2 Kings 22:17

Authorized King James Version

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Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

Original Language Analysis

תַּ֣חַת׀ H8478
תַּ֣חַת׀
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 1 of 17
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 2 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֲזָב֗וּנִי Because they have forsaken H5800
עֲזָב֗וּנִי Because they have forsaken
Strong's: H5800
Word #: 3 of 17
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
וַֽיְקַטְּרוּ֙ me and have burned incense H6999
וַֽיְקַטְּרוּ֙ me and have burned incense
Strong's: H6999
Word #: 4 of 17
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים gods H430
לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים gods
Strong's: H430
Word #: 5 of 17
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲחֵרִ֔ים unto other H312
אֲחֵרִ֔ים unto other
Strong's: H312
Word #: 6 of 17
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
לְמַ֙עַן֙ H4616
לְמַ֙עַן֙
Strong's: H4616
Word #: 7 of 17
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
הַכְעִיסֵ֔נִי that they might provoke me to anger H3707
הַכְעִיסֵ֔נִי that they might provoke me to anger
Strong's: H3707
Word #: 8 of 17
to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant
בְּכֹ֖ל H3605
בְּכֹ֖ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 9 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה with all the works H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה with all the works
Strong's: H4639
Word #: 10 of 17
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
יְדֵיהֶ֑ם of their hands H3027
יְדֵיהֶ֑ם of their hands
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 11 of 17
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
וְנִצְּתָ֧ה shall be kindled H3341
וְנִצְּתָ֧ה shall be kindled
Strong's: H3341
Word #: 12 of 17
to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate
חֲמָתִ֛י therefore my wrath H2534
חֲמָתִ֛י therefore my wrath
Strong's: H2534
Word #: 13 of 17
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
בַּמָּק֥וֹם against this place H4725
בַּמָּק֥וֹם against this place
Strong's: H4725
Word #: 14 of 17
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַזֶּ֖ה H2088
הַזֶּ֖ה
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 15 of 17
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
וְלֹ֥א H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 16 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִכְבֶּֽה׃ and shall not be quenched H3518
תִכְבֶּֽה׃ and shall not be quenched
Strong's: H3518
Word #: 17 of 17
to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)

Analysis & Commentary

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 22: Rediscovery of God's word brings renewal. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 22 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Josiah's Reform Begins) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. 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.

Questions for Reflection

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