King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 24:20 Mean?

2 Kings 24:20 in the King James Version says “For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.”

2 Kings 24:20 · KJV

Context

18

Zedekiah was twenty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

19

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done.

20

For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

Read 2 Kings 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

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

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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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֣י׀1 of 16
H3588

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

עַל2 of 16
H5921

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

אַ֣ף3 of 16

“For through the anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

הָֽיְתָ֤ה5 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙6 of 16

“it came to pass in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וּבִ֣יהוּדָ֔ה7 of 16

“and Judah”

H3063

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

עַד8 of 16
H5704

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

הִשְׁלִכ֥וֹ9 of 16

“until he had cast them out”

H7993

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

אֹתָ֖ם10 of 16
H853

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

מֵעַ֣ל11 of 16
H5921

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

פָּנָ֑יו12 of 16

“from his presence”

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

וַיִּמְרֹ֥ד13 of 16

“rebelled”

H4775

to rebel

צִדְקִיָּ֖הוּ14 of 16

“that Zedekiah”

H6667

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

בְּמֶ֥לֶךְ15 of 16

“against the king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶֽל׃16 of 16

“of Babylon”

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

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 24:20 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 24:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36:132 Thessalonians 2:9-11Exodus 9:14-17Isaiah 19:11-14Ezekiel 17:15-20Deuteronomy 2:30

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Kings 24 →

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