2 Kings 14:26

For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, [that it was] very bitter: for [there was] not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.

For the LORD {H3068} saw {H7200} the affliction {H6040} of Israel {H3478}, that it was very {H3966} bitter {H4784}: for there was not {H657} any shut up {H6113}, nor any left {H5800}, nor any helper {H5826} for Israel {H3478}.

For ADONAI saw how bitterly Isra'el had suffered, with no one left, either slave or free, and no one coming to Isra'el's aid.

For the LORD saw that the affliction of the Israelites, both slave and free, was very bitter. There was no one to help Israel,

For Jehovah saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter; for there was none shut up nor left at large, neither was there any helper for Israel.

Commentary

2 Kings 14:26 (KJV) describes the dire state of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Jeroboam II, highlighting God's perception of their deep suffering and utter helplessness.

Context

This verse provides the divine motivation for God's intervention through Jeroboam II, who would surprisingly restore Israel's borders and bring a period of material prosperity. However, before this revival, Israel had endured significant oppression, particularly from the Arameans (Syrians). The land was ravaged, its people greatly diminished, and there seemed to be no internal or external power capable of offering relief. The preceding verses in 2 Kings 14 detail Amaziah's reign in Judah and Jeroboam II's ascension in Israel, setting the stage for God's compassionate action despite Israel's persistent idolatry and moral decay. This period was also when prophets like Amos and Hosea would later denounce the nation's spiritual decline even amidst its material gains.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion and Awareness: The verse emphasizes that "the LORD saw the affliction of Israel." This underscores God's active awareness and deep compassion for His people's suffering, even when their disobedience might suggest they don't deserve it. It echoes themes seen throughout scripture, such as when God saw the affliction of His people in Egypt.
  • Utter Helplessness and Despair: The phrase "not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel" vividly portrays a nation completely devoid of resources, leadership, or hope. It signifies a state where no one, from the most vulnerable to the most powerful, could provide assistance, and no escape was possible. This extreme desolation highlights the depth of their suffering.
  • God's Preservation and Mercy: God's action in raising Jeroboam II was not a reward for Israel's righteousness but an act of pure mercy to prevent their complete annihilation. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to preserve a remnant of Israel, even when His people are unfaithful. This divine intervention delayed judgment, giving Israel further opportunity for repentance.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "very bitter" translates the Hebrew word marar (ืžึธืจึทืจ), which conveys intense pain, grief, or severe distress. It indicates a profound and deep-seated suffering, not merely superficial hardship.
  • "Not any shut up, nor any left" is a powerful expression (Hebrew: atzur v'azuv - ืขึธืฆึปืจ ื•ึฐืขึธื–ื•ึผื‘), often interpreted as a merism encompassing "everyone" or "no one at all." It refers to all segments of society, from those "shut up" (imprisoned, confined, or protected) to those "left" (free, exposed, or abandoned). Together, they signify a complete lack of any individual or group capable of providing aid or relief.

Practical Application

2 Kings 14:26 offers a profound reminder that God is keenly aware of our suffering, even when we feel entirely alone or forgotten. In our own moments of despair, when there seems to be "no helper" and our affliction feels "very bitter," this verse assures us of God's watchful eye and compassionate heart. His intervention may not always come in the way we expect, nor does it necessarily signify our merit, but it flows from His unchanging character of mercy and faithfulness. It encourages us to trust in His sovereignty, knowing that even in the darkest times, He can raise up solutions or bring about relief, often beyond human capability, as He did for Israel.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 32:36

    For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that [their] power is gone, and [there is] none shut up, or left.

  • 2 Kings 13:4

    And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.

  • Exodus 3:7

    ยถ And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which [are] in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

  • Isaiah 63:9

    In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

  • Judges 10:16

    And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

  • 1 Kings 21:21

    Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,

  • Exodus 3:9

    Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.