2 Kings 17:20

And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.

And the LORD {H3068} rejected {H3988} all the seed {H2233} of Israel {H3478}, and afflicted {H6031} them, and delivered {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of spoilers {H8154}, until he had cast {H7993} them out of his sight {H6440}.

Yes, ADONAI came to despise all the descendants of Isra'el. He caused them trouble and handed them over to plunderers, until finally he threw them out of his sight.

So the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel. He afflicted them and delivered them into the hands of plunderers, until He had banished them from His presence.

And Jehovah rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.

Commentary

Context

This verse delivers a somber summary judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel, often referred to simply as "Israel" after the division of the united monarchy. It follows a detailed account in 2 Kings 17:7-18 of their persistent idolatry, rebellion against God's law, and rejection of His prophets. The "spoilers" primarily refer to the Assyrians, who conquered Samaria (Israel's capital) and exiled its inhabitants in 722 BC. This was not an arbitrary act but the culmination of centuries of disobedience, a direct fulfillment of warnings given in the Mosaic Covenant, particularly in Deuteronomy 28.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse vividly portrays God's righteous judgment against persistent sin. His "rejection" and "affliction" were not capricious but a just response to Israel's chronic unfaithfulness and their abandonment of the covenant.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: It underscores the severe repercussions of turning away from God. The exile and suffering were direct, prophesied consequences of breaking the covenant and embracing pagan practices.
  • God's Sovereignty in Discipline: Even in judgment, God is sovereign. He "delivered them into the hand of spoilers," indicating His active role in orchestrating events to bring about His warnings and purposes, aiming for correction or removal when His people remain unrepentant.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "rejected" (מָאַב - ma'as) implies a strong disdain or abhorrence, signifying God's complete withdrawal of favor and patience due to their actions. The phrase "cast them out of his sight" is a powerful idiom, signifying complete removal from the land of promise and from God's protective presence. This stands in stark contrast to the original promise to bless the seed of Abraham and give them the land, demonstrating the severity of their covenant breach.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency and persistent rebellion. While God is merciful and slow to anger, it reminds us that there are indeed serious consequences for unrepentant sin, both for individuals and for communities. It calls believers to a humble examination of their own walk with God, emphasizing the importance of obedience, repentance, and faithfulness to His commands. Ultimately, it points to the greater hope found in Christ, who inaugurated a new covenant where God's law is written on the heart, offering a lasting relationship based on grace and truth.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 15:29

    In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

  • Jeremiah 6:30

    Reprobate silver shall [men] call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.

  • 2 Kings 13:3

    And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all [their] days.

  • 1 Samuel 15:23

    For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:5

    Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought [them] to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:6

    ΒΆ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.

  • Jonah 1:10

    Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.