Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched. (2 Kings 22:17)
God’s wrath had been kindled like a fire that was not to be quenched. Once kindled, that fire was to burn until the nation had been consumed (see 2 Kings 23:26, 27; Jer. 4:4; 15:1-9; Eze. 15:2-8). The judgment pronounced on Manasseh (2 Kings 21:12-15) was repeated to Josiah, since, apparently, no effort at reform would now save the guilty nation. This was the awful truth that Huldah revealed, and that soon became the outstanding burden of Jeremiah. The sentence of condemnation had been given.
My wrath shall be kindled.
See Deut. 29:25-28. As the wrath of God fell upon the chosen people and resulted in the destruction of the nation, so judgments will fall with equal force upon the impenitent at the end of the world (Rev. 14:18, 19; 15:7, 8; 16:1-21; PK 389).