King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:21 Mean?

2 Kings 17:21 in the King James Version says “For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 17:21 · KJV


Context

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;

23

Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 20 words
כִּֽי1 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קָרַ֣ע2 of 20

For he rent

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙3 of 20

Israel

H3478

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

מֵעַל֙4 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בֵּ֣ית5 of 20

from the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

דָּוִ֔ד6 of 20

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיַּמְלִ֖יכוּ7 of 20

king

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֶת8 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יָֽרָבְעָ֤ם9 of 20

and Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן10 of 20

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נְבָ֑ט11 of 20

of Nebat

H5028

nebat, the father of jeroboam i

וַיַּדַּ֨א12 of 20
H5077

properly, to toss; figuratively, to exclude, i.e., banish, postpone, prohibit

יָֽרָבְעָ֤ם13 of 20

and Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

אֶת14 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙15 of 20

Israel

H3478

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

מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֣י16 of 20

from following

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יְהוָ֔ה17 of 20

the LORD

H3068

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

וְהֶחֱטֵיאָ֖ם18 of 20

and made them sin

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

חֲטָאָ֥ה19 of 20

sin

H2401

an offence, or a sacrifice for it

גְדוֹלָֽה׃20 of 20

a great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent


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 17:21 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 17:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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