2 Kings 24:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥ם
and sent
H7971
וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥ם
and sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 26
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 26
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כַשְׂדִּים֩
of the Chaldees
H3778
כַשְׂדִּים֩
of the Chaldees
Strong's:
H3778
Word #:
6 of 26
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲרָ֜ם
of the Syrians
H758
אֲרָ֜ם
of the Syrians
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
9 of 26
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
וְאֵ֣ת׀
H853
וְאֵ֣ת׀
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מוֹאָ֗ב
of the Moabites
H4124
מוֹאָ֗ב
of the Moabites
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
12 of 26
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 26
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַמּ֔וֹן
of Ammon
H5983
עַמּ֔וֹן
of Ammon
Strong's:
H5983
Word #:
16 of 26
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥ם
and sent
H7971
וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥ם
and sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
17 of 26
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בִּֽיהוּדָ֖ה
them against Judah
H3063
בִּֽיהוּדָ֖ה
them against Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
18 of 26
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
לְהַֽאֲבִיד֑וֹ
to destroy
H6
לְהַֽאֲבִיד֑וֹ
to destroy
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
19 of 26
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
כִּדְבַ֣ר
it according to the word
H1697
כִּדְבַ֣ר
it according to the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
20 of 26
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
21 of 26
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
22 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֔ר
which he spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֔ר
which he spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
23 of 26
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Cross References
Jeremiah 35:11But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.2 Kings 23:27And the LORD said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.Jeremiah 32:28Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it:Jeremiah 25:9Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.Ezekiel 19:8Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit.2 Kings 6:23And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.2 Kings 20:17Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 24 regarding judgment unfolds progressively?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
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 prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. 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.