2 Kings 21:22

KJV

And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he forsook {H5800} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of his fathers {H1}, and walked {H1980} not in the way {H1870} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He abandoned ADONAI, the God of his ancestors, and did not live in ADONAI's way.

Berean Standard Bible

He abandoned the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD.

American Standard Version

and he forsook Jehovah, the God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Amon's brief reign in Judah, as encapsulated in 2 Kings 21:22, marks a tragic spiritual regression, deliberately turning away from the covenant God of his ancestors. This verse succinctly captures his personal apostasy and failure to uphold the divine standard, setting a stark contrast to the eventual reforms initiated by his son, Josiah, and highlighting the deepening spiritual crisis in Judah during this period of decline.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the conclusion of the account of King Amon's reign, immediately following the description of his wicked practices in [2 Kings 21:20-21](/2_kings/21-20 "2 Kings 21:20-21 - Amon's Idolatry"). Amon's two-year rule is presented as a direct continuation and intensification of the idolatry introduced by his father, Manasseh, during his long and destructive reign, though Manasseh himself eventually repented [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance"). The brevity and negative portrayal of Amon's rule serve as a dark prelude to the subsequent narrative of his son, Josiah, who would become one of Judah's most righteous kings, initiating sweeping reforms that temporarily reversed the spiritual decay [2 Kings 22:1-2](/2_kings/22-1 "2 Kings 22:1-2 - Josiah's Righteous Reign"). Thus, 2 Kings 21:22 functions as a summary judgment on Amon's reign, emphasizing his personal culpability and the continued spiritual decline of the nation before Josiah's intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Amon reigned over Judah from 642-640 BC, a period marked by the waning power of the Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated the Near East. While Assyria's grip was loosening, its cultural and religious influence, particularly the syncretistic worship of its deities, remained pervasive. Amon's decision to "forsake the LORD God of his fathers" was not merely a personal spiritual choice but a political and cultural statement. It meant embracing the polytheistic practices common among surrounding nations, including the worship of Baal, Asherah, and the host of heaven, as detailed in his father Manasseh's earlier reign [2 Kings 21:3-7](/2_kings/21-3 "2 Kings 21:3-7 - Manasseh's Idolatry"). This widespread idolatry involved child sacrifice, cult prostitution, and divination, practices explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices"). Amon's actions reflect a deep-seated rejection of Judah's unique covenant identity as a nation set apart for Yahweh, further eroding the moral and spiritual fabric of society and inviting divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme highlighted by 2 Kings 21:22 is **apostasy and covenant infidelity**. Amon's "forsaking" of the Lord represents a deliberate and active turning away from the foundational covenant established with Abraham and reiterated through Moses at Sinai [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-5 - The Mosaic Covenant"). This act of spiritual rebellion is contrasted with the "way of the LORD," which signifies adherence to God's revealed will, commandments, and righteous living, as exemplified by faithful kings like David [1 Kings 3:3](/1_kings/3-3 "1 Kings 3:3 - David's Walk"). The verse also underscores the theme of **individual accountability**, as Amon, despite his lineage and his father's late repentance, chose his own path of disobedience. His failure underscores the persistent tension between Israel's calling to be a holy nation and its recurring tendency towards idolatry and syncretism, a narrative thread woven throughout the books of [Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and [Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Book of 1 Chronicles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsook (Hebrew, _azav_):** This verb signifies a deliberate act of abandoning, deserting, or leaving behind. It implies a conscious and willful rejection rather than a passive drifting away. In this context, Amon did not merely neglect the Lord; he actively turned his back on the covenant relationship and the worship of Yahweh, choosing instead to pursue other gods and practices. This word carries a strong connotation of disloyalty and betrayal, emphasizing the gravity of his spiritual choice.
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek_):** This term refers to a path, road, or course of life. When used in a moral or spiritual sense, "the way of the LORD" denotes a lifestyle characterized by obedience to God's commands, adherence to His statutes, and alignment with His revealed will. It encompasses one's conduct, character, and spiritual orientation. Amon's failure to "walk in the way of the LORD" indicates a comprehensive deviation from the righteous path prescribed by the covenant, implying a life lived in direct opposition to divine expectations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers":** This clause highlights Amon's profound spiritual defection. The phrase "the LORD God of his fathers" emphasizes the historical and covenantal continuity of God's relationship with Israel, stretching back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and through righteous kings like David and Hezekiah. Amon's "forsaking" was a conscious break from this sacred heritage and the monotheistic worship that defined Judah's identity. It was an act of apostasy, rejecting the very foundation of his nation's existence and prosperity.
* **"and walked not in the way of the LORD":** This second clause describes the practical outcome and manifestation of Amon's forsaking God. "Walking" is a common biblical metaphor for one's conduct and lifestyle. To "walk not in the way of the LORD" means to live a life characterized by disobedience, idolatry, and unrighteousness, directly contrary to God's commandments and the principles of the covenant. It signifies a persistent pattern of behavior that deviates from divine truth and moral uprightness, mirroring the ungodly practices of the nations around Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "forsook the LORD God of his fathers" is mirrored by "walked not in the way of the LORD." The first clause describes the internal spiritual disposition (rejection of God), while the second describes its external manifestation (disobedient conduct), reinforcing the comprehensive nature of Amon's apostasy. The phrase "the way of the LORD" is a classic **idiom** for righteous living and adherence to God's commandments, contrasting sharply with the "way of the wicked." The use of "God of his fathers" evokes a strong sense of **heritage and covenant**, underscoring the gravity of Amon's betrayal of a long-standing divine relationship. This verse also functions as a **summary judgment**, providing a concise and damning assessment of Amon's entire reign, characterizing it by its spiritual failure and setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of redemption and reform under Josiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
King Amon's spiritual failure in 2 Kings 21:22 serves as a stark theological warning about the dangers of deliberate apostasy and the profound consequences of rejecting divine covenant. It underscores the principle of individual accountability before God, irrespective of one's lineage or external circumstances. Amon's choice to abandon the Lord and His ways highlights the ever-present tension between God's faithfulness to His covenant people and their recurring unfaithfulness. This narrative reinforces the concept that true worship involves not just ritual but a comprehensive lifestyle of obedience and devotion, emphasizing that forsaking God inevitably leads to a life out of alignment with His righteous standards.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amon's story, though brief, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His deliberate "forsaking" of the Lord and refusal to "walk in His way" serves as a sobering reminder that spiritual heritage alone does not guarantee faithfulness. Each individual is called to a personal, active, and ongoing commitment to God. It's not enough to be born into a Christian family or tradition; one must actively choose to follow Christ daily. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we merely drifting, or are we actively pursuing "the way of the Lord" in our thoughts, words, and deeds? The spiritual state of a leader, whether in a family, church, or nation, profoundly impacts those under their influence, highlighting the critical importance of righteous leadership and personal integrity. Amon's tragic end, cut short by conspiracy, underscores the ultimate futility and destructive nature of a life lived apart from God's will. Our choices today shape our spiritual destiny and the legacy we leave behind.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be subtly "forsaking" the Lord in my own life, perhaps through neglect or misplaced priorities, rather than deliberate rebellion?**
* **What does "walking in the way of the LORD" look like practically in my daily decisions and relationships?**
* **How does my personal spiritual walk impact those around me, particularly those I lead or influence?**
* **Considering Amon's story, what steps can I take to ensure my faith is a personal, active choice rather than a passive inheritance?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for a king to "forsake the LORD God of his fathers" and "walk not in the way of the LORD"?**

