2 Kings 21:13
“I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab. I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.”
2 Kings 21:13 Meaning
2 Kings 21:13 is part of a prophecy of judgment against the city of Jerusalem and its people. It signifies the utter destruction and devastation that will come upon the city as a consequence of the wickedness and idolatry practiced by King Manasseh and the Israelites.
2 Kings 21:13 Commentary and Explanation
2 Kings 21:13 reminds us of the profound consequences of sin and disobedience in the eyes of the Lord. In this passage, we witness the Lord’s declaration of judgment against King Manasseh and the kingdom of Judah for their persistent wickedness. Let us delve deeper into this verse and its implications, drawing on other biblical passages to enrich our understanding.
The verse begins with the Lord’s pronouncement: “I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the plumb line of the house of Ahab.” Here, the Lord uses imagery to symbolize His divine judgment. The “measuring line” and “plumb line” represent God’s assessment of the spiritual condition of Jerusalem. The reference to Samaria and the house of Ahab alludes to the idolatrous practices and unfaithfulness of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This implies that Jerusalem, under King Manasseh’s rule, has followed a similarly sinful path, provoking the Lord’s anger.
To better understand the gravity of this judgment, we can recall the significance of the plumb line in the Bible. In Amos 7:7-8, the prophet Amos sees the Lord using a plumb line to measure the people of Israel, signifying that they had deviated from God’s standard of righteousness. Similarly, the Lord’s use of the plumb line in 2 Kings 21:13 underscores the moral deviation of Jerusalem.
The verse continues with the reason for God’s judgment: “I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.” This vivid imagery conveys the extent of God’s intended destruction and upheaval. The people of Jerusalem, through their idolatry and wickedness, have become defiled and corrupted. Therefore, the Lord is determined to cleanse and purify the city through a process of judgment and renewal.
This concept of cleansing and renewal through judgment is a recurring theme in the Bible. In Ezekiel 36:25-27, the Lord promises to sprinkle clean water on His people, cleanse them from their impurities, and give them a new heart and spirit. Likewise, in Jeremiah 18:6, the Lord compares Himself to a potter who can reshape the clay vessel if it becomes marred. Thus, the Lord’s intention in 2 Kings 21:13 is not merely punitive but also redemptive, aimed at restoring righteousness and faithfulness among His people.
2 Kings 21:13 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of unrepentant sin and disobedience in the sight of God. The Lord’s use of the measuring line and plumb line symbolizes His righteous judgment and His desire for spiritual renewal among His people. It urges us to examine our own lives, align them with God’s standards, and seek His forgiveness and transformation when we fall short. As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that the Lord’s judgments are always coupled with the opportunity for redemption and restoration for those who turn back to Him.
Also Read: Matthew 7 Meaning and Commentary
Context of 2 Kings 21:13
2 Kings 21:13 is situated within a larger section of the book that describes the reign of King Manasseh. During his fifty-five-year rule over Judah, Manasseh encouraged the worship of false gods, filled the land with idols, and even rebuilt the high places that his father, King Hezekiah, had destroyed. His actions brought great guilt upon the people and led them astray from the path of righteousness.
Lessons From 2 Kings 21:13
2 Kings 21:13 provides us with several important lessons:
- The holiness and righteousness of God: This verse reminds us that God is just and holy. He cannot tolerate continued rebellion and idolatry. Eventually, His righteous wrath will be poured out against sin and those who persist in it.
- The consequences of disobedience: The destruction of Jerusalem serves as a sobering reminder of the result of disobedience and rejection of God’s commands. We need to take seriously the warnings and instructions found in God’s Word, understanding that our actions have consequences.
- The importance of repentance: Despite the severity of God’s judgment upon Jerusalem, we should note that throughout the Bible, God always offers a way of salvation and restoration. No matter how great our sins may be, if we repent and turn back to Him, He is ready to forgive and restore us.
Biblical Translations of 2 Kings 21:13
2 Kings 21:13 King James Version (KJV)
“And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.”
2 Kings 21:13 English Standard Version (ESV)
“And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria, and the plumb line of the house of Ahab, and I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.”
2 Kings 21:13 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“I will also stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the level of the house of Ahab; and I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.”
2 Kings 21:13 New King James Version (NKJV)
“And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the plummet of the house of Ahab; I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.”
2 Kings 21:13 New Living Translation (NLT)
“I will judge Jerusalem by the same standard I used for Samaria and the same measure I used for the family of Ahab. I will wipe away the people of Jerusalem as one wipes a dish and turns it upside down.”
2 Kings 21:13 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
“I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line used on Samaria and the mason’s level used on the house of Ahab, and I will wipe Jerusalem clean as one wipes a bowl–wiping it and turning it upside down.”
Final Thoughts
The verse from 2 Kings 21:13 serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It shows us the importance of obedience and the need to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else.
Let us learn from the mistakes of the Israelites and strive to walk in righteousness, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. May we seek forgiveness and restoration through repentance, trusting in God’s mercy and grace.