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years."
2 Kings 6:14 - "Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about."