Answer: For a king in ancient Judah to "forsake the LORD God of his fathers" meant a deliberate and profound rejection of the covenant relationship that defined Israel's identity and existence. This was not merely a personal spiritual preference but a national apostasy, as the king was seen as the spiritual head of the nation. The "LORD God of his fathers" refers to Yahweh, the God who had chosen Abraham, delivered Israel from Egypt, and established the Mosaic covenant at Sinai. To forsake Him meant to abandon the exclusive worship of Yahweh and often involved embracing the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, such as the worship of Baal, Asherah, and astral deities, which were explicitly forbidden by God's law [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments").

"Walking not in the way of the LORD" describes the practical manifestation of this forsaking. "The way of the LORD" refers to the entire body of God's revealed will, His commandments, statutes, and judgments, which prescribed a life of righteousness, justice, and holiness [Deuteronomy 10:12-13](/deuteronomy/10-12 "Deuteronomy 10:12-13 - What the Lord Requires"). Therefore, not walking in His way meant a lifestyle characterized by disobedience to the Law, engaging in pagan rituals, promoting injustice, and generally living contrary to God's moral and ethical standards. For a king, this often translated into official endorsement of idolatry, corruption, and oppression, leading the entire nation into spiritual and moral decline.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of King Amon's apostasy in 2 Kings 21:22, where he "forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human failure and divine faithfulness. Amon's deliberate rejection of the covenant God highlights humanity's persistent inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards and maintain a consistent walk in His "way." This recurring pattern of sin and rebellion throughout Israel's history underscores the desperate need for a perfect King who would not forsake the Lord but would perfectly embody and fulfill "the way of the LORD." Jesus Christ is that King. Unlike Amon, who turned from the God of his fathers, Jesus consistently and perfectly honored His Father, declaring, "I always do the things that are pleasing to Him" [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Pleases the Father"). He is the true "way" to God, proclaiming, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life"). Amon's failure to walk in God's way led to spiritual ruin and a brief, ignominious reign; Christ's perfect obedience, even to death on a cross, established an eternal kingdom and opened the "new and living way" for all who believe [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way"). Thus, Amon's story serves as a dark backdrop, illuminating the glorious light of Christ's perfect faithfulness and His ultimate provision for humanity's reconciliation with the God whom Amon so tragically forsook.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 11:33

Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do [that which is] right in mine eyes, and [to keep] my statutes and my judgments, as [did] David his father.

2 Kings 22:17

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Jonah 2:8

They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

Deuteronomy 32:15

¶ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Jeremiah 2:13

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.