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 13:23KJV
Know the Bible

2 Kings 13:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 13:23 mean?

2 Kings 13:23 explains that the LORD showed kindness, compassion, and continued care for Israel because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, choosing not to destroy or abandon them at that time. The verse highlights that God's faithfulness to His promises, not the people's actions, was the reason for His mercy.

In the context of 2 Kings, Israel was facing trouble from enemies and had repeatedly turned away from God. Despite their unfaithfulness, the verse shows that God remained committed to the promises He made to the patriarchs. This verse is a reminder that God's relationship with Israel was rooted in His own character and His ancient covenant, not in their current behavior.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:23

  • "Gracious" (חָנַן, ḥānan) means to show favor or mercy. Here, it emphasizes that God's kindness was not earned by Israel but freely given.
  • "Compassion" (רָחַם, raḥam) carries the sense of deep, tender mercy, often like a parent's care for a child. This word stresses the depth of God's feeling for Israel even when they strayed.
  • "Covenant" (בְּרִית, bərît) refers to a binding agreement or promise. The mention of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is central, showing that God's actions are anchored in His longstanding promises.
  • "Presence" (פָּנִים, pānîm) literally means "face." The phrase about not casting them from His presence suggests God had not turned away from them or withdrawn His favor entirely.

Why 2 Kings 13:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God's mercy toward Israel was not based on their merit but on His faithfulness to His covenant, correcting the idea that blessings always depend on human behavior.
  • It highlights a key theme in the Old Testament: God's steadfast love and commitment to His promises, even when His people are unfaithful.
  • In the wider passage, this verse explains why Israel was not completely destroyed despite their repeated disobedience, setting the stage for understanding God's patience and the ongoing story of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“of” Hebrew H4616 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 12:13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.
  • Exodus 8:22 And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.
  • Psalms 125:3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.

“compassion” Hebrew H7355 · used in 43 verses

  • Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
  • Isaiah 49:10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
  • Jeremiah 42:12 And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.

“would” Hebrew H14 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 24:5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
  • 1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

“gracious” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.
  • Psalms 109:12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.