Old Testament
2 Kings 20:17
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"'The time is coming when everything in your palace — everything your ancestors have stored up until today — will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left,' says the LORD.
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Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.
What 2 Kings 20:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God is delivering a serious message to King Hezekiah. He warns that everything in the palace, including treasures and possessions accumulated by previous generations, will be taken away to Babylon. This is a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The king's pride and reliance on his own strength will lead to loss and devastation. God is emphasizing that nothing will remain; all will be lost. This prophecy serves as a wake-up call, urging the king and his people to reflect on their relationship with God. It highlights the importance of humility and dependence on divine guidance. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that earthly possessions are temporary and can be taken away at any moment. The focus should be on spiritual wealth and faithfulness to God, rather than material accumulation, which can lead to ruin if not aligned with God’s will. Hezekiah's story teaches us about the fragility of our achievements and the need for a strong foundation in faith.
How to apply 2 Kings 20:17 to your life
Reflect on what you value most in life. Are you placing your trust in material possessions or in your relationship with God? Consider how you can prioritize spiritual growth over accumulating things. Remember, true security comes from faith, not from what we own. Seek to build a lasting legacy of faithfulness instead of just wealth. “Be rich in what matters to God.” “Seek first the kingdom of God.” “Invest in relationships and spiritual growth.”
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
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Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: Envoys from Babylon (2 Kings 20:12–19)
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Isaiah
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying 2 Kings 20:17
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At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 20:17 mean?
2 Kings 20:17 conveys God's warning to King Hezekiah that all treasures and possessions in his palace will be taken to Babylon. It highlights the consequences of pride and turning away from God, emphasizing that nothing will remain.
What is the significance of Babylon in 2 Kings 20:17?
Babylon represents a place of exile and loss in 2 Kings 20:17. The prophecy indicates that the people of Judah will face destruction and captivity, serving as a warning about the consequences of their actions and disobedience to God.
What does 'nothing shall be left' mean in 2 Kings 20:17?
The phrase 'nothing shall be left' in 2 Kings 20:17 signifies total loss and devastation. It underscores the seriousness of God's message that all material possessions will be taken away, leaving the people with nothing if they do not turn back to Him.
How does 2 Kings 20:17 relate to humility?
2 Kings 20:17 relates to humility by reminding King Hezekiah and the people that reliance on material wealth can lead to downfall. The verse serves as a call to recognize their dependence on God rather than their own strength or possessions.
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