1 Chronicles 5:25

KJV

And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they transgressed {H4603} against the God {H430} of their fathers {H1}, and went a whoring {H2181} after {H310} the gods {H430} of the people {H5971} of the land {H776}, whom God {H430} destroyed {H8045} before {H6440} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

But they broke faith with the God of their ancestors and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed ahead of them.

Berean Standard Bible

They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families. But they were unfaithful to the God of their fathers, and they prostituted themselves with the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them.

American Standard Version

And they trespassed against the God of their fathers, and played the harlot after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God destroyed before them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:25 powerfully encapsulates the profound spiritual failure of the trans-Jordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Despite witnessing God's protective hand and being granted a privileged inheritance, these tribes flagrantly violated their covenant with Yahweh, abandoning Him for the idolatrous practices of the very Canaanite peoples whom God had dispossessed before them. This verse serves as a concise yet devastating indictment of their unfaithfulness, providing the theological explanation for the divine judgment that would subsequently befall them and offering a sobering cautionary tale within the Chronicler's broader narrative of Israel's relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within an otherwise extensive genealogical record (1 Chronicles 5:1-26), an unusual interruption that highlights its critical theological significance. The Chronicler, rather than merely listing names, pauses to provide a historical and theological commentary on the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who settled east of the Jordan River. This narrative interjection functions as a pivotal explanatory clause, directly linking their spiritual transgression to the subsequent divine judgment of exile, explicitly mentioned in [1 Chronicles 5:26](/1_chronicles/5-26 "1 Chronicles 5:26 - The Exile of the Trans-Jordanian Tribes"). The verse underscores the Chronicler's overarching concern with covenant faithfulness and its direct consequences, demonstrating how a breach of the divine covenant inevitably leads to national calamity and loss of promised blessings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh chose to settle in the fertile lands east of the Jordan River (as detailed in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - Settlement of the Trans-Jordanian Tribes")). While initially permitted, this geographical decision placed them in closer proximity and cultural interaction with the pagan nations surrounding Israel, including various Ammonite, Moabite, and Aramean groups, as well as remnants of the Canaanite peoples. The phrase "the gods of the people of the land" refers to the polytheistic deities and their associated cultic practices, which often involved fertility rites, child sacrifice, and temple prostitution—practices explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:29-31](/deuteronomy/12-29-31 "Deuteronomy 12:29-31 - Warnings Against Idolatry")). The Chronicler emphasizes the profound irony and severity of their sin by noting that these were the gods of the very peoples whom God had "destroyed before them," implying a willful and inexcusable rejection of God's redemptive power and protective hand.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Idolatry and Spiritual Unfaithfulness**, portraying Israel's covenant relationship with God as a sacred marriage, where worshipping other gods constitutes spiritual adultery. This is a recurring motif seen from the wilderness wanderings (e.g., [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")) through the period of the Judges (e.g., [Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11-13 "Judges 2:11-13 - Israel's Apostasy")) and into the monarchy. Secondly, it highlights **Covenant Disobedience**, emphasizing that their actions were a direct "transgression against the God of their fathers," a breach of the sacred covenant established with Abraham and reiterated at Sinai. This disobedience inevitably leads to divine judgment, a principle consistently taught in the Deuteronomic theology that heavily influences the Chronicler's perspective (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, as their unfaithfulness directly precipitates the judgment of exile, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable for their choices, even within a genealogical record.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Transgressed (Hebrew, _mâʻal'_ from H4603):** This verb signifies a profound act of unfaithfulness, a breach of trust, or a trespass against a sacred obligation. As a primitive root meaning "to cover up" and used figuratively for acting "covertly" or "treacherously," it carries the connotation of sacrilege or apostasy, particularly in the context of covenant violation. Here, it indicates a deliberate and serious betrayal of their covenant relationship with God, going beyond a simple mistake to a willful act of disloyalty and a violation of sacred duty.
