TRV
Translation
King James Version
He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.
Complete Jewish Bible
He slaughtered 10,000 men of Edom in the Salt Valley and captured Sela in the war, renaming it Yokte'el, as it is today.
Berean Standard Bible
Amaziah struck down 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He took Sela in battle and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this very day.
American Standard Version
He slew of Edom in the Valley of Salt ten thousand, and took Sela by war, and called the name of it Joktheel, unto this day.
World English Bible Messianic
He killed of Edom in the Valley of Salt ten thousand, and took Sela by war, and called its name Joktheel, to this day.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He slew also of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and tooke the citie of Sela by warre, and called the name thereof Ioktheel vnto this day.
Young's Literal Translation
He hath smitten Edom, in the valley of salt--ten thousand, and seized Selah in war, and one calleth its name Joktheel unto this day,
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Commentary on 2 Kings 14 verses 1–7
1 ¶ In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.
2 He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.
3 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.
4 Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.
5 And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
6 But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
7 He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.
Amaziah, the son and successor of Joash, is the king whom here we have an account of. Let us take a view of him,
I. In the temple; and there he acted, in some measure, well, like Joash, but not like David, Kg2 14:3. He began well, but did not persevere: He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, kept up his attendance on God's altars and his attention to God's word, yet not like David. It is not enough to do that which our pious predecessors did, merely to keep up the usage, but we must do it as they did it, from the same principle of faith and devotion and with the same sincerity and resolution. It is here taken notice of, as before, that the high places were not taken away, Kg2 14:4. It is hard to get clear of those corruptions which, by long usage, have gained both prescription and a favourable opinion.
II. On the bench; and there we have him doing justice on the traitors that murdered his father, not as soon as ever he came to the crown, lest it should occasion some disturbance, but he prudently deferred it till the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, Kg2 14:5. To weaken a factious party gradually, when it is not safe to provoke, often proves the way to ruin it effectually. Justice strikes surely by striking slowly, and is often executed most prudently when it is not executed presently. Wisdom here is profitable to direct. Amaziah did thus, 1. According to the rule of the law, that ancient rule, that he that sheds man's blood by man shall his blood be shed. Never let traitors or murderers expect to come to their graves like other men. Let them flee to the pit, and let no man stay them. 2. Under the limitation of the law: The children of the murderers he slew not, because the law of Moses had expressly provided that the children should not be put to death for the fathers, Kg2 14:6. It is probable that this is taken notice of because there were those about him that advised him to that rigour, both in revenge (because the crime was extraordinary - the murder of a king) and in policy, that the children might not plot against him, in revenge of their father's death. But against these insinuations he opposed the express law of God (Deu 24:16), which he was to judge by, and which he resolved to adhere to and trust God with the issue. God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, because every man is guilty before him and owes him a death; so that, if he require the life for the father's sin, he does not wrong, the sinner having forfeited it already by his own. But he does not allow earthly princes to do thus: the children, before them, are innocent, and therefore must not suffer as guilty.
III. In the field; and there we find him triumphing over the Edomites, Kg2 14:7. Edom had revolted from under the hand of Judah in Joram's time, Kg2 8:22. Now he makes war upon them to bring them back to their allegiance, kills 10,000 and takes the chief city of Arabia the stony (called Selah - a rock), and gave it a new name. We shall find a larger account of this expedition, Ch2 25:5, etc.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
ON THE SECOND BOOK OF KINGS 16:1
“In the second year of King Joash son of Ahaziah of Israel, King Amaziah son of Joash of Judah began to reign,” who avenged the death of his father, but with moderation, so that he spared the life of the relatives of the conspirators according to the prescriptions of the Law and was careful that the punishment might not be too excessive for the authors of the crime. Therefore Amaziah was pious, as long as he had before his eyes his father’s unhappy end, whose cause he could not ignore: offense against the true religion [of God]. However, when his reign began to be very prosperous, [Amaziah] rejected his fear of God which he had conceived after witnessing his father’s punishment, and embraced foreign cults. In the second book of the Annals, the Scripture relating his victory against the Edomites confirms that this was the reason of his apostasy: “But Amaziah took courage, and led out his people, and went to the Valley of Salt and smote ten thousand men of Seir. The men of Judah captured another ten thousand alive and took them to the top of a rock, and all were enchained.” And the text adds, “After Amaziah came from the slaughter of the Edomites, he brought the gods of the men of Seir, and set them up as his gods and worshiped them, making offerings to them.”
