2 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 18

Authorized King James Version

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Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּתְאַנַּ֨ף angry H599
וַיִּתְאַנַּ֨ף angry
Strong's: H599
Word #: 1 of 13
to breathe hard, i.e., be enraged
יְהוָ֤ה Therefore the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֤ה Therefore the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מְאֹד֙ was very H3966
מְאֹד֙ was very
Strong's: H3966
Word #: 3 of 13
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל with Israel H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל with Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 4 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיְסִרֵ֖ם and removed H5493
וַיְסִרֵ֖ם and removed
Strong's: H5493
Word #: 5 of 13
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
מֵעַ֣ל H5921
מֵעַ֣ל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 6 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנָ֑יו them out of his sight H6440
פָּנָ֑יו them out of his sight
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 7 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִשְׁאַ֔ר there was none left H7604
נִשְׁאַ֔ר there was none left
Strong's: H7604
Word #: 9 of 13
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
רַ֛ק H7535
רַ֛ק
Strong's: H7535
Word #: 10 of 13
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
שֵׁ֥בֶט but the tribe H7626
שֵׁ֥בֶט but the tribe
Strong's: H7626
Word #: 11 of 13
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
יְהוּדָ֖ה of Judah H3063
יְהוּדָ֖ה of Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 12 of 13
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
לְבַדּֽוֹ׃ H905
לְבַדּֽוֹ׃
Strong's: H905
Word #: 13 of 13
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

Analysis & Commentary

Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 17: Covenant judgment and exile. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

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

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 17 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of the Northern Kingdom) reflects the historical reality of the fulfillment of prophetic warnings as the northern kingdom fell to Assyria due to persistent covenant unfaithfulness. 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