* **Whoring (Hebrew, _zânâh'_ from H2181):** A primitive root literally meaning "to commit adultery" or "to prostitute," this verb is used extensively in the Old Testament as a powerful metaphor for spiritual infidelity. It vividly portrays Israel's abandonment of Yahweh, their divine "spouse," for the worship of other gods, likening their covenant relationship to a marriage. The use of this term underscores the deep intimacy and exclusivity God desired with His people, and the profound betrayal involved in their idolatry, depicting it as a wanton act of disloyalty.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_ from H430):** This plural noun (often used singularly for the supreme God) refers to the divine being. In this context, "the God of their fathers" emphasizes Yahweh's identity as the covenant God who revealed Himself to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and who delivered Israel from Egypt. By transgressing against "God," they were not merely abandoning a deity, but rejecting the very foundation of their national identity, their history, and the divine promises made to their ancestors, highlighting the depth of their ingratitude and rebellion against a faithful God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they transgressed against the God of their fathers,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the core offense: a direct and deliberate act of unfaithfulness against Yahweh. The term "transgressed" (מָעַל, _ma'al_) implies a serious breach of covenant, a betrayal of trust, and a violation of sacred duty. The phrase "God of their fathers" emphasizes the historical, covenantal, and personal relationship God had with Israel, making their transgression all the more egregious as it was against the very God who had chosen, redeemed, and sustained their ancestors.
* **"and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land,"**: This clause specifies the nature of their transgression: idolatry. The vivid metaphor "went a whoring" (זָנוּ, _zanu_) portrays their spiritual infidelity as an act of prostitution, abandoning their faithful "husband," Yahweh, for illicit spiritual relationships with foreign deities. "The gods of the people of the land" refers to the pagan deities of the Canaanites and surrounding nations, whose worship often involved immoral and detestable practices, directly forbidden by the Mosaic Law. This highlights their adoption of foreign, corrupting influences.
* **"whom God destroyed before them."**: This final clause adds a layer of tragic irony and profound indictment. The tribes embraced the gods of the very peoples whom Yahweh, in His power and faithfulness, had utterly defeated and dispossessed to make way for Israel. This demonstrates a willful blindness to God's past acts of redemption and judgment, a rejection of His unique power, and a shocking preference for the impotent deities of defeated enemies over the living God who had proven Himself mighty on their behalf. It underscores the irrationality and ingratitude of their idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several **literary devices** in 1 Chronicles 5:25 to convey the gravity of the tribes' sin. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the vivid imagery of "went a whoring" (זָנָה, _zanah_). This powerful metaphor likens Israel's covenant relationship with God to a marriage, where idolatry is depicted as spiritual adultery. This device underscores the intimacy and exclusivity God demands, portraying their unfaithfulness not merely as a theological error but as a profound act of betrayal and disloyalty to their divine "husband." Furthermore, the verse employs **Irony**, highlighting the tragic paradox that the tribes chose to worship the gods of the very people "whom God destroyed before them." This ironic twist emphasizes the foolishness and ingratitude of their actions, as they abandoned the mighty God who had demonstrated His power by defeating these pagan nations, only to embrace the impotent deities of the vanquished. This also creates a stark **Contrast** between God's faithfulness in clearing the land and Israel's unfaithfulness in adopting the very practices God sought to remove.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 5:25 serves as a potent theological statement about the nature of God, the demands of the covenant, and the devastating consequences of spiritual infidelity. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for exclusive worship, viewing any deviation as a profound betrayal. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, uses this historical example to remind them that national well-being is inextricably linked to covenant faithfulness. The "whoring" after other gods is not merely a ritualistic error but a deep spiritual rebellion that breaks the sacred bond with Yahweh, leading inevitably to divine judgment and the loss of promised blessings. This verse reinforces the Old Testament's consistent message that idolatry is not a minor transgression but a fundamental rejection of God's identity and authority, ultimately leading to spiritual and physical ruin.