BedeAD 735
Questions on the Book of Kings #21
"He struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, etc." [2 Kings 14:7] It is said of Amaziah, the king of Judah: He struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, and took Sela in war, and called its name Joktheel; the Valley of Salt was where they made salt, either from a spring of brine, as in many places, or by cutting, drying, and burning, or by boiling salty well waters until they solidified into salt, or by any other method by which salt is usually made. In that place, Joab is also recorded to have struck down twelve thousand Edomites. It must also not be overlooked that the old edition, for the Valley of Salt, placed Gemelach, as if it were the name of a region. Petra, however, is a noble city of Arabia, in the same land of Edom, which in the Book of Numbers is called Rekem, and by the Syrians today is still called thus (Num. 31). Joktheel, which Amaziah as victor gave it as a name, is interpreted as the assembly of God, or the help of God, acting faithfully so that it would be recorded for perpetual memory, because he took it either with the assembly of the people of God or with God's help.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Second Kings 14:7 meticulously records King Amaziah of Judah's decisive military victory over the long-standing adversary, Edom. This pivotal verse details Amaziah's overwhelming defeat of ten thousand Edomite soldiers in the strategic Valley of Salt, followed by his successful capture of their formidable capital, Selah. The account culminates with the symbolic renaming of the conquered city to Joktheel, a new designation that persisted "unto this day," serving as a lasting testament to Judah's reassertion of dominance and, implicitly, divine endorsement of the triumph.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of King Amaziah's reign, immediately following the initial assessment of his character and his righteous acts of justice. The preceding verses establish Amaziah's ascension to the throne after his father Joash's assassination, noting his adherence to the Lord's commands, albeit with the caveat that it was "not like David his father" due to his failure to remove the high places (2 Kings 14:1-4). His adherence to Mosaic Law in executing his father's murderers but sparing their children (2 Kings 14:5-6) sets a precedent for his reign's initial righteousness. The military campaign against Edom in 2 Kings 14:7 thus represents a significant early action, showcasing his military might and re-establishing Judah's regional influence before the narrative shifts to his later, ill-fated conflict with Israel, which ultimately leads to his downfall (2 Kings 14:8-14).
Historical & Cultural Context: The relationship between Judah and Edom was historically fraught, stemming from the ancient fraternal rivalry between Jacob and Esau, their respective patriarchs. Edom, a mountainous kingdom located southeast of Judah, had been subjugated by King David (2 Samuel 8:14) but had successfully rebelled and regained its independence during the reign of Jehoram (2 Kings 8:20-22). Amaziah's campaign was therefore a crucial attempt to reclaim lost territory, reassert Judah's suzerainty, and secure vital trade routes. The "Valley of Salt" (likely the Arabah, south of the Dead Sea) was a strategically important and frequently contested border region. Selah, often identified with the later Nabataean city of Petra, was renowned as a formidable rock fortress, making its capture a testament to Amaziah's military prowess and a significant blow to Edomite power. In the ancient Near East, the renaming of a conquered city was a profound symbolic act, signifying complete subjugation, the transfer of ownership, and the imposition of the victor's authority and ideology upon the vanquished.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes present throughout the book of 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It highlights the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency, as Amaziah's military success, particularly the renaming of Selah to Joktheel ("subdued by God"), implicitly acknowledges divine assistance, even if Amaziah's subsequent actions reveal a mixed heart. This tension between human effort and God's overarching plan is a recurring motif in the lives of Israelite kings. The victory also underscores the Reassertion of Judahite Power and Regional Dominance, as it was a crucial step for Judah to regain control over traditional territories and re-establish its influence against a long-time adversary. This reflects the dynamic ebb and flow of power among ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, often presented as being influenced by the faithfulness or unfaithfulness of their rulers, as seen in the broader narrative of 2 Kings. Finally, the Significance of Renaming and Lasting Impact is emphasized by the act of renaming Selah and the phrase "unto this day," which signifies not merely an administrative change but a potent symbolic declaration of conquest and new ownership, underscoring that significant historical events, especially those with divine implications, leave an enduring legacy.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The concise yet impactful narrative of 2 Kings 14:7 skillfully employs several literary devices to convey its message. The mention of "ten thousand" slain Edomites functions as Hyperbole or a Round Number, a common ancient Near Eastern literary convention used to emphasize the overwhelming nature and decisiveness of a victory rather than providing a precise casualty count. The act of renaming Selah to Joktheel is a powerful instance of Symbolism, where the new name itself carries a profound theological message ("subdued by God"), transforming a geographical place into a lasting monument to divine intervention and Judahite dominance. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "unto this day" functions as a Historical Marker or Formulaic Language, a common literary device used throughout the Deuteronomistic History to affirm the enduring reality or memory of an event for the contemporary audience, lending credibility and historical weight to the account. The verse also exemplifies Narrative Economy, conveying a significant military campaign and its profound implications in a remarkably concise and impactful manner.