2 Kings 13 23

2 Kings 13:23 kjv

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.

2 Kings 13:23 nkjv

But the LORD was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence.

2 Kings 13:23 niv

But the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence.

2 Kings 13:23 esv

But the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion on them, and he turned toward them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, nor has he cast them from his presence until now.

2 Kings 13:23 nlt

But the LORD was gracious and merciful to the people of Israel, and they were not totally destroyed. He pitied them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And to this day he still has not completely destroyed them or banished them from his presence.

2 Kings 13 verses

2 Kings 13 23 Meaning

Despite the repeated spiritual failures and apostasy of Israel during the reign of King Jehoahaz, the Lord chose to act in undeserved favor and deep, tender compassion toward them. He turned His attention and protection back to His people, not because of their merit, but solely out of His unchanging faithfulness to the eternal covenant He established with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This divine commitment prevented Him from completely destroying the Northern Kingdom of Israel or casting them utterly out of His presence, sustaining them even through their periods of great distress up until that particular point in their history.

2 Kings 13 23 Context

Chapter 13 of 2 Kings depicts the reign of Jehoahaz, king of Israel (the Northern Kingdom), who "did what was evil in the sight of the Lord" (2 Ki 13:2). As a consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness, particularly their continued adherence to the golden calves set up by Jeroboam I, God delivered them into the hand of Hazael, king of Aram. Israel faced severe oppression and was greatly diminished, having only a small fighting force left (2 Ki 13:7). The people eventually cried out to the Lord (2 Ki 13:4), and in response, though Israel's kings persisted in idolatry, the Lord, out of His sheer covenant faithfulness, granted them a deliverer. This verse (2 Ki 13:23) serves as a theological commentary on why God showed such undeserved mercy to a rebellious people amidst severe judgment; it was not due to their repentance or merit but entirely because of His prior, unconditional promises to the patriarchs. The verse sets the stage for the limited relief and the temporary respite Israel experiences, underlining that even in judgment, God's ultimate purpose concerning His people and His covenant promises remains firm.

2 Kings 13 23 Word analysis

• But: This conjunction signifies a strong contrast, shifting the focus from Israel's sin and divine judgment (2 Ki 13:2-7) to God's unexpected grace and mercy.
• the Lord (יְהוָה, YHWH): The personal, covenant name of God, emphasizing His unchanging, faithful, and holy character. This divine self-revelation underscores the reliability of His promises.
• was gracious (חָנַן, chanan): To show favor, be merciful, grant undeserved kindness. It implies a free, unmerited act of condescension from a superior to an inferior, highlighting God's sovereign good will.
• to them: Refers specifically to the people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the time of Jehoahaz, despite their consistent idolatry and unfaithfulness.
• and had compassion (רָחַם, racham): This term denotes a deep, tender affection, often like a mother's pity for her child, stemming from a visceral, inward feeling. It speaks to God's deep empathy for the suffering of His people.
• and turned toward them (פָּנָה אֲלֵיהֶם, panah aleihem): Literally "turned His face toward them." It signifies a change in disposition, moving from an attitude of distant judgment or allowing affliction to one of active attention, protection, and restoration. It is an act of favor and attentiveness after a period of alienation.
• because of His covenant (בְּרִיתוֹ, beritho): The core theological reason for God's action. A berith is a binding agreement or pact, especially God's unbreakable commitment to His chosen people. Here, it highlights the unconditional and unilateral nature of God's promise, not contingent on Israel's behavior for its preservation.
• with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: The patriarchs with whom the foundational and eternal covenant was made (Genesis 12, 15, 17, 26, 28). This lineage emphasizes the continuity and enduring nature of God's redemptive plan through history, anchoring His present actions in His past, unbreakable promises.
• and would not destroy them: God's self-restraint from complete annihilation, despite His right to do so given Israel's apostasy. This is a manifestation of His long-suffering and faithfulness to His oath.
• nor did He cast them from His presence: Not utterly removing them from being His chosen people or from the land of His presence. It speaks of a continued, albeit often troubled, relationship, contrasting with full expulsion or abandonment.
• up to that time: Specifies the duration of this particular expression of God's mercy and restraint. It suggests a divine policy for that period, without guaranteeing immediate or continuous future deliverance irrespective of conduct, but reassuring them of a continued bond rooted in His character and promises.

2 Kings 13 23 Bonus section

The phrase "up to that time" (עַד הֵנָּה, ʿad hēnnāh) is crucial, as it indicates a specific period of grace. While God's covenant with the patriarchs is eternal, the immediate expression of His patience and the specific method of preserving Israel (preventing their total destruction by Aram) had a temporal limit tied to His broader plan. It highlights the dynamic nature of God's relationship with Israel—unwavering in His overarching covenant fidelity, yet also interacting with them within the immediate historical context of their choices and subsequent divine discipline. This does not mean His general commitment ceased, but that the particular form of His immediate intervention and the intensity of His restraining hand operated within defined periods related to their ongoing rebellion. This implies a future potential for different outcomes if rebellion persisted, hinting at eventual exile while never abrogating the covenant itself.

2 Kings 13 23 Commentary

2 Kings 13:23 provides a profound theological lens through which to understand God's relationship with His people, particularly Israel, despite their chronic rebellion. The verse powerfully demonstrates that God's actions are not solely contingent on human merit or faithfulness, but are deeply rooted in His own character and His eternal, unbreakable covenant commitments. While Israel experienced severe discipline under Aramaean oppression due to their idolatry, God's deep "graciousness" and "compassion" prevented total annihilation. This divine turning towards them was not a reward for their belated cry for help, but an expression of His steadfast faithfulness to the solemn promises made centuries earlier to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

This passage underscores several crucial aspects of divine sovereignty and grace. Firstly, it showcases God's remarkable patience and reluctance to completely abandon or destroy those whom He has chosen. His hesed (loyal love/covenant faithfulness) overrides His immediate justice, holding back the full measure of wrath. Secondly, it emphasizes the unconditional nature of the Abrahamic covenant. This covenant, established by God's unilateral oath, remains active even when the covenant partners fail, serving as the immovable foundation for God's ongoing interaction with His people. God remembers and honors His word regardless of human performance, revealing Him as a faithful God (Deut 7:9).

Thirdly, this verse implies a divine telos – a specific purpose – for Israel that supersedes their current sin. God preserved them because He had a continuing role for them in His redemptive plan. The promise of the land, of a great nation, and of a blessing to all families of the earth through them (Gen 12:3) meant Israel could not be utterly wiped out. This is a powerful reminder that God's grand design for humanity often unfolds despite the unfaithfulness of its instruments. This divine faithfulness is the anchor of hope, not only for ancient Israel but for all who trust in God's promises in Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.

Examples:

• God's compassion despite unfaithfulness is like a parent who disciplines a rebellious child but never disowns them because of an unbreakable bond of love.
• His commitment to the Abrahamic covenant is like an unchanging deed of a promised inheritance that remains valid even if the beneficiaries struggle and fall.
• This verse can encourage believers that God's grace and covenant promises hold firm even when they feel unworthy or have faltered, drawing them back to His unchanging character.