And the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.

2 KINGS 21:24KJV
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2 Kings 21:24 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 21:24 mean?

2 Kings 21:24 describes how, after King Amon was assassinated, the people of the land killed those responsible for the conspiracy and then made Amon’s son Josiah the new king. This verse shows a swift response from the general population to restore order and continue the royal line.

The situation takes place in the southern kingdom of Judah. King Amon had been murdered by his own servants, but the wider community (called “the people of the land”) did not support the assassins. Instead, they acted to punish the conspirators and ensure a stable succession by placing Josiah, Amon’s son, on the throne. This action highlights the people’s desire for stability and legitimate leadership.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 21:24

  • “people” (עָם, ʿam): This word refers to the common population, not just the elite or officials. In this context, it emphasizes that the broader community—not just palace insiders—took decisive action.
  • “land” (אֶרֶץ, ʾerets): This term often means the territory of Judah. Here, “people of the land” suggests a group with social and political influence, likely landowners or local leaders, not just ordinary citizens.
  • “slew” (נָכָה, nākhah): This verb means to strike or kill. The use of this word shows that the people acted forcefully and decisively against the conspirators.
  • “conspired” (קָשַׁר, qāshar): This word means to plot or form a secret alliance. It highlights that Amon’s death was the result of a deliberate plot, not a random act.

Why 2 Kings 21:24 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Amon’s assassination did not have popular support; the people quickly rejected the conspirators’ actions.
  • It shows the importance of legitimate succession in Judah, as the people actively installed Josiah, the rightful heir, rather than allowing chaos or a power grab.
  • This moment sets the stage for Josiah’s reign, which becomes significant later in the biblical narrative for religious reforms and a return to covenant faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“Amon” Hebrew H526 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:26 And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;
  • 1 Chronicles 3:14 Amon his son, Josiah his son.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:23 And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more.

“conspired” Hebrew H7194 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 30:41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.
  • 1 Kings 16:16 And the people that were encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:27 Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.

“Josiah” Hebrew H2977 · used in 48 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.
  • Jeremiah 3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.