God’s chosen people abandoned righteousness, and this verse reveals the heartbreaking result for Judah.
In 2 Kings 24:4, the divine judgment upon Judah is intimately tied to the wrongdoing traced back to King Manasseh. Scripture states that “and also for the innocent blood which he shed, for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; and the LORD would not forgive” (v.4). Here, the phrase “innocent blood” reminds readers how Manasseh’s reign (697-642 BC) was marked by grievous sins, including rampant idolatry and oppressive acts against those who remained faithful to God (2 Chronicles 33:1-9). Although Manasseh eventually experienced personal repentance, his legacy of violence laid a significant foundation for God’s stern response toward His people (Jeremiah 15:4).
The reference to “Jerusalem” in this verse is also vital, because this city is the heart of the southern kingdom of Judah in the ancient Near East. Once intended to be the center of worship for God’s name, Jerusalem sadly became permeated with wrongdoing, stirring God’s righteous anger. The statement that “the LORD would not forgive” (v.4) underscores the depth of Judah’s guilt. While God repeatedly shows mercy throughout Scripture—most clearly in the resurrection and redemptive work of Jesus (Romans 6:4)—the wholesale corruption characterizing this period exceeded the bounds of patience and demanded judgment.
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2 Kings 24:4 meaning
In 2 Kings 24:4, the divine judgment upon Judah is intimately tied to the wrongdoing traced back to King Manasseh. Scripture states that “and also for the innocent blood which he shed, for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; and the LORD would not forgive” (v.4). Here, the phrase “innocent blood” reminds readers how Manasseh’s reign (697-642 BC) was marked by grievous sins, including rampant idolatry and oppressive acts against those who remained faithful to God (2 Chronicles 33:1-9). Although Manasseh eventually experienced personal repentance, his legacy of violence laid a significant foundation for God’s stern response toward His people (Jeremiah 15:4).
The reference to “Jerusalem” in this verse is also vital, because this city is the heart of the southern kingdom of Judah in the ancient Near East. Once intended to be the center of worship for God’s name, Jerusalem sadly became permeated with wrongdoing, stirring God’s righteous anger. The statement that “the LORD would not forgive” (v.4) underscores the depth of Judah’s guilt. While God repeatedly shows mercy throughout Scripture—most clearly in the resurrection and redemptive work of Jesus (Romans 6:4)—the wholesale corruption characterizing this period exceeded the bounds of patience and demanded judgment.