2 Kings 14:7 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Amaziah inflicts a crushing military defeat on Edom, seizing the stronghold of Selah and renaming it Joktheel.
The Context of 2 Kings 14:7
Edom was a long-standing rival; Selah (Petra) was a major fortified city; the renaming shows Amaziah's assertion of dominion.
What Does 2 Kings 14:7 Mean?
Ten thousand Edomites fall in the valley of salt. It is a victory, clear and total, and Amaziah's name grows in the region. He seizes Selah, that great rock fortress—one of the wonders of the ancient world, carved into cliffs so sheer they seem to touch heaven—and he renames it. No longer Selah. Now Joktheel: 'God is upright' or perhaps 'May God establish.' By renaming the conquered city, Amaziah plants his flag not just in stone but in meaning itself. He claims the victory not merely as his own strength but as an act of God.
Yet here we should pause. Military triumph is intoxicating. Ten thousand enemies dead. A legendary stronghold taken. Amaziah's heart, as we shall see, begins to lift itself up with pride at this point. Victories are gifts from God, but they are dangerous gifts. They whisper lies to the victor, telling him he is greater than he is, stronger than his own hand, wiser than he truly knows.
How to Apply 2 Kings 14:7 Today
When we achieve success, we should ask: who deserves the praise? God readily shares credit, but He will not share glory. If we take to ourselves the laurels of victory, we invite humiliation.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 14:7
What does 2 Kings 14:7 mean?
Amaziah inflicts a crushing military defeat on Edom, seizing the stronghold of Selah and renaming it Joktheel.
What is the context of 2 Kings 14:7?
Edom was a long-standing rival; Selah (Petra) was a major fortified city; the renaming shows Amaziah's assertion of dominion.
How can I apply 2 Kings 14:7 today?
When we achieve success, we should ask: who deserves the praise? God readily shares credit, but He will not share glory. If we take to ourselves the laurels of victory, we invite humiliation.