King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 24:2 Mean?

2 Kings 24:2 in the King James Version says “And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of t... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets. by: Heb. by the hand of

2 Kings 24:2 · King James Version


Context

1

In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.

2

And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets. by: Heb. by the hand of

3

Surely at the commandment of the LORD came this upon Judah, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did;

4

And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 24: Judgment unfolds progressively. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite.

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 24 takes place during the final collapse of Judah and Babylonian exile, early 6th century BCE, 605-586 BCE. The chapter's theme (Beginning of Babylonian Captivity) reflects the historical reality of the final collapse of Judah, destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and exile to Babylon as covenant curses are fully realized. 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 24 regarding judgment unfolds progressively?
  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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥ם1 of 26

and sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 26

And the LORD

H3068

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

בּ֡וֹ3 of 26
H0
אֶת4 of 26
H853

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

גְּדוּדֵ֣י5 of 26

against him bands

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

כַשְׂדִּים֩6 of 26

of the Chaldees

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

וְאֶת7 of 26
H853

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

גְּדוּדֵ֣י8 of 26

against him bands

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

אֲרָ֜ם9 of 26

of the Syrians

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

וְאֵ֣ת׀10 of 26
H853

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

גְּדוּדֵ֣י11 of 26

against him bands

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

מוֹאָ֗ב12 of 26

of the Moabites

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וְאֵת֙13 of 26
H853

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

גְּדוּדֵ֣י14 of 26

against him bands

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

בְנֵֽי15 of 26

of the children

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

עַמּ֔וֹן16 of 26

of Ammon

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥ם17 of 26

and sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בִּֽיהוּדָ֖ה18 of 26

them against Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לְהַֽאֲבִיד֑וֹ19 of 26

to destroy

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

כִּדְבַ֣ר20 of 26

it according to the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה21 of 26

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר22 of 26
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֔ר23 of 26

which he spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּיַ֖ד24 of 26

by

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

עֲבָדָ֥יו25 of 26

his servants

H5650

a servant

הַנְּבִיאִֽים׃26 of 26

the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man


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 24:2 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 24:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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