King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 24:3 Mean?

2 Kings 24:3 in the King James Version says “Surely at the commandment of the LORD came this upon Judah, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, a...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

2 Kings 24:3 · KJV

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.

5

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Read 2 Kings 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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. 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 · 14 words
אַ֣ךְ׀1 of 14
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

עַל2 of 14
H5921

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

פִּ֣י3 of 14

“Surely at the commandment”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

הָֽיְתָה֙5 of 14
H1961

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

בִּֽיהוּדָ֔ה6 of 14

“came this upon Judah”

H3063

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

לְהָסִ֖יר7 of 14

“to remove”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵעַ֣ל8 of 14
H5921

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

פָּנָ֑יו9 of 14

“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

בְּחַטֹּ֣את10 of 14

“for the sins”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה11 of 14

“of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

כְּכֹ֖ל12 of 14
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 14
H834

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

עָשָֽׂה׃14 of 14

“according to all that he did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 24:3 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 24:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 18:252 Kings 21:2-112 Kings 23:26-27Deuteronomy 4:26-27Isaiah 46:10-11Micah 2:10

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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