Definition: And the LORD said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 23:27. It's a really significant and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is deciding to remove Judah (a group of people) from his sight and completely abandon Jerusalem, which he has chosen as his home. He’s essentially saying he’s ending something that's been going on for a long time. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “I will remove Judah also out of my sight…” This is the core of the verse. God is taking away a group of people – Judah – from his presence and protection. It’s like he’s withdrawing from them. “…as I have removed Israel…” This connects it to the previous event: the removal of Israel. The Bible tells us that God has been dealing with Israel for centuries, guiding them and protecting them. Now, he's taking action against them as well. “…and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.” This is where it gets really powerful. The verse specifically names Jerusalem, the city , as a place God has chosen. He’s saying he's going to completely abandon it. He's also declaring that His name (God) will be associated with it – meaning it will be his dwelling place and focus. What does this mean in terms of context? The Babylonian Exile: This verse is often linked to the Babylonian exile, which occurred around 609 BC. During this time, Judah was under Persian rule, and the Israelites were facing a difficult situation with their own internal conflicts. God’s Sovereignty: It highlights God's absolute sovereignty – his control over all things. He isn't just observing events; he is actively deciding what happens. A Shift in Focus: The verse suggests a shift in God’s focus away from Judah and toward His own presence and glory. It’s about moving from a kingdom-focused existence to a more personal, centered on God's name. Important Note: This is a difficult passage for many people because it speaks of judgment and separation. It’s important to remember that this verse describes a period of intense crisis and God’s plan for the future. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Kings+23%2C27](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Kings+23%2C27) The Bible Project: [https://thebibletreaty.com/2-kings-23-27-the-end-of-judah/](https://thebibletreaty.com/2-kings-23-27-the-end-of-judah/) Do you want to delve deeper into a specific aspect of this verse, like its historical context or theological significance? For example, would you like to know: What caused this event to happen in the first place? How does this relate to other biblical stories about God's judgment?