2 Kings 13:23

And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.

And the LORD {H3068} was gracious {H2603} unto them, and had compassion {H7355} on them, and had respect {H6437} unto them, because of {H4616} his covenant {H1285} with Abraham {H85}, Isaac {H3327}, and Jacob {H3290}, and would {H14} not destroy {H7843} them, neither cast {H7993} he them from his presence {H6440} as yet {H5704}.

but ADONAI was gracious, took pity on them and looked on them with favor, because of his covenant with Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov. He was not willing to destroy them, and to this day he has not banished them from his presence.

But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, and He turned toward them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And to this day, the LORD has been unwilling to destroy them or cast them from His presence.

But Jehovah was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.

Commentary

2 Kings 13:23 reveals a profound truth about God's character amidst Israel's persistent rebellion. Despite the northern kingdom's idolatry and disobedience, the Lord continued to show them favor, compassion, and regard. This divine forbearance was not due to their merit, but solely "because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." The verse highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when His people are unfaithful, delaying their complete destruction or removal from His presence.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse appears during the reign of King Jehoahaz of Israel, son of Jehu. The northern kingdom of Israel had a long history of spiritual apostasy, embracing idolatry and rejecting the worship of the one true God. They had been under severe oppression from the Arameans (Syrians), a consequence of their sin, as detailed earlier in 2 Kings 13. Despite their continued sinfulness, God did not utterly abandon them. This period illustrates a cycle of sin, oppression, crying out to God, and partial deliverance, often driven by God's faithfulness to His past commitments rather than the current obedience of the people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: The primary message is God's steadfast loyalty to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This unconditional covenant, outlined in books like Genesis 12 and Genesis 15, guaranteed the survival of their descendants and a special relationship, irrespective of Israel's behavior.
  • Divine Compassion and Patience: Even in the face of deep-seated sin, the Lord demonstrates immense "graciousness," "compassion," and "respect." This points to God's character as a merciful and long-suffering God, as famously described in Exodus 34:6-7. He delays full judgment, offering repeated opportunities for repentance.
  • Delayed but Inevitable Consequences: The phrase "as yet" (or "not yet") is crucial. While God's covenant prevented immediate and total destruction, it did not negate the consequences of sin. This foreshadows the eventual Assyrian exile of the northern kingdom, which indeed occurred because of their continued rebellion despite God's patience.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Gracious" (ื—ื ืŸ - chanan): Implies showing favor or pity, often unmerited. It speaks of God's benevolent disposition towards His people.
  • "Compassion" (ืจื—ื - racham): This word signifies a deep, visceral pity, often compared to a mother's tender mercy for her child. It conveys profound emotional care and empathy.
  • "Respect" (ืคื ื” - panah): Literally means "turned His face toward them" or "regarded them." It suggests God's attentive and favorable consideration, not ignoring them despite their faults.
  • "Covenant" (ื‘ืจื™ืช - berit): A foundational concept in the Old Testament, referring to a solemn, binding agreement. Here, it underscores that God's action is rooted in His unwavering commitment to His sworn promises.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense comfort and a sober warning. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection. His patience and compassion are a testament to His enduring love, providing grace even when we fall short. For believers, it reinforces the security of God's covenant promises in Christ, which are likewise based on His character, not ours. However, the "as yet" serves as a reminder that God's patience has limits, and persistent rejection of His grace will ultimately lead to consequences. It calls us to respond to His mercy with repentance and renewed obedience, trusting in His unwavering character.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 105:8 (8 votes)

    ยถ He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word [which] he commanded to a thousand generations.

  • Micah 7:18 (7 votes)

    Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

  • Micah 7:20 (7 votes)

    Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, [and] the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.

  • 2 Kings 14:27 (7 votes)

    And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.

  • Exodus 2:24 (7 votes)

    And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

  • Exodus 2:25 (7 votes)

    And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto [them].

  • Psalms 86:15 (5 votes)

    But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.