2 Kings 14:25
He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher.
2 Kings 14:25 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament of the Bible recounts the restoration of the coast of Israel by King Jeroboam II. Under his reign, the territory was expanded from Hamath in the north to the Sea of the Arabah (Dead Sea) in the south. The verse emphasizes that this restoration was in accordance with the word of the LORD God of Israel, as spoken by the prophet Jonah, son of Amittai, from Gath Hepher. Jonah was chosen as the messenger to relay God's plan for the restoration of the land, and his prophecy was fulfilled through King Jeroboam II's actions. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of God's word and how obedience to His commands can lead to blessings and restoration. It also highlights the importance of prophets in communicating God's messages to His people and guiding them in fulfilling His will.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see the fulfillment of a prophecy given by the prophet Jonah, who was from Gath Hepher. The restoration of the coast of Israel from Hamath to the sea of the plain was attributed to the word of the Lord God of Israel, as spoken through Jonah. This event not only demonstrates the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His word, but also highlights the significance of Jonah as a prophet. Through this restoration, we see the providential care and intervention of God in the affairs of His people. The mention of Jonah's hometown, Gath Hepher, also adds a personal touch to the narrative, reminding us that God chooses and uses individuals from all walks of life to carry out His purposes.
2 Kings 14:25 in other translations
American Standard Version
He restored the border of Israel from the entrance of Hamath unto the sea of the Arabah, according to the word of Jehovah, the God of Israel, which he spake by his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was of Gath-hepher.
World English Bible
He restored the border of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the sea of the Arabah, according to Yahweh’s word, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was of Gath Hepher.
Douay-Rheims
He restored the borders of Israel from the entrance of Emath, unto the sea of the wilderness, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant, Jonas, the son of Amathi, the prophet, who was of Geth, which is in Opher.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He restored the coast of Israel, from the entring of Hamath, vnto the Sea of the wildernesse, according to the worde of the Lord God of Israel, which he spake by his seruant Ionah the sonne of Amittai the Prophet, which was of Gath Hepher.