◄ 2 Kings 16:6 ►
At that time Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram, drove out the men of Judah, and sent the Edomites into Elath, where they live to this day.
Study Bible
At that time
This phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The time referred to is during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, a period marked by political instability and threats from surrounding nations. This era is characterized by the Syro-Ephraimite War, where the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Aram (Syria) formed an alliance against Judah.

Rezin king of Aram
Rezin was the last king of Aram-Damascus, a significant power in the region. His reign is noted for his alliance with Pekah, king of Israel, against Judah. This alliance is mentioned in Isaiah 7, where the prophet Isaiah advises King Ahaz not to fear Rezin and Pekah. Rezin's actions are part of the larger geopolitical struggles of the time, as Aram sought to expand its influence.

recovered Elath for Aram
Elath, also known as Eloth, was a strategic port city on the Red Sea, important for trade and military purposes. It had previously been under the control of Judah, as mentioned in 1 Kings 9:26, when Solomon built a fleet there. Rezin's recovery of Elath signifies a shift in power and control over this vital region, impacting Judah's economic and military capabilities.

drove out the men of Judah
This indicates a military action where Rezin expelled the Judean forces or settlers from Elath. The loss of Elath would have been a significant blow to Judah, both economically and strategically. It reflects the weakening position of Judah during Ahaz's reign, as they faced pressure from multiple fronts.

and sent the Edomites into Elath
The Edomites, descendants of Esau, were traditional enemies of Israel and Judah. By sending the Edomites into Elath, Rezin not only secured the city for Aram but also ensured that Judah would face continued hostility from the Edomites. This move would have further isolated Judah and complicated their political situation.

where they live to this day
This phrase suggests that the Edomites maintained control over Elath for an extended period. It underscores the lasting impact of Rezin's actions and the enduring consequences for Judah. The phrase "to this day" is a common biblical expression indicating the situation at the time of the text's writing, emphasizing the historical reality of the events described.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rezin
King of Aram (Syria) who was an adversary of Judah. His actions against Judah are part of the larger geopolitical struggles of the time.

2. Aram
A region often in conflict with Israel and Judah, located in present-day Syria. Aram's interactions with Israel and Judah are significant throughout the Old Testament.

3. Elath
A strategic port city on the Red Sea, important for trade and military purposes. Its control was contested by various powers, including Judah, Aram, and Edom.

4. Jews
Refers to the people of Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel, who were driven from Elath by Rezin.

5. Edomites
Descendants of Esau, often in conflict with Israel. They took control of Elath after the Jews were expelled.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
The loss of Elath is a direct result of Judah's disobedience to God. When we stray from God's commands, we may face consequences that affect not only us but also our communities.

The Importance of Strategic Locations
Elath's significance as a trade and military hub reminds us of the importance of strategic planning in our lives. We should be mindful of the "Elaths" in our lives—areas that require careful stewardship and protection.

God's Sovereignty in Geopolitical Affairs
Despite human conflicts and power struggles, God remains sovereign. We can trust that He is in control, even when nations rise and fall.

The Impact of Leadership
The actions of leaders like Rezin and Ahaz have profound effects on their people. This underscores the importance of godly leadership and the influence it has on a nation's spiritual and physical well-being.

The Role of Prophecy and Fulfillment
The events surrounding Elath and the broader conflict fulfill prophetic words given to Israel. This encourages us to study and trust in the prophetic scriptures, knowing they reveal God's plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the loss of Elath reflect the spiritual state of Judah during King Ahaz's reign?

2. In what ways can we identify and protect the "strategic locations" in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. How does the conflict over Elath illustrate the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations and history?

4. What lessons can we learn from the leadership styles of Rezin and Ahaz, and how can we apply these lessons to our roles in leadership today?

5. How do the events in 2 Kings 16:6 connect to the prophecies found in Isaiah, and what does this teach us about the reliability of God's word?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 7
Provides context for the Syro-Ephraimite War, where Rezin and Pekah of Israel allied against Judah, leading to the events described in 2 Kings 16:6.

2 Chronicles 28
Offers a parallel account of King Ahaz's reign and the geopolitical struggles, including the loss of Elath.

Genesis 25
Describes the origins of the Edomites, tracing back to Esau, Jacob's brother, highlighting the longstanding enmity between Edom and Israel.
Sermons
A People's King and Priest, or Kinghood and PriesthoodDavid Thomas, D. D.2 Kings 16:1-20
A People's King and Priest; Or, Kinghood and PriesthoodD. Thomas 2 Kings 16:1-20
Steps in a Downward Path: the Reign of AhazC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 16:1-20
The-Syro-Israelitish WarJ. Orr 2 Kings 16:5-9
People
Ahaz, Aram, David, Edomites, Hezekiah, Israelites, Jotham, Pekah, Remaliah, Rezin, Syrians, Tiglathpileser, Uriah, Urijah
Places
Assyria, Damascus, Elath, Jerusalem, Kir, Syria
Topics
Aram, Aramaeans, Arameans, Casteth, Cleared, Drave, Driving, Drove, Dwell, Dwelt, Edom, Edomites, E'domites, Elath, Entirely, Got, Jews, Judah, Judeans, Moved, Recovered, Rezin, Syria, Syrians
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 16:1-20

     5366   king

Library
That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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 Testament

Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his Adherents, in this Respect, in Tyrannically Oppressing and Destroying Souls.
1. The power of the Church in enacting laws. This made a source of human traditions. Impiety of these traditions. 2. Many of the Papistical traditions not only difficult, but impossible to be observed. 3. That the question may be more conveniently explained, nature of conscience must be defined. 4. Definition of conscience explained. Examples in illustration of the definition. 5. Paul's doctrine of submission to magistrates for conscience sake, gives no countenance to the Popish doctrine of the obligation …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian Hastened his Journey to Rome; but Titus his Son Returned to Jerusalem.
1. And now, when Vespasian had given answers to the embassages, and had disposed of the places of power justly, [25] and according to every one's deserts, he came to Antioch, and consulting which way he had best take, he preferred to go for Rome, rather than to march to Alexandria, because he saw that Alexandria was sure to him already, but that the affairs at Rome were put into disorder by Vitellius; so he sent Mucianus to Italy, and committed a considerable army both of horsemen and footmen to …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

The Prophet Micah.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Micah signifies: "Who is like Jehovah;" and by this name, the prophet is consecrated to the incomparable God, just as Hosea was to the helping God, and Nahum to the comforting God. He prophesied, according to the inscription, under Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. We are not, however, entitled, on this account, to dissever his prophecies, and to assign particular discourses to the reign of each of these kings. On the contrary, the entire collection forms only one whole. At …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

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

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