2 Kings 8:19
New International Version
Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah. He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.

New Living Translation
But the LORD did not want to destroy Judah, for he had promised his servant David that his descendants would continue to rule, shining like a lamp forever.

English Standard Version
Yet the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David his servant, since he promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever.

Berean Standard Bible
Yet for the sake of His servant David, the LORD was unwilling to destroy Judah, since He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.

King James Bible
Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him alway a light, and to his children.

New King James Version
Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah, for the sake of His servant David, as He promised him to give a lamp to him and his sons forever.

New American Standard Bible
However, the LORD did not want to destroy Judah, for the sake of David His servant, since He had promised him to give him a lamp through his sons always.

NASB 1995
However, the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David His servant, since He had promised him to give a lamp to him through his sons always.

NASB 1977
However, the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David His servant, since He had promised him to give a lamp to him through his sons always.

Legacy Standard Bible
However, Yahweh was not willing to make Judah a ruin, for the sake of David His servant, since He had promised him to give a lamp to him through his sons always.

Amplified Bible
Yet for the sake of His servant David the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah, since He had promised to give him a lamp (enthroned descendant) through his sons always.

Christian Standard Bible
For the sake of his servant David, the LORD was unwilling to destroy Judah, since he had promised to give a lamp to David and his sons forever.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD was unwilling to destroy Judah because of His servant David, since He had promised to give a lamp to David and his sons forever.

American Standard Version
Howbeit Jehovah would not destroy Judah, for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give unto him a lamp for his children alway.

Contemporary English Version
But the LORD refused to destroy Judah, because he had promised his servant David that someone from his family would always rule in Judah.

English Revised Version
Howbeit the LORD would not destroy Judah, for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give unto him a lamp for his children alway.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But for David's sake the LORD didn't want to destroy Judah. The LORD had told David that he would always give him and his descendants a [shining] lamp.

Good News Translation
but the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah, because he had promised his servant David that his descendants would always continue to rule.

International Standard Version
But the LORD remained unwilling to destroy Judah for the sake of his servant David, since he had promised to keep David's lamp burning brightly through his descendants every day.

Majority Standard Bible
Yet for the sake of His servant David, the LORD was unwilling to destroy Judah, since He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.

NET Bible
But the LORD was unwilling to destroy Judah. He preserved Judah for the sake of his servant David to whom he had promised a perpetual dynasty.

New Heart English Bible
However the LORD would not destroy Judah, for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give to him a lamp for his children always.

Webster's Bible Translation
Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah, for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him always a light, and to his children.

World English Bible
However, Yahweh would not destroy Judah, for David his servant’s sake, as he promised him to give to him a lamp for his children always.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and YHWH was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of His servant David, as He said to him, to give a lamp to him—to his sons [for] all the days.

Young's Literal Translation
and Jehovah was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David his servant, as He said to him, to give to him a lamp -- to his sons all the days.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah Would not destroy Judah on account of David his servant, as he said to give to him a light for his sons all the days.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the Lord would not destroy Juda, for David his servant's sake, as he had promised him, to give him a light, and to his children always.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah, because of David, his servant, just as he had promised him, so that he might grant a light to him and to his sons, for all days.

New American Bible
Even so, the LORD was unwilling to destroy Judah, for the sake of his servant David. For he had promised David that he would leave him a holding in the LORD’s presence for all time.

New Revised Standard Version
Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah, for the sake of his servant David, since he had promised to give a lamp to him and to his descendants forever.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised to him that he would give an heir to his children all the days.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH did not choose to destroy Yehuda, because of David his Servant, as he said to him that he would give him and his children a lamp for all days.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Howbeit the LORD would not destroy Judah, for David His servant's sake, as He promised him to give unto him a lamp and to his children alway.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But the Lord would not destroy Juda for David his servant's sake, as he said he would give a light to him and to his sons continually.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehoram Reigns in Judah
18And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD. 19Yet for the sake of His servant David, the LORD was unwilling to destroy Judah, since He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.

Cross References
2 Samuel 7:12-16
And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. ...

1 Kings 11:36
I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name.

1 Kings 15:4
Nevertheless, for the sake of David, the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and to make Jerusalem strong.

2 Chronicles 21:7
Yet the LORD was unwilling to destroy the house of David, because of the covenant He had made with David, and since He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.

Psalm 89:28-37
I will forever preserve My loving devotion for him, and My covenant with him will stand fast. / I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure. / If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments, ...

Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Jeremiah 33:17-21
For this is what the LORD says: David will never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel, / nor will the priests who are Levites ever fail to have a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to present sacrifices.” / And the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: ...

Matthew 1:1
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Matthew 1:6
and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,

Matthew 1:17
In all, then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.

Luke 1:32-33
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”

Luke 1:69
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David,

Acts 2:30
But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne.

Romans 1:3
regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh,

Romans 15:12
And once more, Isaiah says: “The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.”


