2 Kings 16:9

KJV

And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried [the people of] it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} hearkened {H8085} unto him: for the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} went up {H5927} against Damascus {H1834}, and took {H8610} it, and carried the people of it captive {H1540} to Kir {H7024}, and slew {H4191} Rezin {H7526}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king of Ashur heeded him- the king of Ashur attacked Dammesek and captured it; then he carried its people captive to Kir and killed Retzin.

Berean Standard Bible

So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death.

American Standard Version

And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him; and the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 16:9 records the decisive fulfillment of King Ahaz's desperate plea to Assyria, detailing the swift and brutal conquest of Damascus by Tiglath-Pileser III. This verse marks a critical turning point, demonstrating Assyria's growing dominance in the ancient Near East and serving as a stark testament to the consequences of Judah's unfaithful alliances, while simultaneously highlighting God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the rise and fall of nations to accomplish His divine purposes and fulfill His prophetic word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of the narrative arc initiated by King Ahaz's crisis in [2 Kings 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - Ahaz's Reign and Idolatry"). Faced with the Syro-Ephraimite War, a formidable alliance between King Rezin of Aram (Damascus) and King Pekah of Israel, Ahaz, king of Judah, chose to disregard the prophet Isaiah's counsel to trust in the Lord ([Isaiah 7:4-9](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4-9 - Isaiah's Counsel to Ahaz")). Instead, he sent lavish tribute from the temple and royal treasuries to Tiglath-Pileser III, the powerful king of Assyria, seeking military intervention ([2 Kings 16:7-8](/2_kings/16-7 "2 Kings 16:7-8 - Ahaz's Plea to Assyria")). Verse 9 directly reports Assyria's response, confirming that Tiglath-Pileser "hearkened unto him," signifying his acceptance of Ahaz's terms and his subsequent military campaign against Damascus, which was the immediate threat to Judah. This action not only resolved Ahaz's immediate predicament but also drew Judah deeper into the Assyrian sphere of influence, setting the stage for future subjugation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mid-8th century BCE was dominated by the rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III (745-727 BCE), who was a highly aggressive and effective military leader. His reign was characterized by systematic campaigns of conquest, consolidation of power, and the implementation of brutal policies, most notably mass deportation. The Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 735-732 BCE) was a regional conflict that Assyria exploited to expand its control westward. Damascus, as the capital of Aram, was a strategic and powerful city-state that had historically posed a significant challenge to both Israel and Judah. Its fall to Assyria was a monumental event, signaling the end of Aramean independence and demonstrating Assyria's overwhelming military might. The practice of carrying populations "captive to Kir" was a standard Assyrian tactic designed to break national identity, prevent rebellion, and integrate conquered territories into their vast imperial system. Kir, though its exact location remains debated (possibly in Mesopotamia or Elam), represents a distant, foreign land of exile, signifying the complete uprooting and dissolution of the Aramean kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "2 Kings - The Divided Kingdom"):
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** Despite Ahaz's faithless act of seeking a pagan alliance, God remained sovereign over the nations. Assyria, though a ruthless empire, was ultimately an instrument in God's hands to execute judgment upon Aram and, eventually, Israel, for their idolatry and rebellion. The fall of Damascus and the death of Rezin were not random geopolitical events but part of God's larger, unfolding plan, demonstrating His control over the course of human history ([Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod")).
* **Consequences of Ungodly Alliances:** Ahaz's decision to rely on Assyria rather than the Lord provided immediate relief but plunged Judah into a long-term, dangerous dependency on a foreign power. This highlights the spiritual peril of seeking human solutions over divine trust, as such alliances often lead to compromise, idolatry, and eventual subjugation, as seen in Judah's later history under Assyrian and Babylonian dominance ([Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49-50 - Warnings of Foreign Invasion")).
