2 Kings 21:14

And I will forsake the remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies;

And I will forsake {H5203} the remnant {H7611} of mine inheritance {H5159}, and deliver {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of their enemies {H341}; and they shall become a prey {H957} and a spoil {H4933} to all their enemies {H341};

I will abandon the remnant of my heritage, delivering them into the power of their enemies - they will become prey and plunder for all their enemies;

So I will forsake the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hands of their enemies. And they will become plunder and spoil to all their enemies,

And I will cast off the remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies;

Commentary

Context

This verse delivers a severe prophetic judgment from God against the kingdom of Judah, specifically due to the profound and persistent wickedness of King Manasseh. Manasseh, who reigned for 55 years, was arguably Judah's most idolatrous king, reintroducing pagan worship, erecting altars to Baal, practicing child sacrifice, and shedding innocent blood throughout Jerusalem (see 2 Kings 21:2-9). His actions provoked God's wrath to such an extent that the Lord declared He would deal with Judah as He had dealt with Samaria and the northern kingdom of Israel, which had already experienced devastating judgment and exile.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse highlights God's righteous judgment against blatant and unrepentant sin. His patience, though long-suffering, has limits when His people continually defy His covenant.
  • Loss of Inheritance: "The remnant of mine inheritance" refers to Judah and Jerusalem, what remained of God's chosen people and the Promised Land after the fall of the northern kingdom. God declares He will "forsake" them, meaning to abandon or let go of His protective hand, allowing them to face the consequences of their rebellion.
  • Vulnerability to Enemies: Without God's protection, Judah would become "a prey and a spoil," completely vulnerable to foreign invaders. This accurately foreshadows their eventual exile to Babylon.
  • Consequences of Leadership: Manasseh's personal sins had national repercussions, demonstrating the immense responsibility of those in authority to lead their people righteously.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "forsake" is natash (נָטַשׁ), which conveys the idea of abandoning, letting go, or withdrawing support. It signifies a decisive act of God ceasing His special care and protection over Judah due to their covenant breaking. The phrase "prey and a spoil" vividly describes utter devastation and plunder, indicating that Judah would be completely helpless before their enemies, mirroring the warnings given in the Mosaic Law for disobedience (e.g., Deuteronomy 28:15).

Significance and Application

2 Kings 21:14 serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine justice. It underscores that even God's chosen people are not immune to the consequences of persistent disobedience and idolatry. For believers today, this verse teaches:

  • The Seriousness of Sin: God does not take sin lightly, especially when it involves turning away from Him and His commands. Our actions have consequences, both individually and corporately.
  • God's Justice and Faithfulness: While this verse highlights judgment, it also implicitly reveals God's faithfulness to His warnings. His character is consistent; He will fulfill His promises of both blessing and consequence.
  • The Importance of Repentance: Though this verse speaks of national judgment, the individual story of Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 shows that personal repentance can lead to God's mercy, even for the most wicked. However, national judgment for widespread sin may still occur.
  • Maintaining Spiritual Vigilance: Just as Judah fell due to spiritual complacency and idolatry, believers must remain vigilant against the influences of the world that would draw them away from God, ensuring they do not become "prey" to spiritual enemies.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 23:33

    ΒΆ And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What [is] the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.

  • 2 Kings 19:4

    It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up [thy] prayer for the remnant that are left.

  • Psalms 89:38

    ΒΆ But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.

  • Psalms 89:45

    The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.

  • Lamentations 1:5

    Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 71:1

    ΒΆ In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
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