For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

2 KINGS 24:20KJV
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2 Kings 24:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 24:20 mean?

2 Kings 24:20 explains that because of the LORD’s anger, Jerusalem and Judah were eventually cast out from His presence, and this led to King Zedekiah rebelling against the king of Babylon. The verse links Zedekiah’s rebellion and the coming disaster to God’s judgment on the nation.

This verse is part of the account of the final days of the kingdom of Judah. The writer is describing how, as a result of persistent disobedience, God allowed the people of Jerusalem and Judah to be removed from His favor and protection. Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, rebelled against Babylon, which set the stage for Jerusalem’s destruction.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 24:20

  • "anger" (אַף, ʾaf): This word often means "nose" or "anger," and here it points to the intensity of God’s displeasure, suggesting a strong, personal response to Judah’s actions.
  • "out" (שָׁלַךְ, shalak): This verb means "to throw" or "to cast out," emphasizing the forceful removal of the people from God’s presence, not just a gentle departure.
  • "presence" (פָּנִים, panim): Literally "face," this word is often used for God’s presence or favor. Being cast from God’s "face" means losing His attention and protection.
  • "rebelled" (מָרַד, marad): This word means to revolt or rise up against authority, highlighting Zedekiah’s active choice to oppose Babylon, which was seen as defiance against God’s will at that time.

Why 2 Kings 24:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Zedekiah’s rebellion was not just a political move but was connected to a larger spiritual reality—God’s judgment on Judah.
  • The verse helps explain why the exile happened, showing it was not simply due to Babylon’s power but because of the LORD’s anger and decision.
  • It connects the fate of Jerusalem and Judah to their relationship with God, not just to historical events, making clear that spiritual unfaithfulness had real consequences.

Where else these words appear

“rebelled” Hebrew H4775 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 14:4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
  • 2 Kings 18:20 Thou sayest,(but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
  • Job 24:13 They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

“Zedekiah” Hebrew H6667 · used in 62 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.
  • Jeremiah 28:1 And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which was of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,
  • Jeremiah 38:14 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.

“out” Hebrew H7993 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 21:15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
  • 2 Kings 2:16 And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.
  • Isaiah 19:8 The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.