2 Kings Chapter 24 · Verse 4
And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַ֤ם
H1571
וְגַ֤ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
דָּ֣ם
blood
H1818
דָּ֣ם
blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
2 of 14
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁפָ֔ךְ
that he shed
H8210
שָׁפָ֔ךְ
that he shed
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
5 of 14
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
וַיְמַלֵּ֥א
for he filled
H4390
וַיְמַלֵּ֥א
for he filled
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
6 of 14
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Jerusalem
H3389
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
8 of 14
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
דָּ֣ם
blood
H1818
דָּ֣ם
blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
9 of 14
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָבָ֥ה
would
H14
אָבָ֥ה
would
Strong's:
H14
Word #:
12 of 14
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.
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.