2 kings 21:13 - I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of Ahab’s house; and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 kings 21:13" mean?
This verse, 2 Kings 21:13, is a powerful and chilling prophecy of judgment against Jerusalem, specifically targeting the wicked reign of King Manasseh. Let's break down the meaning:
"I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of Ahab's house..."
Line of Samaria and Plummet of Ahab's House: These are references to the destruction and judgment that previously befell the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the notoriously wicked dynasty of Ahab and Jezebel. God is saying he will use the same standard and measure of destruction against Jerusalem. A "line" and "plummet" were used by builders to ensure a wall was straight and true. Here, God is using them as metaphors for the standard of righteousness. Jerusalem, under Manasseh's leadership, had become just as corrupt and idolatrous as Samaria and Ahab's house.
Stretching Over: This means the same judgment, the same fate, will be extended to Jerusalem. It's not just a warning; it's a decree.
"...and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down."
Wiping Jerusalem: This is a graphic and forceful image. A dish is wiped clean to remove all the food and residue. Similarly, God will completely cleanse Jerusalem of its wickedness, but through destruction and exile.
Turning it Upside Down: This signifies complete devastation and chaos. It suggests a reversal of fortunes, a city turned inside out, and a society utterly disrupted. The idea here is complete chaos and reversal of fortunes. It's not just a surface cleaning; it's a thorough overturning of everything.
In summary, the verse is a prophetic declaration that God will judge Jerusalem severely because of its widespread idolatry and wickedness, mirroring the judgment already meted out to Samaria and the house of Ahab. The city will be thoroughly destroyed, wiped clean, and turned upside down.
Context within the Book of 2 Kings:
It is important to look at the context within the book.
Manasseh's Wickedness: The surrounding verses describe Manasseh's extreme idolatry, including building altars to foreign gods, worshiping the stars, and even sacrificing his own son. He led the people of Judah astray and provoked God's anger.
Consequences of Sin: The verse serves as a direct consequence of Manasseh's actions. The prophecy makes it clear that there is a limit to God's patience.
Theological Implications:
God's Justice: The verse highlights God's justice and his intolerance of sin.
Accountability: It shows that even the chosen people are not exempt from judgment if they turn away from God.
Warning: It serves as a warning against idolatry and disobedience, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God's covenant.
Ultimately, this verse is a grim prophecy of impending doom for Jerusalem, brought about by the people's unfaithfulness and the wicked leadership of King Manasseh.
2 kings 21:13 - I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of Ahab’s house; and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.
What does "2 kings 21:13" mean?
This verse, 2 Kings 21:13, is a powerful and chilling prophecy of judgment against Jerusalem, specifically targeting the wicked reign of King Manasseh. Let's break down the meaning:
"I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of Ahab's house..."
Line of Samaria and Plummet of Ahab's House: These are references to the destruction and judgment that previously befell the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the notoriously wicked dynasty of Ahab and Jezebel. God is saying he will use the same standard and measure of destruction against Jerusalem. A "line" and "plummet" were used by builders to ensure a wall was straight and true. Here, God is using them as metaphors for the standard of righteousness. Jerusalem, under Manasseh's leadership, had become just as corrupt and idolatrous as Samaria and Ahab's house.
Stretching Over: This means the same judgment, the same fate, will be extended to Jerusalem. It's not just a warning; it's a decree.
"...and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down."
Wiping Jerusalem: This is a graphic and forceful image. A dish is wiped clean to remove all the food and residue. Similarly, God will completely cleanse Jerusalem of its wickedness, but through destruction and exile.
Turning it Upside Down: This signifies complete devastation and chaos. It suggests a reversal of fortunes, a city turned inside out, and a society utterly disrupted. The idea here is complete chaos and reversal of fortunes. It's not just a surface cleaning; it's a thorough overturning of everything.
In summary, the verse is a prophetic declaration that God will judge Jerusalem severely because of its widespread idolatry and wickedness, mirroring the judgment already meted out to Samaria and the house of Ahab. The city will be thoroughly destroyed, wiped clean, and turned upside down.
Context within the Book of 2 Kings:
It is important to look at the context within the book.
Manasseh's Wickedness: The surrounding verses describe Manasseh's extreme idolatry, including building altars to foreign gods, worshiping the stars, and even sacrificing his own son. He led the people of Judah astray and provoked God's anger.
Consequences of Sin: The verse serves as a direct consequence of Manasseh's actions. The prophecy makes it clear that there is a limit to God's patience.
Theological Implications:
God's Justice: The verse highlights God's justice and his intolerance of sin.
Accountability: It shows that even the chosen people are not exempt from judgment if they turn away from God.
Warning: It serves as a warning against idolatry and disobedience, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God's covenant.
Ultimately, this verse is a grim prophecy of impending doom for Jerusalem, brought about by the people's unfaithfulness and the wicked leadership of King Manasseh.