Summary of 2 Kings 21:13

This verse, part of a passage detailing God’s judgment through the prophet, highlights the severity with which God intends to deal with the kingdom of Judah due to the idolatry initiated by King Manasseh. The imagery of a line and plummet suggests measuring judgment against the standards of righteousness exemplified by Samaria and the house of Ahab, indicating a thorough cleansing of Jerusalem.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes that the line of Samaria represents judgment, noting that just as construction requires precision, God's judgment will likewise be precise. The metaphor of wiping a dish illustrates the complete removal of sin, showing God’s intent to purge Jerusalem of pervasive idolatry.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes explains that the 'line' signifies a standard of measurement, pointing to the idea that Jerusalem will be evaluated against the unfaithfulness witnessed in Samaria. He interprets the dish metaphor as a vivid display of divine retribution, indicating the total destruction of Jerusalem's current state.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke discusses the cultural implications of the dish-wiping metaphor, illustrating a domestic practice that symbolizes total cleansing. He draws parallels between Israel's fate and the severity of God's actions as a commentary on justice served.

Cross-References

2 Kings 21:13 can be linked with several other Bible verses that enhance its understanding:

• Isaiah 34:11 - "But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness."
• Jeremiah 4:6 - "Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction."
• Lamentations 2:8 - "The Lord hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion: he hath stretched out a measuring line; he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying..."
• Amos 7:7 - "Thus he showed me: and behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand."
• Micah 1:6 - "Therefore I will make Samaria as a heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard: and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof."
• Zephaniah 3:6 - "I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant."
• Matthew 23:38 - "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate."

Thematic Connections

The themes in 2 Kings 21:13 resonate throughout the Bible, demonstrating God’s judgment, the call for repentance, and the consequences of idolatry. This verse serves as a significant waypoint in the narrative of Israel's spiritual decline and urges the reader to contemplate the serious implications of abandoning God's covenant.

These connections illustrate the continuity of the prophetic messages concerning God's justice and mercy. For example, the themes of judgment found in 2 Kings are echoed in the warnings of Jesus in the New Testament, reflecting both continuity and fulfillment in the overarching biblical narrative.

Cross-Referencing in Biblical Study

The use of cross-references is invaluable in studying scripture. Here are some tools and methods:

• Bible Concordance: A useful resource for finding specific words and the verses that contain them.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: A structured approach to look at how verses relate to each other across different books.
• Comparative Bible Verse Analysis: Understanding how similar themes or teachings are presented in different contexts.
• Cross-referencing Bible Study Methods: Employing a systematic approach to delve deeper into thematic connections.
• Bible Reference Resources: Utilizing study Bibles that provide expanded context and related verses for deeper insight.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2 Kings 21:13 serves not only as a significant point in the historical narrative of Israel but also as a call to reflect on the nature of God’s justice. The cross-references provide a rich tapestry of insights across Scripture, emphasizing the importance of repentance and fidelity to God’s commandments. Engaging with these verses through cross-referencing illuminates the interconnected themes throughout the Bible, enhancing one’s understanding of God's word.