2 Kings 16:6

KJV

At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

At that time {H6256} Rezin {H7526} king {H4428} of Syria {H758} recovered {H7725} Elath {H359} to Syria {H758}{H130}, and drave {H5394} the Jews {H3064} from Elath {H359}: and the Syrians {H726} came {H935} to Elath {H359}, and dwelt {H3427} there unto this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was at that time that Retzin king of Aram recovered Eilat for Aram and drove the Judeans from Eilat; whereupon people from Edom came to Eilat to live, as they do to this day.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drove the Jews from Elath; and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there, unto this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 16:6 records a significant geopolitical setback for the kingdom of Judah during the reign of the unfaithful King Ahaz. Amidst the tumultuous Syro-Ephraimitic War, King Rezin of Aram (Syria) successfully reclaimed the crucial port city of Elath on the Gulf of Aqaba, expelling the Judean inhabitants and establishing a lasting Syrian presence. This strategic loss underscored Judah's weakening position and the immediate, tangible consequences of the ongoing conflict and Ahaz's reliance on foreign powers rather than divine protection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Ahaz's reign (2 Kings 16:1-20), which is characterized by his profound wickedness and idolatry, contrasting sharply with the righteous lineage of David. Immediately preceding this verse, Ahaz has already provoked the Lord by walking in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificing his son (2 Kings 16:3). The Syro-Ephraimitic War, detailed in 2 Kings 16:5, sees King Rezin of Aram and King Pekah of Israel besieging Jerusalem, though they fail to conquer it. Verse 6 then presents a specific, tangible consequence of this war: the loss of Elath, which precedes Ahaz's desperate, faithless appeal to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for help (2 Kings 16:7-9), a decision that ultimately brought Judah under Assyrian subjugation. The narrative highlights a pattern of spiritual decline leading to political and territorial loss.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 2 Kings 16:6, roughly 735-732 BC, was one of immense instability in the ancient Near East, dominated by the rising imperial power of Assyria under Tiglath-Pileser III. The Syro-Ephraimitic War was a desperate attempt by Aram (Syria) and Israel (Ephraim) to form an anti-Assyrian coalition and coerce Judah into joining them by replacing King Ahaz with a more compliant ruler. Elath (modern Eilat) was a strategically vital port city located on the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea), providing Judah with crucial access to maritime trade routes, particularly those extending to Arabia and Africa. Its control had been important since the days of King Solomon, who built a fleet there (see [1 Kings 9:26](/1_kings/9-26 "1 Kings 9:26 - Solomon's Fleet at Ezion-Geber")). The recovery of Elath by Aram represented a significant economic and military blow to Judah, cutting off its southern trade and influence, and was a direct result of the regional power struggles exacerbated by Assyrian expansionism.
* **Key Themes:** The loss of Elath in [2 Kings 16:6](/2_kings/16-6 "2 Kings 16:6 - Rezin Recovers Elath") contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of unfaithfulness and idolatry**. Ahaz's reign is depicted as a nadir of spiritual apostasy, and the territorial losses, while seemingly geopolitical, are presented within the biblical narrative as a direct outcome of Judah's deviation from God's covenant. Secondly, it illustrates the **geopolitical instability and shifting power dynamics** of the ancient Near East, where small kingdoms like Judah were caught between warring empires and alliances. The strategic importance of places like Elath highlights the constant struggle for control over trade routes and resources. Finally, the event serves as a stark example of **divine judgment** (or at least, the withdrawal of divine protection) when a nation, particularly its leadership, chooses to rely on human alliances and idolatrous practices rather than trusting in the Lord, as prophetically warned by Isaiah to Ahaz in [Isaiah 7:1-9](/isaiah/7-1 "Isaiah 7:1-9 - Prophecy to Ahaz during Syro-Ephraimitic War").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rezin (Hebrew, _Rĕtsîn_):** This name identifies the king of Aram-Damascus, a prominent figure in the anti-Assyrian coalition that formed the Syro-Ephraimitic alliance with Israel against Judah. His actions here demonstrate the immediate threat Judah faced from its northern neighbors before Assyrian intervention.
* **Elath (Hebrew, _'Êylat_):** Refers to the vital port city on the Gulf of Aqaba. Its recovery by Syria signifies a significant loss of economic and strategic advantage for Judah, as it severed their direct access to Red Sea trade routes.
* **"drave the Jews" (Hebrew, _waygāreš 'et-hayyəhûdîm_):** The verb "drave" (גָּרַשׁ, _garash_) implies a forceful expulsion or dispossession. This phrase highlights the human cost of the conflict, indicating that the Judean inhabitants of Elath were violently removed from their homes and lands.
* **"unto this day" (Hebrew, _'ad hayyôm hazzeh_):** This common biblical idiom suggests that the situation described – the Syrian presence and control of Elath – was a lasting reality at the time the book of 2 Kings was compiled or edited. It emphasizes the permanency and significance of Judah's loss from the perspective of the original audience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria":** This clause precisely dates the event to the period of the Syro-Ephraimitic War and identifies the primary aggressor, King Rezin of Aram. The term "recovered" implies that Elath had previously been under the control of Judah, likely since the time of Uzziah (2 Kings 14:22), and Rezin successfully reasserted Syrian dominance over it.
* **"and drave the Jews from Elath":** This phrase details the immediate and brutal consequence of the Syrian conquest. The Judean population, who had settled and lived in Elath, were forcibly expelled, indicating a complete change of demographic and political control. This act of ethnic cleansing was a common feature of ancient warfare.
* **"and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day":** This final clause confirms the successful and lasting nature of the Syrian conquest. Not only were the Jews expelled, but Syrians took their place, establishing a permanent presence. The phrase "unto this day" underscores the enduring impact of this event, signaling that the loss of Elath remained a significant historical marker for the people of Judah long after the event itself.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Historical Reportage**, presenting the facts of the geopolitical shift in a concise and direct manner, characteristic of the Deuteronomistic historian's style. There is no overt commentary or emotional language, allowing the stark reality of the loss to speak for itself. The use of the phrase "unto this day" functions as a **Chronological Marker** and a **Literary Frame**, anchoring the historical event in the ongoing experience of the audience and emphasizing its lasting impact. It also implicitly serves as a form of **Lament**, quietly acknowledging a significant and enduring loss for Judah. The account of Elath's recovery by Syria, alongside Ahaz's subsequent appeal to Assyria, creates a sense of **Irony** within the broader narrative: Ahaz sought to escape the immediate threat of Aram and Israel by appealing to a greater power, yet even before Assyria's full intervention, Aram still managed to inflict a significant, lasting blow on Judah's strategic interests.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The loss of Elath, a vital economic and strategic asset, serves as a tangible manifestation of the consequences of King Ahaz's profound unfaithfulness and idolatry. The biblical narrative consistently links national prosperity and security to obedience to God's covenant, and conversely, national decline and vulnerability to disobedience. Ahaz's decision to trust in the might of Assyria rather than the protective power of the Lord (as urged by the prophet Isaiah) led to a series of escalating misfortunes, of which the loss of Elath was an early, painful symptom. This event underscores the theological principle that seeking human solutions and forming unholy alliances in times of crisis, especially when it involves compromising one's faith, often leads to greater loss and subjugation rather than true security.

