2 Kings 22:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because they have forsaken {H5800} me, and have burned incense {H6999} unto other {H312} gods {H430}, that they might provoke me to anger {H3707} with all the works {H4639} of their hands {H3027}; therefore my wrath {H2534} shall be kindled {H3341} against this place {H4725}, and shall not be quenched {H3518}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because they have abandoned me and offered to other gods, in order to provoke me with everything they do. Therefore my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.'

Berean Standard Bible

because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. My wrath will be kindled against this place and will not be quenched.’

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The prophetess Huldah delivers a severe divine pronouncement to King Josiah regarding the impending judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. This verse articulates God's righteous wrath, specifically citing the nation's consistent idolatry and abandonment of their covenant relationship as the direct cause. It underscores the irreversible nature of the coming calamity, emphasizing that the accumulated sin of generations has reached a point where divine justice will be fully executed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the pivotal narrative of King Josiah's reign, specifically following the discovery of the "Book of the Law" (likely a significant portion of Deuteronomy) in the Temple during its repair. Upon hearing its contents, Josiah, a righteous king, was deeply distressed by the nation's widespread and long-standing disobedience to God's covenant commands, tearing his clothes in lamentation ([2 Kings 22:11](/2_kings/22-11 "2 Kings 22:11 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law")). In response to Josiah's humble inquiry, he sent a delegation to consult the prophetess Huldah, whose prophetic word in [2 Kings 22:15-20](/2_kings/22-15 "2 Kings 22:15-20 - Huldah's Prophecy") confirms the certainty of judgment for Judah while granting Josiah a personal reprieve due to his penitent heart. Verse 17 specifically details the *reasons* for this national judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judah, particularly prior to Josiah's reforms, had a long history of syncretism and outright idolatry, often adopting the abominable practices of surrounding nations. Kings like Manasseh, Josiah's grandfather, had actively promoted the worship of Baal, Asherah, and the host of heaven, even building altars to pagan deities within the Temple precincts ([2 Kings 21:3-7](/2_kings/21-3 "2 Kings 21:3-7 - Manasseh's Idolatry")). The burning of incense to other gods was a common act of pagan worship, directly violating the first two commandments of the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments")). This persistent spiritual infidelity, despite repeated prophetic warnings, had eroded the covenant relationship between God and His people, leading to an inevitable divine response.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua–2 Kings). Foremost is the theme of **covenant faithfulness and infidelity**. God's judgment is a direct consequence of Judah's "forsaking" Him, a violation of the covenant established at Sinai. This ties into the theme of **idolatry**, which is presented as the ultimate act of spiritual treason, provoking God's anger. The concept of **divine wrath and justice** is central, portraying God not as indifferent, but as a holy and righteous judge who responds to persistent rebellion. While Josiah's personal repentance brings a delay of judgment in his lifetime ([2 Kings 22:20](/2_kings/22-20 "2 Kings 22:20 - God's Promise to Josiah")), the national judgment remains fixed, highlighting the cumulative effect of generations of sin and the principle of **consequences for corporate disobedience**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsaken (Hebrew, _‘azab'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate abandonment, neglect, or desertion. In the context of a covenant relationship, it implies a breaking of loyalty and a turning away from one's commitments. Here, it highlights Judah's active choice to abandon their God, not merely a passive drifting away, but a conscious rejection of their covenant Lord and His commands.
* **Provoke me to anger (Hebrew, _ka'as'_):** This term denotes causing vexation, grief, or indignation. It emphasizes that God's wrath is not arbitrary or capricious, but a righteous and just response to the specific actions of His people. Their idolatry and "works of their hands" were direct affronts to His holiness and sovereignty, intentionally inciting His righteous indignation.
* **Shall not be quenched (Hebrew, _lo’ tikbeh'_):** This powerful phrase, using the negative particle "lo'" and the verb "kabah" (to be extinguished, put out), conveys the absolute certainty and irreversible nature of the impending judgment. Once God's wrath is "kindled" (like a fire), it will burn without cessation until its destructive purpose is fully accomplished, foreshadowing the complete devastation of Jerusalem and the exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because they have forsaken me":** This clause presents the primary reason for God's impending judgment. It points to Judah's deliberate and long-standing abandonment of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, the one true God, choosing instead to pursue other deities.
* **"and have burned incense unto other gods":** This specifies the concrete manifestation of their forsaking God. Burning incense was an act of worship, and performing it for "other gods" (false deities) was a direct violation of the first two commandments, representing the height of their spiritual infidelity and idolatry.
* **"that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands":** This clause clarifies the *effect* of their idolatrous practices. Their actions, born from their own choices and efforts ("works of their hands"), were not merely misguided but were direct provocations against God's holy character, justly inciting His righteous indignation.
* **"therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place":** This introduces the divine consequence. "Therefore" marks the direct cause-and-effect relationship between their sin and God's response. His "wrath" (Hebrew: `ḥamah`, often a strong, hot anger) is described as "kindled," a metaphor for a fire ignited, indicating its intensity and destructive potential. "This place" refers specifically to Jerusalem and Judah.
* **"and shall not be quenched":** This final, emphatic declaration underscores the inevitability and finality of the judgment. Like an unquenchable fire, God's wrath, once kindled, will burn until it consumes what it is directed against, signifying the complete and irreversible destruction that awaits the nation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the phrase "my wrath shall be kindled," likening divine anger to a consuming fire that, once ignited, burns with fierce intensity. This fire is further emphasized by the **hyperbole** of "shall not be quenched," which, while not literally meaning eternal burning, powerfully communicates the absolute certainty and comprehensive nature of the judgment; it will not be stopped or extinguished until its purpose is fulfilled. The structure of the verse also demonstrates clear **cause-and-effect**, explicitly linking Judah's actions ("Because they have forsaken me... and have burned incense") to God's response ("therefore my wrath shall be kindled"). This highlights the principle of divine justice and accountability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's unyielding holiness and justice, demonstrating that His patience, while vast, is not infinite. The accumulated sin of generations, particularly the pervasive idolatry and covenant breaking, reaches a tipping point where divine judgment becomes inevitable. It underscores the severity of spiritual infidelity and the direct consequences of turning away from the one true God. While God is merciful and slow to anger, He is also righteous and will not tolerate persistent rebellion against His character and commands. This judgment, though severe, is not arbitrary but a just response to a people who "provoke" Him with their deliberate actions.

