2 kings 22:17 - Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched.’”

Generated Verse: 2 kings 22:17

What does "2 kings 22:17" mean?


This verse from 2 Kings 22:17 is a divine judgment delivered through the prophet Huldah to King Josiah. Let's break down its meaning:

"Because they have forsaken me..." This points to the core issue: the people of Judah have abandoned their covenant with God. They've turned away from worshipping Him alone.

"...and have burned incense to other gods..." This is a specific act of idolatry. Burning incense was an act of worship, and offering it to other gods was a direct violation of the commandment to have no other gods before the Lord.

"...that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands..." This emphasizes the intentional nature of their idolatry. It wasn't just a lapse in judgment; they were deliberately engaging in practices that they knew would offend God. "The work of their hands" refers to the idols and other objects they created and used in their false worship. This suggests they were actively creating the things they worshipped instead of worshipping their creator.

"...therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place..." As a consequence of their actions, God's anger ("wrath") will be ignited against "this place," referring to Jerusalem and Judah, the land promised to them.

"...and it will not be quenched." This is the most severe part of the judgment. It signifies that the divine punishment will be relentless and inescapable. God's anger, once aroused, will not be appeased or stopped. It foreshadows the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people.

In essence, the verse is a pronouncement of judgment due to the people's idolatry and abandonment of God. It signifies that their actions have crossed a line, and God's wrath will be unleashed upon them without mercy.

This verse is significant because it appears in the context of King Josiah's reforms. He discovered the Book of the Law and, upon hearing its contents, realized how far Judah had strayed from God's commands. This verse confirms the severity of their transgression and suggests that even Josiah's reforms may not be enough to avert the impending judgment, though Josiah was spared from seeing the disaster in his lifetime due to his humility and repentance.

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