2 Kings 14:25

He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which [was] of Gathhepher.

He restored {H7725} the coast {H1366} of Israel {H3478} from the entering {H935} of Hamath {H2574} unto the sea {H3220} of the plain {H6160}, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, which he spake {H1696} by the hand {H3027} of his servant {H5650} Jonah {H3124}, the son {H1121} of Amittai {H573}, the prophet {H5030}, which was of Gathhepher {H1662}.

He recovered the territory of Isra'el between the entrance of Hamat and the sea of the 'Aravah, in keeping with the word of ADONAI the God of Isra'el, which he spoke through his servant Yonah the son of Amitai, the prophet from Gat-Hefer.

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 Israel from the entrance of Hamath unto the sea of the Arabah, according to the word of Jehovah, the God of Israel, which he spake by his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was of Gath-hepher.

Commentary

Context

This verse describes a significant event during the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel, who ruled from Samaria (c. 793-753 BC). His reign, detailed in 2 Kings 14:23-29, was marked by political stability and military success, despite the king's continued adherence to the idolatrous practices established by Jeroboam I. Prior to his rule, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had suffered greatly from the Aramean (Syrian) invasions, losing much of its territory and strength (as seen in 2 Kings 13:7). This verse highlights a period of unexpected national recovery and expansion.

Meaning and Significance

Verse 25 details Jeroboam II's successful military campaigns that led to the restoration of Israel's borders. The phrase "He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain" signifies a substantial recovery of territory. Hamath was a strategic city far to the north, near the traditional northern boundary of the promised land, while "the sea of the plain" refers to the Dead Sea in the south. This expansion brought Israel's territory close to the grandeur it enjoyed under King David and Solomon, reversing decades of decline and loss to the Arameans.

Crucially, this restoration is attributed not merely to Jeroboam's military prowess, but "according to the word of the LORD God of Israel." This emphasizes God's sovereign hand in history, using even imperfect leaders to fulfill His purposes. The specific prophecy was delivered "by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which [was] of Gathhepher." This identifies the well-known prophet Jonah, whose story is told in the Book of Jonah. His prophecy, though not recorded in detail elsewhere, foretold this period of national revival and territorial gain for Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: This verse powerfully illustrates that God's plans and purposes unfold regardless of human faithfulness. Even though Jeroboam II "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 14:24), God used him as an instrument to bring relief and restoration to His people.
  • Prophecy Fulfillment: The explicit mention of Jonah's prophecy being fulfilled underscores the reliability and certainty of God's word. What God declares through His prophets will come to pass (Isaiah 55:11).
  • God's Compassion and Mercy: The reason given for this restoration in subsequent verses (2 Kings 14:26-27) is God's compassion for Israel's severe affliction. Despite their sin, God did not utterly forsake them but provided a period of relief.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "restored" is shรปแธ‡ (ืฉืื•ึผื‘), which fundamentally means "to turn back," "to return," or "to bring back." In this context, it signifies a recovery of lost territory, a turning back of the tide of decline that had plagued Israel. It implies a reversal of fortunes, not just a new conquest.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless truths. First, it reminds us that God's purposes are not dependent on the righteousness of human leaders; He can use anyone to achieve His will. Second, it reinforces the truth that God's word is utterly reliable and will always be fulfilled. We can have confidence in His promises. Finally, it highlights God's enduring compassion for His people, even when they are unfaithful. In times of distress, God often provides relief and restoration, not necessarily because we deserve it, but because of His unfailing mercy.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 3:17 (4 votes)

    The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.

  • 1 Kings 8:65 (3 votes)

    And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, [even] fourteen days.

  • Jonah 1:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

  • Matthew 12:39 (3 votes)

    But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

  • Matthew 12:40 (3 votes)

    For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

  • Joshua 19:13 (3 votes)

    And from thence passeth on along on the east to Gittahhepher, to Ittahkazin, and goeth out to Remmonmethoar to Neah;

  • Numbers 13:21 (3 votes)

    ยถ So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.