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The victory of Amaziah over Edom, as powerfully recounted in 2 Kings 14:7, serves as a potent reminder of God's sovereign hand in the affairs of nations, even when exercised through human kings with mixed records of faithfulness. While Amaziah achieved this significant military success, and even attributed it to God by renaming Selah to Joktheel, the broader narrative of his reign, particularly as elaborated in 2 Chronicles 25, reveals his subsequent spiritual decline due to pride and idolatry. This stark contrast demonstrates that even divinely-assisted victories do not guarantee sustained righteousness or a pure heart. The episode underscores the tension between outward religious acknowledgment and inward spiritual devotion, highlighting that true and lasting success, in God's eyes, is predicated not merely on military might or political triumph, but on consistent and wholehearted obedience to His covenant.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Amaziah's victory in 2 Kings 14:7 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. While we no longer engage in physical warfare for territorial conquest, the principles of acknowledging God's hand in our successes and the dangers of incomplete or conditional obedience remain timeless. Amaziah's initial triumph, marked by the renaming of Selah to Joktheel, serves as a powerful reminder for us to attribute our achievements, whether personal, professional, or spiritual, to God's grace and power, rather than solely to our own strength, wisdom, or ingenuity. Yet, the subsequent narrative of Amaziah's life, where this significant victory was tragically followed by a descent into idolatry and pride (2 Chronicles 25:14-16), serves as a solemn warning. Great successes can, paradoxically, become fertile ground for spiritual complacency, self-reliance, or even arrogance, diverting our hearts from the Lord who granted the victory. Our faithfulness must be consistent and wholehearted, extending beyond moments of triumph and into the mundane, the challenging, and the prosperous. The lasting impact symbolized by the city's new name also prompts us to consider the enduring legacy of our actions and choices—how will our lives, our triumphs, and our failures be remembered "unto this day" in the spiritual ledger of eternity?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was King Amaziah, and what was his relationship with God?
Answer: King Amaziah was the son of Joash and reigned over Judah for 29 years (2 Kings 14:2). The biblical text provides a nuanced assessment of his character, stating that he "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not as David his father" (2 Kings 14:3). This indicates a mixed record: he followed God's law in some respects, such as executing his father's assassins but sparing their children in accordance with the Mosaic Law (2 Kings 14:5-6). His later actions, detailed more extensively in 2 Chronicles 25, reveal a significant spiritual downfall into idolatry and pride after his victory over Edom, which ultimately contributed to his assassination.
What is the significance of the "Valley of Salt" and Selah?
Answer: The "Valley of Salt" (Hebrew: גֵּיא מֶלַח, ge' melach) is generally identified as the Arabah, the expansive rift valley extending south from the Dead Sea. This region was of immense strategic importance, lying on ancient trade routes and serving as a natural, often contested, boundary between kingdoms. Selah (Hebrew: סֶלַע, sela', meaning "rock" or "crag") was the capital city of Edom, a formidable natural fortress renowned for its defensive position amidst towering rock formations, often identified with the later city of Petra. Its capture by Amaziah was not just a military victory but a major geopolitical achievement, demonstrating Judah's renewed strength and control over a long-time adversary and a key strategic location.
Why did Amaziah rename Selah to Joktheel?
Answer: The renaming of a conquered city was a deeply significant and common practice in the ancient Near East, symbolizing the complete subjugation of the defeated and the unequivocal assertion of the victor's authority, sovereignty, and even ideological control. By renaming Selah to Joktheel (Hebrew: יָקְתְאֵל, yoqthᵉʼêl), meaning "subdued by God" or "Yahweh is powerful," Amaziah was not merely marking his military triumph but profoundly attributing the victory to the Lord. This act served as a lasting memorial, proclaiming that the conquest was achieved through divine assistance and power, thereby reinforcing Judah's theological claim to the land and its people, and publicly acknowledging God's hand in their success.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 14:7 recounts an earthly king's military conquest, it powerfully foreshadows a far greater, spiritual victory achieved by the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Amaziah's triumph over Edom, a long-standing adversary, and his capture of a formidable stronghold like Selah, culminating in its renaming to "Joktheel" ("subdued by God"), points to Christ's decisive and eternal conquest over the true powers of sin, death, and the devil. Unlike Amaziah, whose victory was partial and whose heart was ultimately divided, Jesus' triumph on the cross and His glorious resurrection represent a complete, perfect, and eternal subjugation of all spiritual enemies, disarming them and leading them captive in His triumphal procession (Colossians 2:15). His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it established through physical warfare or territorial conquest (John 18:36), but through spiritual transformation, redemption, and the establishment of His reign in the hearts of believers. The renaming of Selah to Joktheel, signifying a new identity and ownership under God's power, resonates profoundly with the new creation wrought in Christ, where believers are given a new name and identity as children of God, no longer defined by their past but by their union with Him (2 Corinthians 5:17; Revelation 2:17). The "unto this day" of Amaziah's temporary victory finds its ultimate and everlasting fulfillment in the eternal reign of Christ, whose victory endures forever and whose spiritual kingdom knows no end, encompassing all nations and all time (Revelation 11:15).