* [Isaiah 7:1-9](/isaiah/7-1 "Isaiah 7:1-9 - Prophecy to Ahaz during Syro-Ephraimitic War")
* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of Elath's loss during Ahaz's reign offers a profound lesson for contemporary believers: choices made in times of crisis, particularly those rooted in a lack of faith or a reliance on worldly strategies, have far-reaching and often painful consequences. Ahaz's failure to trust God's promise of protection, opting instead for a desperate and costly alliance with Assyria, led to the diminishment of Judah's sovereignty and the loss of vital resources. For us, this underscores the critical importance of seeking divine wisdom and guidance, even when faced with overwhelming challenges, rather than resorting to compromises or unholy alliances that may offer temporary relief but lead to long-term spiritual or practical loss. Just as Judah lost a vital port, we too can experience the erosion of our spiritual strength, peace, or even material blessings when we deviate from God's path and fail to place our confidence in Him alone. Our security and true prosperity are found not in human schemes, but in faithful obedience and trust in the sovereign Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ahaz's decision to trust Assyria over God resonate with our own temptations to rely on worldly solutions rather than divine wisdom in times of crisis?**
* **What "Elaths" – strategic resources, relationships, or opportunities – might we lose when we walk in disobedience or neglect to trust God fully?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to forge "unholy alliances" or make compromises that could lead to long-term spiritual or practical loss?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Elath for Judah?**