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The capture of Damascus and the death of Rezin directly fulfilled specific prophecies given earlier by prophets. Isaiah had prophesied that within 65 years, Ephraim (Israel) would be shattered, and Damascus would cease to be a kingdom ([Isaiah 7:8](/isaiah/7-8 "Isaiah 7:8 - Prophecy Concerning Damascus and Ephraim")). The prophet Amos had also foretold the destruction of Damascus, the breaking of its gates, and the exile of its people to Kir ([Amos 1:3-5](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3-5 - Prophecy Against Damascus")). This immediate fulfillment underscores God's foreknowledge and the absolute certainty of His word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearkened (Hebrew: שָׁמַע, _shama'_):** This verb means "to hear, listen, obey, understand." In this context, it signifies more than just hearing Ahaz's plea; it implies that Tiglath-Pileser III not only received the message and the tribute but also acted decisively in accordance with Ahaz's request. It conveys a sense of active response and agreement, indicating that the Assyrian king found the offer beneficial and chose to intervene.
* **took (Hebrew: לָכַד, _lakad_):** This verb means "to capture, seize, take, catch." It is a strong military term indicating a successful conquest. The use of "took it" (referring to Damascus) emphasizes the city's complete fall and subjugation, not merely a siege or a temporary occupation, but a definitive capture that ended its independent status.
* **Kir (Hebrew: קִיר, _Qir_):** This is an obscure geographical location, mentioned also in [Amos 1:5](/amos/1-5 "Amos's Prophecy of Exile to Kir") and [Amos 9:7](/amos/9-7 "God's Sovereignty Over Nations"). While its precise location is debated among scholars (some suggest a region in Mesopotamia, others in Elam or near the Persian Gulf), its significance here lies in its representation of a distant, foreign land. It symbolizes the complete uprooting and displacement of the Aramean people, a hallmark of Assyrian deportation policy designed to break national identity and prevent future rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him":** This clause confirms the success of Ahaz's desperate diplomatic and financial overture to Tiglath-Pileser III. It indicates that the Assyrian king accepted the tribute and agreed to intervene on Judah's behalf, demonstrating the immediate effectiveness of Ahaz's strategy, albeit one rooted in unfaithfulness.
* **"for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it":** This explains *how* the Assyrian king "hearkened." It describes the swift and decisive military action taken by Tiglath-Pileser III. "Went up against Damascus" signifies a full-scale military campaign, and "took it" confirms the successful conquest and capture of the Aramean capital, a major geopolitical event that ended the Syro-Ephraimite threat to Judah.
* **"and carried [the people of] it captive to Kir":** This details the brutal aftermath of the conquest. The Assyrian policy of mass deportation is clearly illustrated, where the conquered population of Damascus was forcibly removed from their homeland and exiled to a distant, foreign land. This act was designed to dismantle the Aramean nation and integrate its territory into the Assyrian Empire, ensuring no future resistance.
* **"and slew Rezin":** This final, stark statement confirms the death of King Rezin of Aram. His execution signifies the complete demise of the Aramean kingdom and the definitive end of the Syro-Ephraimite alliance. It is the ultimate act of Assyrian dominance and a direct fulfillment of prophecy, leaving no doubt about the finality of Damascus's defeat.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Kings 16:9](/2_kings/16-9 "2 Kings 16:9 - Assyria Conquers Damascus") employs several potent literary devices. There is significant **Irony** present, as Ahaz's act of faithlessness—seeking help from a pagan king instead of trusting Yahweh—results in an outcome that, paradoxically, fulfills God's own prophetic word and serves His sovereign purposes. God uses the very instrument of Ahaz's disobedience (Assyria) to bring about His judgment on Aram and Israel. This highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, where God remains in ultimate control, orchestrating even the actions of ungodly rulers and nations to achieve His will. The swiftness and brutality of Assyria's actions, particularly the deportation to Kir and the slaying of Rezin, serve as a **Foreshadowing** of Judah's own future exile and the consequences of its continued unfaithfulness, as seen in the later Babylonian captivity. The narrative also uses **Conciseness** to deliver momentous historical events with stark efficiency, making the impact of Damascus's fall and Rezin's death all the more powerful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The events of [2 Kings 16:9](/2_kings/16-9 "2 Kings 16:9 - Assyria Conquers Damascus") profoundly underscore God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the nations. Even when His people act in faithlessness, as King Ahaz did, God remains in control, using even pagan empires like Assyria as instruments of His divine judgment and to fulfill His prophetic word. This demonstrates that no human plan or alliance, whether faithful or faithless, can thwart God's ultimate purposes. The fall of Damascus and the death of Rezin were not merely geopolitical shifts but divinely orchestrated acts of justice against nations that had opposed God's people and indulged in idolatry. This serves as a powerful reminder that God is the true King, ruling over all earthly kings and kingdoms, bringing low the proud and exalting the humble according to His perfect will.

