What does 2 Kings 9:35 mean?
"And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands." - 2 Kings 9:35
The Bible verse 2 Kings 9:35 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands." This verse is part of a larger narrative in the Old Testament book of 2 Kings, which chronicles the events surrounding the downfall of the wicked queen Jezebel.
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab of Israel, and she was notorious for her promotion of Baal worship and persecution of the prophets of the Lord. She was deeply corrupt and led the people of Israel into idolatry. In 2 Kings 9, the prophet Elisha sends a young man to anoint Jehu as the new king of Israel and instructs him to rid the land of Ahab's descendants and Jezebel. Jehu, fueled by a zeal for the Lord, carries out this command by overthrowing the wicked rule of Jezebel and her son, killing them both.
The verse 2 Kings 9:35 depicts the gruesome aftermath of Jezebel's demise. After Jezebel is thrown out of a window by her own eunuchs, her body is left unburied, only to be discovered later by those who sought to lay her to rest. What they found was only a few remains—her skull, feet, and palms of her hands, a grim indicator of the violent and humiliating fate that befell this once-proud queen. This imagery underscores the harsh judgment and utter destruction of Jezebel due to her wickedness and rebellion against the Lord.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse. The fact that only a few parts of Jezebel's body are found symbolizes the completeness of her downfall. There is nothing left of her but a few scattered remains, emphasizing the finality and severity of her punishment. Additionally, the specific body parts mentioned—skull, feet, and palms—may hold symbolic significance. The skull represents the seat of the mind and thoughts, suggesting the pervasiveness of Jezebel's wickedness and corrupt influence. The feet and palms are symbols of her actions and deeds, emphasizing her oppressive and tyrannical rule. Together, these remnants serve as a haunting reminder of the consequences of unrepentant sin and rebellion against God.
Moreover, this verse underscores the theme of divine justice and retribution. Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent message that God is just and righteous, and He will ultimately hold all individuals accountable for their actions. Jezebel's fate serves as a sobering example of this principle. Her cruelty and idolatry incurred the judgment of God, and she faced a fittingly severe end as a result. The verse serves as a stern warning against the consequences of defying God and living in unrepentant sin.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 9:35 is a powerful and evocative verse that offers a vivid depiction of the downfall of the infamous queen Jezebel. Through its intense imagery and symbolism, it communicates profound truths about divine judgment, the consequences of sin, and the ultimate sovereignty of God. As readers reflect upon this verse, they are challenged to consider their own actions and attitudes and to heed the warnings contained within this poignant account. Ultimately, this verse serves as a striking reminder of the gravity of sin and the importance of seeking righteousness and obedience to God.
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2 Kings 9:35 - "And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands."
"And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands." - 2 Kings 9:35
2 Chronicles 35:27 - "And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah."
2 Kings 10:35 - "And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead."
2 kings 9:34-36
1 Kings 2:35 - "And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar."
2 Kings 18:35 - "Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?"
2 Kings 15:35 - "¶ Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 4:35 - "Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes."
2 Chronicles 9:22 - "And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom."
luke 9:35
luke 9:35
2 Kings 9:9 - "And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah:"
2 Kings 19:35 - "¶ And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses."
2 Kings 17:35 - "With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:"
"And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah." - 2 Chronicles 35:27
2 Chronicles 35:9 - "Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethaneel, his brethren, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, chief of the Levites, gave unto the Levites for passover offerings five thousand small cattle, and five hundred oxen."
2 Kings 9:4 - "¶ So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead."
2 Kings 9:23 - "And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah."
2 Kings 9:29 - "And in the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah."
2 Chronicles 35:18 - "And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem."
Numbers 35:9 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
1 Kings 9:2 - "That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon."
2 Kings 5:9 - "So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha."
Exodus 35:9 - "And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate."
2 Kings 9:31 - "And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?"
2 Kings 24:9 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father had done."
2 Kings 23:35 - "And Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh; but he taxed the land to give the money according to the commandment of Pharaoh: he exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, of every one according to his taxation, to give it unto Pharaoh-nechoh."
Job 9:35 - "Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me."
The Plague of Hail - Exodus 9:13-35