2 Kings 23:26
Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal.
2 Kings 23:26 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse highlights the severity of God's wrath towards the people of Judah due to the actions of King Manasseh. Despite Manasseh's efforts to provoke God with his sinful behavior, God's anger continued to burn fiercely against Judah. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobeying God and the importance of staying faithful to His teachings. It shows that even though God is a loving and forgiving deity, there are limits to His patience and tolerance for disobedience. The verse emphasizes the need for repentance and obedience to avoid facing the full force of God's wrath. It serves as a cautionary tale for all believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to always strive to follow God's commandments to avoid provoking His anger.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from 2 Kings 23:26, we see the theological interpretation that emphasizes the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. The text conveys the idea that God's anger was kindled against Judah because of the provocations caused by King Manasseh. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and the impact of sin on individuals and nations alike. Through a word study, the term "provoked" can be further examined to understand the depth of the offenses committed by Manasseh. In the original Hebrew, the word used for "provoked" carries the connotation of stirring up to anger, emphasizing the severity of Manasseh's actions in the eyes of the Lord. This verse serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for repentance and the consequences of turning away from God's ways. It prompts us to reflect on our own actions and strive for obedience to avoid facing the fierceness of God's wrath as described in the text.
2 Kings 23:26 in other translations
American Standard Version
Notwithstanding, Jehovah turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations wherewith Manasseh had provoked him.
World English Bible
Notwithstanding, Yahweh didn’t turn from the fierceness of his great wrath, with which his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocation with which Manasseh had provoked him.
Douay-Rheims
But yet the Lord turned not away from the wrath of his great indignation, wherewith his anger was kindled against Juda: because of the provocations, wherewith Manasses had provoked him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Notwithstanding the Lord turned not from the fiercenesse of his great wrath wherewith he was angrie against Iudah, because of all the prouocatios wherwith Manasseh had prouoked him.