* [Deuteronomy 32:16-17](/deuteronomy/32-16-17 "Deuteronomy 32:16-17 - Provoking God to Jealousy with Foreign Gods")
* [Jeremiah 3:8-9](/jeremiah/3-8-9 "Jeremiah 3:8-9 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery")
* [Leviticus 26:14-17](/leviticus/26-14-17 "Leviticus 26:14-17 - Consequences of Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient warning of 1 Chronicles 5:25 resonates powerfully in contemporary life, urging us to scrutinize the allegiances of our hearts. While modern idolatry rarely involves physical statues, the principle of spiritual unfaithfulness remains profoundly relevant. We "go a whoring" after anything that usurps God's rightful place as the supreme object of our affection, trust, and devotion. This can manifest as an obsessive pursuit of wealth, status, career success, personal comfort, or even the approval of others. When these things become our ultimate source of security, identity, or satisfaction, they become functional idols that draw our hearts away from the living God. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, prompting us to identify and dismantle any competing loyalties that subtly or overtly diminish our singular devotion to Christ. It reminds us that true security, lasting fulfillment, and genuine blessing are found not in worldly pursuits or compromises, but in unwavering, exclusive faithfulness to the One who alone is worthy of our worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "gods of the land" in my own life or culture that subtly compete for my ultimate allegiance and affection?**
* **In what ways might I be "transgressing against the God of my fathers" by prioritizing worldly values or desires over His commands and character?**
* **How does understanding God's past judgment on idolatry inform my commitment to exclusive worship and spiritual purity today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my heart remains singularly devoted to God, resisting the allure of modern idols?**

### FAQ
**Why is "whoring" used to describe idolatry in the Bible?**

Answer: The use of "whoring" (or spiritual adultery/fornication) to describe idolatry is a powerful and deliberate metaphor throughout the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic literature. It stems from the concept of God's covenant with Israel being likened to a marriage relationship. Just as a marriage demands exclusive fidelity between husband and wife, God's covenant with Israel demanded their exclusive worship and devotion to Him alone. When Israel turned to other gods, they were seen as breaking their sacred marriage vows to Yahweh, committing spiritual adultery. This imagery underscores the intimacy of the relationship God desired, the depth of betrayal involved in idolatry, and the emotional pain it caused God (e.g., [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1-3 "Hosea's Marriage as a Metaphor for Israel's Unfaithfulness"), [Jeremiah 3:6-10](/jeremiah/3-6-10 "Israel's Persistent Backsliding")). It highlights that idolatry is not merely a theological error but a profound act of disloyalty and unfaithfulness to the One who had chosen, redeemed, and sustained them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Israel's spiritual "whoring" and subsequent judgment, as seen in [1 Chronicles 5:25](/1_chronicles/5-25 "1 Chronicles 5:25 - Israel's Transgression"), finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel repeatedly failed to maintain covenant faithfulness, Jesus perfectly embodied the obedient Son, fulfilling every righteous requirement of the Law and never "transgressing against the God of His fathers" (cf. [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). He is the faithful Israelite who perfectly loved and served God alone. Moreover, the "whoring" of humanity after idols—our pervasive spiritual adultery—is precisely what Christ came to redeem. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus bore the judgment for our unfaithfulness, atoning for our idolatry and offering us a path to reconciliation with God (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The New Covenant, inaugurated by His blood, establishes a new and better relationship, where believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship God "in spirit and truth" (cf. [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), turning from idols to serve the living and true God (cf. [1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to God")). Thus, Christ is not only the perfect example of faithfulness but also the divine provision for our unfaithfulness, enabling us to return to the "God of our fathers" and live in true, unwavering devotion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 34:15

Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and [one] call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;

Revelation 17:5

And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Psalms 106:34

¶ They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:

Psalms 106:39

Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.

Hosea 1:2

¶ The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, [departing] from the LORD.

2 Kings 17:7

¶ For [so] it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,

2 Kings 17:18

Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.