Answer: Elath was a strategically crucial port city for Judah, located on the Gulf of Aqaba, which is the northeastern arm of the Red Sea. Its significance lay primarily in its role as a gateway to maritime trade routes extending south to Arabia and Africa. Control of Elath allowed Judah access to valuable goods, resources, and naval ventures, as exemplified by King Solomon's fleet built at nearby Ezion-Geber (see [1 Kings 9:26](/1_kings/9-26 "1 Kings 9:26 - Solomon's Fleet at Ezion-Geber")). Its loss to Syria represented a major economic and geopolitical blow, cutting off Judah's access to vital southern trade and diminishing its regional influence.

**How does this event relate to King Ahaz's overall reign?**

Answer: The recovery of Elath by Syria is a direct consequence and a stark symptom of King Ahaz's unfaithful and apostate reign. Faced with the Syro-Ephraimitic alliance, Ahaz chose to disregard the prophetic counsel of Isaiah to trust in the Lord (see [Isaiah 7:4-9](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4-9 - Isaiah's Counsel to Ahaz")) and instead appealed to Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria, for help (see [2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz's Appeal to Assyria")). This decision, driven by fear and a lack of faith, ultimately led to Judah's subjugation under Assyria and significant territorial losses, including Elath. The event highlights the futility and negative consequences of relying on human power and alliances over divine providence.

**Why does the text say "unto this day"?**

Answer: The phrase "unto this day" (Hebrew: _'ad hayyôm hazzeh_) is a common biblical idiom used by the Deuteronomistic historian (the likely compiler/editor of 2 Kings) to indicate that the described situation or condition was still in effect at the time the book was written or compiled. In the context of [2 Kings 16:6](/2_kings/16-6 "2 Kings 16:6 - Rezin Recovers Elath"), it emphasizes the lasting impact and permanency of Judah's loss of Elath and the continued Syrian presence there from the perspective of the original audience. It underscores that this was not a temporary setback but a significant and enduring geopolitical shift.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The historical account of King Ahaz's reign, marked by unfaithfulness and territorial losses like Elath, powerfully foreshadows the need for a different kind of King and a different kind of kingdom. Ahaz's reliance on worldly power and his spiritual compromises led to the diminishment of Judah's earthly kingdom and its strategic assets. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true King of kings, does not seek worldly alliances or rely on human might to establish His dominion. His kingdom is "not of this world" (as He declared in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), yet it is eternal and unshakable (see [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). While Ahaz lost territory and drove his people from their homes, Christ came to reclaim what was lost through sin—humanity itself—delivering us from the domain of darkness and transferring us into the kingdom of His beloved Son (see [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Deliverance from Darkness")). He offers true security and eternal prosperity, not through geopolitical maneuvering, but through His redemptive sacrifice and the spiritual renewal of hearts, establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed or given to another people (see [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 14:22

He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

1 Kings 9:26

And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which [is] beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.

Deuteronomy 2:8

¶ And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

2 Chronicles 26:2

He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.