Treasury of Scripture

Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him always a light, and to his children.

for David

2 Kings 19:34
For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

2 Samuel 7:12,13,15
And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom…

1 Kings 11:36
And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

light [heb] candle, or lamp

1 Kings 11:36
And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

Jump to Previous
Alway Always Children David Descendants Destroy Destruction Forever Howbeit However Judah Lamp Maintain Nevertheless Promised Purpose Sake Servant Servant's Willing Word
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Alway Always Children David Descendants Destroy Destruction Forever Howbeit However Judah Lamp Maintain Nevertheless Promised Purpose Sake Servant Servant's Willing Word
2 Kings 8
1. The Shunammite, having left her country seven years, to avoid the famine,
5. for Elisha's miracle's sake has her land restored by the king.
7. Hazael Murders Ben-Hadad and succeeds him
16. Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah
20. Edom and Libnah revolt
23. Ahaziah succeeds Jehoram
25. Ahaziah's wicked reign
28. He visits Joram, being wounded, at Jezreel














Yet the LORD
The phrase "Yet the LORD" introduces a divine intervention that contrasts with human actions or circumstances. In Hebrew, "Yahweh" is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and unchanging nature. This highlights God's sovereignty and His ultimate authority over the affairs of nations and individuals. Despite the unfaithfulness of Judah, God's character remains steadfast, underscoring His grace and mercy.

was unwilling to destroy
The Hebrew root for "unwilling" conveys a strong sense of divine restraint and mercy. God's reluctance to destroy Judah reflects His patience and long-suffering nature. This phrase indicates that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are tempered by His covenant promises and love. It serves as a reminder of the hope and redemption available through God's mercy.

Judah
Judah, the southern kingdom, holds a significant place in biblical history as the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. The mention of Judah here is not just geographical but deeply theological, as it represents the continuation of God's redemptive plan through David's lineage. Historically, Judah was often more faithful than the northern kingdom, Israel, yet still fell into idolatry and sin.

for the sake of His servant David
David is referred to as "His servant," highlighting his special relationship with God. The Hebrew word for "servant" denotes one who is chosen and beloved by God. David's covenant with God, found in 2 Samuel 7, promised an everlasting dynasty. This phrase underscores the importance of God's promises and the impact of a faithful servant's legacy on future generations.

since He had promised
The concept of a divine promise is central to the biblical narrative. God's promises are irrevocable and trustworthy, forming the foundation of faith for believers. This phrase emphasizes God's faithfulness to His word, which is a source of hope and assurance for His people. It also reflects the biblical theme that God's plans are not thwarted by human failure.

to maintain a lamp
The "lamp" symbolizes life, guidance, and continuity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a lamp represented the enduring presence of a dynasty. God's promise to maintain a lamp for David signifies the ongoing preservation of his lineage, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. This imagery reassures believers of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant.

for David and his descendants forever
The promise of an eternal dynasty for David and his descendants is a cornerstone of messianic prophecy. The Hebrew word for "forever" conveys an unending duration, pointing to the eternal reign of Christ. This phrase not only affirms God's faithfulness to David but also foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who would establish an everlasting kingdom. It inspires believers with the hope of eternal life and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus.

(19) To give him alway a light.--Comp. 1Kings 15:4; 1Kings 11:36; and for the promise to David, 2Samuel 7:12-16.

And to his children.--The reading of many Heb. MSS., the LXX., Vulg., and Targum. Thenius calls this a reading devised for the removal of a difficulty, and asserts that the promise was made to David alone. He would omit the conjunction, and render, "To give him alway a lamp in respect of (i.e., through) his sons." (See 2Chronicles 21:7, Note.) Keil adopts the same reading, but translates, "To give him, that is, his sons, a lamp," making "to his sons" an explanatory apposition.

Verse 19. - Yet the Lord would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake. The natural punishment of apostasy was rejection by God, and on rejection would, as a matter of course, follow destruction and ruin. God had declared by Moses, "If thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and statutes, which I command thee this day; all these curses shall come upon thee The Lord shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me. The Lord shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it. The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee till thou perish. And thy heaven which is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is underneath thee shall be iron.... The Lord shall cause thee to be smitten of thine enemies; thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and thou shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.... Thou shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the Lord shall lead thee" (Deuteronomy 28:15-37). The apostasy of Jeheram, and of the nation under him, was calculated to bring about the immediate fulfillment of all these threats, and would have done so but for a restraining cause. God had made promises to David, and to his seed after him (2 Samuel 7:13-16; Psalm 89:29-37, etc.), which would be unfulfilled if Judah's candlestick were at once removed. He had declared, "If thy children forsake my Law, and walk not in my statutes... I will visit their offences with the rod, and their sin with scourges. Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take away, nor suffer my truth to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips; I have sworn once by my holiness that I will not fail David." If he had now swept away the Jewish kingdom, he would have dealt more hardly with these who clave to David than with those that broke off from him. He would not have shown the "faithfulness" or the "mercy" which he had promised, he would have forgotten "the loving-kindnesses which he aware unto David in his truth" (Psalm 89:49). Therefore he would not - he could not - as yet "destroy Judah," with which, in point of fact, he bore for above three centuries longer, until at last the cup of their iniquities was full, and "there was no remedy." As he promised him to give him always a light, and to his children. There is no "and" in the original. Translate - As he promised him to give him always a light in respect of his children, and compare, for the promise of "a light" (1 Kings 11:36; 1 Kings 15:4; and Psalm 132:17).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Yet for the sake
לְמַ֖עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Preposition
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

of His servant
עַבְדּ֑וֹ (‘aḇ·dōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

David,
דָּוִ֣ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

was unwilling
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to destroy
לְהַשְׁחִ֣ית (lə·haš·ḥîṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7843: Perhaps to go to ruin

Judah,
יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

since
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

He had promised
אָֽמַר־ (’ā·mar-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to maintain
לָתֵ֨ת (lā·ṯêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

a lamp
נִ֛יר (nîr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5216: A lamp, light

for David
ל֥וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

[and] his descendants
לְבָנָ֖יו (lə·ḇā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

forever.
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every


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OT History: 2 Kings 8:19 However Yahweh would not destroy Judah (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 8:18
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