2 Kings 23:27

For the LORD had said, "I will remove Judah from My sight, just as I removed Israel. I will reject this city Jerusalem, which I chose, and the temple of which I said, 'My Name shall be there.'"

Study Bible

For the LORD had said
This phrase underscores the authority and sovereignty of God. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. The phrase "had said" indicates a divine decree, reflecting God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His word, even when it involves judgment.

I will remove Judah from My presence
The term "remove" in Hebrew is "suwr," which can mean to turn aside or take away. This reflects a deliberate action by God, signifying a severe consequence for Judah's persistent disobedience. "From My presence" indicates a withdrawal of divine favor and protection, a devastating prospect for a nation that relied on God's presence for identity and security.

just as I have removed Israel
This comparison to Israel serves as a historical reminder of the northern kingdom's fate due to their idolatry and rebellion. The removal of Israel, which occurred in 722 BC with the Assyrian conquest, serves as a sobering precedent for Judah. It highlights the impartiality of God's justice and the certainty of His warnings.

I will reject this city, Jerusalem
The word "reject" in Hebrew is "ma'as," meaning to despise or refuse. This is a profound statement, as Jerusalem was the city chosen by God for His temple and the center of Jewish worship. The rejection signifies a breach in the special status Jerusalem held, due to the people's unfaithfulness.

that I chose
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereign choice of Jerusalem as His dwelling place. The Hebrew word "bachar" means to select or elect, indicating a deliberate and purposeful decision by God. The choice of Jerusalem was not arbitrary but was part of God's divine plan for His people.

and the temple of which I said
The temple, built by Solomon, was the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people. The phrase "of which I said" refers to God's promises and declarations regarding the temple as a sacred space. It underscores the gravity of the impending judgment, as even this holy place would not be spared.

'My Name shall be there.'
The "Name" of God represents His character, authority, and presence. In Hebrew culture, a name is deeply significant, embodying the essence of the person. The declaration that God's Name would be in the temple signifies His commitment to dwell among His people. The removal of His Name indicates a withdrawal of His presence and blessing, a dire consequence of the nation's sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is speaking about His judgment on Judah.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, which is facing divine judgment.

3. Israel
The northern kingdom, previously judged and exiled by God due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, chosen by God as the place for His Name to dwell, now facing rejection due to the people's unfaithfulness.

5. The Temple
The sacred place in Jerusalem where God's presence was to dwell, now being rejected as a consequence of the nation's sin.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
God's judgment on Judah highlights the seriousness with which He views sin and disobedience. We must recognize the gravity of turning away from God's commands.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Just as Israel and Judah faced consequences for their idolatry, we must guard against modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from God.

God's Faithfulness to His Word
God's actions in removing Judah demonstrate His faithfulness to His word, both in promises and warnings. We can trust that God will fulfill His word in our lives.

The Importance of Repentance
The rejection of Jerusalem and the Temple serves as a call to repentance. We should regularly examine our lives and turn back to God when we stray.

The Hope of Restoration
Despite the judgment, God's ultimate plan includes restoration and redemption, as seen in the later return from exile and the coming of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the judgment on Judah in 2 Kings 23:27 reflect God's character and His view of sin?

2. In what ways can modern believers fall into the trap of idolatry, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the rejection of Jerusalem and the Temple serve as a warning for us today in our spiritual walk?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we remain faithful to God's commands and avoid the consequences of disobedience?

5. How does the theme of restoration in the Bible provide hope and encouragement in the face of judgment and discipline?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12:5
This verse speaks of God choosing a place for His Name to dwell, which connects to the significance of Jerusalem and the Temple.

1 Kings 9:6-9
God warns Solomon that if Israel turns away from Him, He will reject the Temple, which parallels the judgment pronounced in 2 Kings 23:27.

Jeremiah 7:12-15
Jeremiah prophesies about the rejection of the Temple, echoing the themes of divine judgment and removal from God's presence.

2 Chronicles 36:15-17
Chronicles the fulfillment of this prophecy with the Babylonian exile, showing the consequences of persistent disobedience.