2 kings 14:22 - He built Elath, and restored it to Judah. After that the king slept with his fathers.

Generated Verse: 2 kings 14:22

What does "2 kings 14:22" mean?


Let's break down the verse 2 Kings 14:22: "He built Elath, and restored it to Judah. After that the king slept with his fathers."

"He built Elath..." The "He" refers to King Azariah (also known as Uzziah) of Judah. Elath (also called Eloth) was a strategic port city located on the Red Sea, near modern-day Eilat, Israel, and Aqaba, Jordan. The word "built" here could mean he rebuilt it as it may have been damaged or destroyed, or fortified it.

"...and restored it to Judah." This is the key point. Elath was important for trade and control of the Red Sea. At some point before Azariah's reign, Elath was likely lost to Judah (possibly to Edom or Aram). Restoring it meant bringing it back under Judah's control. This was a significant military and political achievement, opening up trade routes and bolstering Judah's economy and influence.

"After that the king slept with his fathers." This is a common phrase in the Old Testament used to denote the death of a king. It doesn't literally mean he slept; it's a euphemism for dying and being buried with his ancestors in the royal tombs. It's a standard concluding remark in the records of kings. The specific death is actually mentioned in 2 Kings 15:7.

In essence, the verse highlights:

King Azariah's accomplishment: He successfully regained control of the strategically vital city of Elath, benefiting Judah.
A brief historical marker: It marks a point in the history of Judah, signifying a period of expansion or recovery under Azariah's rule.
A transition: It sets the stage for the next events in the narrative of the Kings of Judah, eventually leading to the end of Azariah's reign.

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