2 Kings 21:13

Authorized King James Version

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And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.

Original Language Analysis

וְנָטִ֣יתִי And I will stretch H5186
וְנָטִ֣יתִי And I will stretch
Strong's: H5186
Word #: 1 of 21
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 2 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם Jerusalem H3389
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם Jerusalem
Strong's: H3389
Word #: 3 of 21
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
אֵ֚ת H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קָ֣ו the line H6957
קָ֣ו the line
Strong's: H6957
Word #: 5 of 21
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן of Samaria H8111
שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן of Samaria
Strong's: H8111
Word #: 6 of 21
shomeron, a place in palestine
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁקֹ֖לֶת and the plummet H4949
מִשְׁקֹ֖לֶת and the plummet
Strong's: H4949
Word #: 8 of 21
a weight, i.e., a plummet (with line attached)
בֵּ֣ית of the house H1004
בֵּ֣ית of the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 9 of 21
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אַחְאָ֑ב of Ahab H256
אַחְאָ֑ב of Ahab
Strong's: H256
Word #: 10 of 21
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
מָחָ֔ה and I will wipe H4229
מָחָ֔ה and I will wipe
Strong's: H4229
Word #: 11 of 21
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 12 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם Jerusalem H3389
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם Jerusalem
Strong's: H3389
Word #: 13 of 21
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 14 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מָחָ֔ה and I will wipe H4229
מָחָ֔ה and I will wipe
Strong's: H4229
Word #: 15 of 21
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 16 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַצַּלַּ֙חַת֙ a dish H6747
הַצַּלַּ֙חַת֙ a dish
Strong's: H6747
Word #: 17 of 21
something advanced or deep, i.e., a bowl; figuratively, the bosom
מָחָ֔ה and I will wipe H4229
מָחָ֔ה and I will wipe
Strong's: H4229
Word #: 18 of 21
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
וְהָפַ֖ךְ it and turning H2015
וְהָפַ֖ךְ it and turning
Strong's: H2015
Word #: 19 of 21
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 20 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנֶֽיהָ׃ it upside down H6440
פָּנֶֽיהָ׃ it upside down
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 21 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis & Commentary

And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 21: Unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment. 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 21 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Manasseh and Amon's Evil Reigns) 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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