King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:20 Mean?

2 Kings 17:20 in the King James Version says “And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.”

2 Kings 17:20 · KJV

Salvation

Context

18

Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.

19

Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made.

20

And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.

21

For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin.

22

For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;

Read 2 Kings 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 17: Covenant judgment and exile. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 17 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of the Northern Kingdom) reflects the historical reality of the fulfillment of prophetic warnings as the northern kingdom fell to Assyria due to persistent covenant unfaithfulness. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 17 regarding covenant judgment and exile?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּמְאַ֨ס1 of 13

“rejected”

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 13

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּכָל3 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

זֶ֤רַע4 of 13

“all the seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙5 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיְעַנֵּ֔ם6 of 13

“and afflicted”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖ם7 of 13

“them and delivered”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיַד8 of 13

“them into the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שֹׁסִ֑ים9 of 13

“of spoilers”

H8154

to plunder

עַ֛ד10 of 13
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִשְׁלִיכָ֖ם12 of 13

“until he had cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

מִפָּנָֽיו׃13 of 13

“them out of his sight”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 17:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 17:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 15:29Jeremiah 6:302 Kings 13:31 Samuel 15:26Romans 11:1-22 Chronicles 28:5-6

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 17 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes