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.

2 KINGS 14:27KJV
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2 Kings 14:27 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 14:27 mean?

2 Kings 14:27 means that God did not decide to completely erase Israel as a nation, even though they were in trouble, but instead rescued them through Jeroboam, the son of Joash. The verse highlights that Israel’s survival at this time was due to God’s choice, not their own strength.

This verse comes in the context of Israel facing serious threats and decline. The writer is explaining that, despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God did not “blot out” (wipe away) their name from under heaven. Instead, God used Jeroboam II, who was king of Israel, to save and restore the nation for a time, showing God’s mercy and patience.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 14:27

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that it was Israel’s covenant God who made the decision not to destroy them.
  • blot out (מָחָה, machah): This word means to erase or wipe away, often used for removing names from a record. Here, it shows the seriousness of what God could have done—completely ending Israel’s existence.
  • name (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, a “name” often stands for reputation, identity, or continued existence. Not blotting out Israel’s name means God preserved their identity as a people.
  • saved (יָשַׁע, yasha): This word means to deliver or rescue. The verse credits God with Israel’s rescue, not Jeroboam’s military skill alone.

Why 2 Kings 14:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s survival was not because of their own merit or power, but because God chose not to erase them, highlighting God’s mercy even when the people were undeserving.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of Israel’s ups and downs, showing that God’s promises and patience continued even in difficult times.
  • It helps the reader see that Jeroboam II’s success was ultimately God’s doing, not just political or military luck, which is a key theme in the books of Kings.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H4229 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 6:7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
  • Deuteronomy 25:19 Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.
  • Psalms 109:13 Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

“Joash” Hebrew H3101 · used in 41 verses

  • Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
  • 2 Kings 13:9 And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:25 Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;

“Jeroboam” Hebrew H3379 · used in 95 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
  • 1 Kings 14:30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.
  • 2 Kings 15:8 In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.