* [Deuteronomy 29:22-28](/deuteronomy/29-22 "Deuteronomy 29:22-28 - Consequences of Covenant Breaking")
* [Jeremiah 7:16-20](/jeremiah/7-16 "Jeremiah 7:16-20 - God's Unquenchable Anger Against Idolatry")
* [Ezekiel 8:1-18](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of 2 Kings 22:17, though rooted in ancient history, carries profound and timeless implications for individuals and communities today. It serves as a stark reminder that our actions, particularly those that betray our ultimate allegiance, have real spiritual consequences. While we may not burn physical incense to stone idols, modern idolatry often manifests as prioritizing wealth, power, comfort, reputation, or even self-fulfillment above God. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination: what are the "works of our hands" that might be provoking God's displeasure? It challenges us to consider the seriousness of spiritual apathy and the subtle ways we might "forsake" God by neglecting His Word, His presence, or His commands. Ultimately, it compels us to cultivate a deep reverence for God's holiness and to live in faithful obedience, understanding that His justice is as real as His love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be "forsaking" God in subtle or overt ways today?**
* **What "works of my hands" might be displacing God from His rightful place in my life?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous anger inform my understanding of His love and mercy?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my loyalty and worship are solely directed towards God?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God's wrath to be "kindled" and "not be quenched"?**

Answer: The imagery of wrath being "kindled" is a powerful metaphor, likening God's anger to a fire that has been ignited. It signifies intense, righteous indignation that has reached a boiling point due to persistent sin and rebellion. The phrase "shall not be quenched" emphasizes the absolute certainty, inevitability, and comprehensive nature of the impending judgment. It means that once this divine judgment begins, it will not be stopped, mitigated, or extinguished until its destructive purpose is fully accomplished. It speaks to the finality and severity of the consequences for Judah's long history of forsaking God and engaging in idolatry, foreshadowing the Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem ([2 Kings 25:8-10](/2_kings/25-8 "2 Kings 25:8-10 - Destruction of Jerusalem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 22:17 pronounces an unquenchable wrath upon a rebellious Judah, the New Testament reveals the ultimate answer to humanity's forsaking of God and the provocation of His anger: the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "works of their hands" that provoked God's wrath find their ultimate expression in humanity's universal sinfulness ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")), which justly deserves divine judgment ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed")). However, God, in His infinite love, provided a way for His wrath to be appeased and His justice satisfied, not by destroying the sinner, but by offering His Son as a propitiation. On the cross, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full, unquenchable wrath of God against sin so that those who believe in Him might be spared ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). Through Christ, the covenant broken by Israel is renewed in a New Covenant, sealed by His blood, offering forgiveness and a path to reconciliation with God, transforming those who once provoked His anger into His beloved children ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")).

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

2 Kings 21:22

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

Isaiah 46:5

¶ To whom will ye liken me, and make [me] equal, and compare me, that we may be like?

Isaiah 46:8

Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring [it] again to mind, O ye transgressors.

Deuteronomy 32:22

For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

Nehemiah 9:27

Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

Ezekiel 20:47

And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.