* [Isaiah 7:17](/isaiah/7-17 "Isaiah 7:17 - The Lord Will Bring Assyria Against Judah")
* [Amos 1:3-5](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3-5 - Prophecy Against Damascus")
* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49-50 - Warning of Foreign Invasion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in [2 Kings 16:9](/2_kings/16-9 "2 Kings 16:9 - Assyria Conquers Damascus") offers profound lessons for believers today. King Ahaz's decision to rely on the formidable power of Assyria rather than the omnipotent God of Israel stands as a cautionary tale. In our own lives, when faced with overwhelming challenges, fears, or threats, we are often tempted to seek immediate, human-devised solutions, whether it be through worldly alliances, financial schemes, or compromising our integrity. This passage reminds us that while God can indeed use any means to accomplish His purposes, our primary responsibility is to trust in Him alone, to walk in faith and obedience, and to wait on His perfect timing and intervention. True security and lasting peace are found not in the strength of human institutions or the wisdom of the world, but in unwavering reliance on the Lord. Furthermore, the fulfillment of prophecy in this verse should bolster our confidence in God's faithfulness to His word and His ultimate control over all world events, assuring us that His promises will always come to pass.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on human solutions or "Assyrian alliances" instead of trusting God fully?**
* **How does God's sovereignty over the nations, as demonstrated in this verse, encourage or challenge my perspective on current global events?**
* **What specific promises of God do I need to cling to more firmly when facing fear or uncertainty, rather than seeking immediate, worldly relief?**

### FAQ

**What was the Syro-Ephraimite War, and how did 2 Kings 16:9 resolve it?**

Answer: The Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 735-732 BCE) was a conflict where King Rezin of Aram (Damascus) and King Pekah of Israel formed an alliance to pressure King Ahaz of Judah into joining their coalition against the rising power of Assyria. When Ahaz refused, they attacked Judah, intending to depose him and install a puppet king. Instead of trusting in the Lord, as advised by the prophet Isaiah ([Isaiah 7:4-9](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4-9 - Isaiah's Counsel to Ahaz")), Ahaz appealed to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for help, sending him rich tribute ([2 Kings 16:7-8](/2_kings/16-7 "2 Kings 16:7-8 - Ahaz's Plea to Assyria")). [2 Kings 16:9](/2_kings/16-9 "2 Kings 16:9 - Assyria Conquers Damascus") describes Assyria's response: Tiglath-Pileser "hearkened unto him," meaning he accepted Ahaz's plea and payment. He then "went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried [the people of] it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin." This decisive military action by Assyria effectively ended the Syro-Ephraimite threat to Judah by destroying one of its primary antagonists and its capital.

**Why was the "carrying captive to Kir" significant?**

Answer: The act of "carrying captive to Kir" was a crucial aspect of Assyrian imperial policy, known as mass deportation. It was not merely a punitive measure but a strategic tool designed to achieve several objectives. By forcibly relocating conquered populations, the Assyrians aimed to break down national and ethnic identities, thereby preventing future rebellions. It also served to integrate new territories and their resources into the vast Assyrian Empire, often by resettling people in areas where their labor was needed. Kir, though its exact location is debated, represents a distant and foreign land, emphasizing the complete uprooting and dismemberment of the Aramean kingdom. This policy was a hallmark of Assyrian brutality and effective control, and it foreshadowed similar exiles that would later befall the northern kingdom of Israel ([2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Israel Exiled to Assyria")) and eventually Judah ([2 Kings 25:11](/2_kings/25-11 "2 Kings 25:11 - Judah Exiled to Babylon")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Kings 16:9](/2_kings/16-9 "2 Kings 16:9 - Assyria Conquers Damascus") details a moment of earthly political maneuvering and divine judgment, it ultimately points to the supreme sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Just as God used the Assyrian king, a pagan ruler, as an instrument to fulfill His purposes and bring judgment upon unfaithful nations, so too does Christ hold all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")). He is the one through whom and for whom all things were created, and in Him, all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy")). The temporary relief Ahaz found in an earthly alliance contrasts sharply with the eternal peace and security found only in Christ, who is our true refuge and strength ([Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge")). The judgment meted out to Damascus and Rezin foreshadows the ultimate and righteous judgment that Christ will execute upon all unrighteousness and rebellion at His second coming, when He will truly "take" the nations and rule with a rod of iron ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Unlike the physical exile to Kir, Christ offers spiritual deliverance from the captivity of sin and death, bringing His people into His glorious kingdom, where there is true rest and an eternal home ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - A Sabbath Rest for God's People"); [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Thus, the historical events of 2 Kings 16:9, though grim, ultimately magnify the Lordship of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfiller of God's purposes and the true deliverer of His people.

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

Amos 9:7

[Are] ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?

Isaiah 22:6

And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men [and] horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

Amos 1:3

¶ Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron:

Amos 1:5

I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD.

2 Chronicles 28:5

Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought [them] to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.

Isaiah 9:11

Therefore the LORD shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together;

Isaiah 7:16

For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.