In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory In those daysThis phrase sets the historical context for the events described in the verse. "In those days" refers to a specific period in the history of Israel, during the reign of Jehu, who was the king of Israel. This was a tumultuous time marked by political upheaval and religious reform. Jehu was known for his zeal in eradicating the worship of Baal from Israel, as recorded earlier in 2 Kings. The phrase reminds us that God's actions and judgments occur within the framework of human history, and His timing is perfect. the LORD
The use of "the LORD" here is significant, as it refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This name emphasizes God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and His role as the ultimate authority over the nations. It is a reminder that the events unfolding are under His divine control and are part of His larger plan for His people. The LORD's involvement in the affairs of Israel underscores His commitment to His covenant and His desire for His people to remain faithful to Him. began to reduce
The Hebrew root for "reduce" is "קָצַץ" (qatsats), which means to cut off or diminish. This action by the LORD indicates a deliberate and measured response to the spiritual and moral state of Israel. It serves as a divine judgment against the nation for its continued idolatry and disobedience. The reduction is not merely a punishment but also a call to repentance and a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. the size of Israel
This phrase refers to the territorial and possibly the population size of the nation. Historically, this reduction could involve losing land to neighboring nations or experiencing a decline in national strength and influence. It highlights the vulnerability of Israel when it strays from God's commandments. The size of Israel is not just a matter of physical territory but also a reflection of its spiritual health and relationship with God. Hazael
Hazael was the king of Aram (Syria) and a significant adversary of Israel during this period. His role in reducing the size of Israel is part of God's judgment. Historically, Hazael was known for his military campaigns against Israel, which are corroborated by archaeological findings such as the Tel Dan Stele. His actions serve as an instrument of God's discipline, demonstrating how God can use even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes. defeated the Israelites
The defeat of the Israelites by Hazael is a direct consequence of their disobedience to God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. The defeat is not just a military loss but a spiritual one, highlighting the need for Israel to return to the LORD. This phrase calls believers to reflect on the importance of obedience and the dangers of complacency in their spiritual walk. throughout their territory
This phrase indicates the widespread impact of Hazael's campaigns against Israel. The defeat was not limited to a single battle or region but affected the entire nation. It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and the far-reaching consequences of sin. For contemporary believers, it serves as a warning of how sin can permeate and affect all areas of life, calling for vigilance and a wholehearted commitment to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who is actively involved in the affairs of His people, often using other nations as instruments of judgment or blessing. 2. IsraelThe northern kingdom, distinct from Judah, which was experiencing a period of decline due to disobedience and idolatry. 3. HazaelThe king of Aram (Syria), who was used by God as an instrument of judgment against Israel. His military campaigns were part of God's plan to discipline His people. 4. Aram (Syria)A neighboring nation to Israel, often at odds with Israel, and at this time, a tool in God's hand to bring about His purposes. 5. Territory of IsraelThe land given to the tribes of Israel, which was being diminished due to their unfaithfulness to God. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod is sovereign over nations and uses them to accomplish His purposes, including judgment on His people for their disobedience. Consequences of DisobedienceIsrael's reduction in size is a direct consequence of their failure to follow God's commands. This serves as a warning to remain faithful to God. God's Use of Unlikely InstrumentsGod can use even those who do not know Him, like Hazael, to fulfill His plans. This reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways. Call to RepentanceThe reduction of Israel's territory should have been a wake-up call for repentance. We are called to examine our lives and turn back to God when we face discipline. Hope in God's FaithfulnessDespite judgment, God remains faithful to His covenant. There is always hope for restoration if His people return to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the reduction of Israel's territory reflect God's covenantal promises and warnings found in Deuteronomy 28? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the world today, similar to how He used Hazael in 2 Kings 10:32? 3. What are some modern-day "territories" in our lives that might be reduced due to disobedience, and how can we respond in repentance? 4. How does understanding God's use of unlikely instruments, like Hazael, challenge our perspective on current events and leaders? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's discipline. How did it lead you to a deeper understanding of His faithfulness and call to repentance? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 8:12-15This passage provides background on Hazael's rise to power and his role in God's plan to discipline Israel. Deuteronomy 28:15-68These verses outline the curses that would come upon Israel for disobedience, including defeat by enemies, which is relevant to the events in 2 Kings 10:32. Amos 1:3-5Amos prophesies against Damascus (capital of Aram), showing that while God uses nations like Aram for His purposes, they are also accountable to Him. People Ahab, Ahaziah, Dan, Elijah, Elisha, Gad, Gadites, Hazael, Israelites, Jehoahaz, Jehonadab, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jezreel, Manasseh, Manassites, Nebat, Rechab, Reuben, ReubenitesPlaces Aroer, Bashan, Beth-eked, Bethel, Dan, Gilead, Jezreel, Jordan River, Samaria, Valley of the ArnonTopics Angry, Attacks, Begun, Border, Borders, Coasts, Cut, Defeated, Hazael, Haz'ael, Israelites, Overpowered, Portions, Short, Size, Smiteth, Smote, Struck, Territory, ThroughoutDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 10:32-33 7233 Israel, northern kingdom Library Impure Zeal
'And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much. 19. Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. 20. And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. 21. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureCatholic Spirit
"And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him, and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered: It is. If it be, give me thine hand." 2 Kings 10:15. 1. It is allowed even by those who do not pay this great debt, that love is due to all mankind, the royal law, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," carrying its own evidence to all that hear it: and that, not according to the miserable …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions False Civilization
JEREMIAH xxxv. 19. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever. Let us think a while this morning what this text has to do with us; and why this strange story of the Rechabites is written for our instruction, in the pages of Holy Scripture. Let us take the story as it stands, and search the Scriptures simply for it. For the Bible will surely tell its own story best, and teach its own lesson best. These Rechabites, who …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons Which Sentence Dishonoreth the Holy Martyrs, Nay Rather Taketh Away Holy Martyrdoms Altogether. ...
3. Which sentence dishonoreth the holy Martyrs, nay rather taketh away holy martyrdoms altogether. For they would do more justly and wisely, according to these men, not to confess to their persecutors that they were Christians, and by confessing make them murderers: but rather by telling a lie, and denying what they were, should both themselves keep safe the convenience of the flesh and purpose of the heart, and not allow those to accomplish the wickedness which they had conceived in their mind. …
St. Augustine—Against Lying The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
OR, NO WAY TO HEAVEN BUT BY JESUS CHRIST. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of those ten excellent manuscripts which were found among Bunyan's papers after his decease in 1688. It had been prepared by him for publication, but still wanted a few touches of his masterly hand, and a preface in his characteristic style. He had, while a prisoner for nonconformity, in 1672, published a treatise upon this subject, in reply to Mr. Fowler, who was soon after created Bishop of Gloucester; but that was …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants Elucidations.
I. (Deadly Sins, cap. ix., p. 356.) To maintain a modern and wholly uncatholic system of Penitence, the schoolmen invented a technical scheme of sins mortal and sins venial, which must not be read into the Fathers, who had no such technicalities in mind. By "deadly sins" they meant all such as St. John recognizes (1 John v. 16-17) and none other; that is to say sins of surprise and infirmity, sins having in them no malice or wilful disobedience, such as an impatient word, or a momentary neglect of …
Tertullian—The Five Books Against Marcion The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 10:32 NIV2 Kings 10:32 NLT2 Kings 10:32 ESV2 Kings 10:32 NASB2 Kings 10:32 KJV
2 Kings 10:32 Commentaries
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