This Jeroboam restored the boundary of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word that the LORD, the God of Israel, had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher. He restored the border of IsraelThis phrase indicates a significant political and military achievement. The Hebrew root for "restored" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to return or bring back. This suggests a return to a former state of prosperity and security for Israel. Historically, this period under King Jeroboam II was marked by territorial expansion and relative peace, reflecting God's mercy and faithfulness to His covenant people despite their recurring disobedience. from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah
These geographical markers define the extent of Israel's restored territory. "Lebo-hamath" refers to the northern boundary, while "the Sea of the Arabah" (likely the Dead Sea) marks the southern limit. This restoration signifies a return to the boundaries reminiscent of the Solomonic era, highlighting a time of national strength and divine favor. Archaeological findings in these regions corroborate the existence of fortified cities, indicating a period of prosperity and strategic importance. according to the word of the LORD, the God of Israel
This phrase underscores the divine authority and faithfulness behind the restoration. The Hebrew term for "word" is "דָּבָר" (davar), which implies a decree or promise. The fulfillment of God's word through historical events reaffirms His sovereignty and the reliability of His promises. It serves as a reminder that God’s plans are executed in His timing, often using unexpected means or individuals. which He had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai
Jonah, known primarily for his mission to Nineveh, is here identified as a prophet to Israel. The mention of "His servant" emphasizes Jonah's role as a faithful messenger of God's will. This highlights the multifaceted nature of prophetic ministry, which includes both foretelling and forthtelling. Jonah's prophecy concerning Israel's borders demonstrates God's concern for His people’s physical and spiritual welfare. the prophet from Gath-hepher
Gath-hepher, a town in the territory of Zebulun, situates Jonah within a specific historical and cultural context. This detail authenticates the narrative by providing a tangible connection to the land and its people. It also serves as a reminder that God raises prophets from diverse backgrounds to accomplish His purposes, underscoring the accessibility of divine calling to all who are willing to serve. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jeroboam IIThe king of Israel during whose reign the borders were restored. He was a powerful king who expanded Israel's territory. 2. Jonah son of AmittaiA prophet from Gath-hepher, known for his prophecy concerning the restoration of Israel's borders and also for the book of Jonah, where he is sent to Nineveh. 3. Lebo-hamathA northern boundary of Israel, indicating the extent of the restored territory. 4. Sea of the ArabahRefers to the Dead Sea, marking the southern boundary of the restored territory. 5. Gath-hepherThe hometown of Jonah, located in the region of Zebulun in Israel. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His WordGod's promises, as spoken through His prophets, are fulfilled in His timing. This encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness. The Role of ProphetsProphets like Jonah play a crucial role in communicating God's will. Their messages often have immediate and far-reaching implications. National Restoration and Personal RenewalJust as God restored Israel's borders, He can restore and renew our lives. This calls for personal reflection on areas needing God's restoration. Obedience to God's CallJonah's life reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's call, even when it leads us to unexpected places or tasks. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe expansion of Israel's borders under Jeroboam II demonstrates God's control over nations and history, reassuring believers of His ultimate sovereignty. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the restoration of Israel's borders under Jeroboam II reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? 2. In what ways can we see the role of prophets like Jonah in today's world, and how can we discern true prophetic voices? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's restoration in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? 4. How does the account of Jonah, both in 2 Kings and the book of Jonah, challenge us to respond to God's call in our lives? 5. Considering God's sovereignty over nations, how should Christians respond to current global events with faith and action? Connections to Other Scriptures Jonah's Prophetic Role Jonah is also mentioned in the book of Jonah, where he is called to preach to Nineveh. This highlights his role as a prophet beyond the borders of Israel. Amos 6:14Amos, a contemporary prophet, also speaks about the boundaries of Israel, providing a broader context of the geopolitical situation during Jeroboam II's reign. 2 Kings 13:5This verse speaks of the LORD providing a deliverer for Israel, which can be seen as a precursor to the restoration under Jeroboam II. People Ahaziah, Amaziah, Amittai, Azariah, David, Edomites, Hepher, Jehoaddan, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Jeroboam, Joahaz, Joash, Jonah, Nebat, Zachariah, ZechariahPlaces Beth-shemesh, Corner Gate, Damascus, Edom, Elath, Ephraim Gate, Gath-hepher, Hamath, Israel, Jerusalem, Joktheel, Lachish, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Samaria, Sea of the Arabah, Sela, Syria, Valley of SaltTopics Accordance, Amittai, Amit'tai, Arabah, Border, Boundaries, Coast, Desert, Entering, Entrance, Gath, Gathhepher, Gath-hepher, Gath-he'pher, Got, Hamath, Hepher, Jonah, Lebo, Limits, Plain, Prophet, Restored, Servant, Spake, Spoke, SpokenDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 14:25 1690 word of God
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7160 servants of the Lord 2 Kings 14:21-29 5366 king Library The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old TestamentThe Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Prophet Hosea.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. That the kingdom of Israel was the object of the prophet's ministry is so evident, that upon this point all are, and cannot but be, agreed. But there is a difference of opinion as to whether the prophet was a fellow-countryman of those to whom he preached, or was called by God out of the kingdom of Judah. The latter has been asserted with great confidence by Maurer, among others, in his Observ. in Hos., in the Commentat. Theol. ii. i. p. 293. But the arguments …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Figurative Language of Scripture.
1. When the psalmist says: "The Lord God is a sun and shield" (Psa. 84:11), he means that God is to all his creatures the source of life and blessedness, and their almighty protector; but this meaning he conveys under the figure of a sun and a shield. When, again, the apostle James says that Moses is read in the synagogues every Sabbath-day (Acts 15:21), he signifies the writings of Moses under the figure of his name. In these examples the figure lies in particular words. But it may be embodied …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible 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 14:25 NIV2 Kings 14:25 NLT2 Kings 14:25 ESV2 Kings 14:25 NASB2 Kings 14:25 KJV
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