2 Kings 24 2

2 Kings 24:2 kjv

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.

2 Kings 24:2 nkjv

And the LORD sent against him raiding bands of Chaldeans, bands of Syrians, bands of Moabites, and bands of the people of Ammon; He sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken by His servants the prophets.

2 Kings 24:2 niv

The LORD sent Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite raiders against him to destroy Judah, in accordance with the word of the LORD proclaimed by his servants the prophets.

2 Kings 24:2 esv

And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldeans and bands of the Syrians and bands of the Moabites and bands of the Ammonites, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by his servants the prophets.

2 Kings 24:2 nlt

Then the LORD sent bands of Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Judah to destroy it, just as the LORD had promised through his prophets.

2 Kings 24 verses

2 Kings 24 2 Meaning

This verse signifies the active role of the Lord in bringing judgment upon Judah by orchestrating foreign nations—Chaldeans (Babylonians), Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites—to harass and eventually destroy the kingdom. This punitive action was not random but a precise fulfillment of His pre-declared warnings and pronouncements spoken through His servants, the prophets. It underscores God's sovereignty over nations and history as well as His unwavering commitment to upholding His divine word.

2 Kings 24 2 Context

2 Kings 24:2 falls within the tragic decline of the southern kingdom of Judah, immediately preceding its final destruction by Babylon. King Jehoiakim, installed as a puppet ruler by Egypt, later submitted to Babylon, then rebelled. This verse describes the initial, ongoing waves of assault that mark the beginning of Judah's definitive punishment. Historically, the Babylonian Empire (Chaldeans) had become the dominant regional power after defeating Assyria and Egypt. These smaller "bands" or raiding parties from surrounding nations like the Arameans (Syrians), Moabites, and Ammonites were either instigated by Babylon to weaken Judah, or acted opportunistically under Babylon's ascendance, exploiting Judah's vulnerability. From a divine perspective, these were not random acts of aggression but specific instruments of Yahweh’s judgment upon His people for their unfaithfulness and persistent idolatry, as previously warned by His prophets like Jeremiah and the covenant stipulations in Deuteronomy and Leviticus.

2 Kings 24 2 Word analysis

• And the Lord sent (וַיְשַׁלַּח יְהוָה - vayishalakh YHWH): The Hebrew verb "shalakh" (שָׁלַח) means "to send, to stretch out, to permit, to dismiss." Here, it signifies a deliberate, active, and authoritative sending, not merely a passive allowance. It emphasizes divine initiative and sovereignty, highlighting that these invasions were directly instigated by Yahweh, not a result of mere geopolitical dynamics or chance. This refutes any notion that God was uninvolved or powerless in the face of these events.
• bands (גְּדוּדִים - gedudim): This plural noun refers to "raiding parties," "troops," or "detachments." These were likely not full armies but smaller, mobile units that could carry out skirmishes, harass settlements, and disrupt the land. The term indicates the initial, ongoing nature of the oppression and points to a progressive decline of Judah's security before the main Babylonian army arrived in force.
• of Chaldeans (כַּשְׂדִּים - Kasdim): Refers to the Babylonians, the dominant imperial power in this period. Their presence indicates Babylonian influence or direct orders, even if these were raiding parties rather than their primary forces.
• bands of Syrians (אֲרָם - Aram): The Arameans were neighbors to the north of Israel/Judah, with a long history of conflict and alliance. Here, they join the attacks on Judah.
• bands of Moabites (מוֹאָב - Mo'av): Descendants of Lot (Gen 19), historical adversaries to Judah/Israel to the east of the Dead Sea.
• and bands of Ammonites (בְּנֵי עַמּוֹן - b'ney Ammon): Also descendants of Lot (Gen 19), perennial enemies located to the northeast of the Dead Sea.
• against Judah to destroy it (עַל־יְהוּדָה לְהַשְׁחִיתוֹ - 'al Yehudah lehashkhito): The purpose of sending these bands was explicit: "to destroy it." The Hebrew verb "shachat" (שָׁחַת) means "to ruin, corrupt, spoil, destroy utterly." This indicates God's judgment was intended to bring complete desolation and an end to the kingdom as it stood, signifying the severe nature of their disobedience.
• according to the word of the Lord (כִּדְבַר יְהוָה - kidvar YHWH): This phrase unequivocally links the historical events to divine decree. It stresses God's faithfulness to His pronouncements. The unfolding calamity was not random, but a direct fulfillment of promises and warnings.
• which he had spoken by his servants the prophets (אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר בְּיַד עֲבָדָיו הַנְּבִאִים - asher dibber b'yad avadav han-nevi'im): "By the hand of" (בְּיַד - b'yad) signifies agency or mediation. The prophets were instruments through whom God's warnings were delivered over generations (e.g., Jeremiah, Isaiah, Micah, Amos). This validates the prophets' divine commission and confirms the continuity of God's redemptive-historical plan. It underscores that Judah had ample warning but chose not to heed.

2 Kings 24 2 Bonus section

• The gedudim (bands) initially symbolize the gradual weakening and harassment of Judah, setting the stage for the more overwhelming Babylonian conquest described later. It reflects a slow, agonizing process of judgment rather than an immediate, single blow.
• This verse stands as a powerful polemic against any notion that Judah's misfortunes were due to the superiority of the gods of Babylon or other nations. Instead, it asserts Yahweh's supreme control, showing that even these nations were mere tools in His hands.
• The phrase "by his servants the prophets" highlights the divine authority of the prophetic word. Their messages, often disregarded by the kings and people, are shown to be perfectly accurate predictions of divine action.
• The repeated mention of different groups (Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites, Ammonites) indicates that Judah was increasingly isolated and surrounded by enemies, both large imperial powers and smaller, opportunistic neighbors, all contributing to its demise as part of God's comprehensive judgment.

2 Kings 24 2 Commentary

2 Kings 24:2 is a profound statement on divine sovereignty, judgment, and the fulfillment of prophecy. It clearly attributes the seemingly chaotic military incursions of various nations against Judah to the direct agency of Yahweh. These events were not happenstance but part of God's deliberate and sovereign plan to execute judgment upon a people who had repeatedly defied His covenant and ignored the consistent warnings of His prophets. The verse highlights that God uses unexpected and often hostile foreign powers as instruments to achieve His divine purposes, demonstrating His ultimate control over history and the affairs of nations, even those unaware they are serving His will. It underscores the solemn truth that God's word, whether of blessing or curse, is unfailingly accomplished. Judah's ultimate destruction was not a failure of God's promises but a tragic fulfillment of His warnings due to their persistent sin.