2 Chronicles 11:16

KJV

And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And after {H310} them out of all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478} such as set {H5414} their hearts {H3824} to seek {H1245} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} came {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389}, to sacrifice {H2076} unto the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those from all the tribes of Isra'el who had set their hearts on seeking ADONAI, the God of Isra'el, followed them to Yerushalayim to sacrifice to ADONAI, the God of their fathers.

Berean Standard Bible

Those from every tribe of Israel who had set their hearts to seek the LORD their God followed the Levites to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD, the God of their fathers.

American Standard Version

And after them, out of all the tribes of Israel, such as set their hearts to seek Jehovah, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice unto Jehovah, the God of their fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 11:16 describes a profound spiritual movement during the nascent years of King Rehoboam's reign. Following the kingdom's division and King Jeroboam's establishment of idolatrous worship, this verse records the remarkable faithfulness of individuals from all the tribes of Israel. These devout Israelites, having "set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel," made the sacrificial choice to leave their homes and tribal lands, including those in the newly formed Northern Kingdom, and journey to Jerusalem. Their purpose was to worship and offer legitimate sacrifices to the God of their fathers at the divinely appointed sanctuary, underscoring a deep spiritual conviction that prioritized true worship over political allegiance or personal convenience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of the priests and Levites (2 Chronicles 11:13-15) who, due to King Jeroboam's establishment of rival, idolatrous worship centers at Dan and Bethel, abandoned their lands in the Northern Kingdom and relocated to Judah and Jerusalem. Jeroboam's policies, detailed in [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves"), were designed to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem for worship, fearing that such pilgrimages would lead to their hearts returning to King Rehoboam and the Davidic dynasty ([1 Kings 12:27](/1_kings/12-27 "1 Kings 12:27 - Jeroboam's Political Fears")). Verse 16 reveals that this spiritual exodus was not limited to the priestly class; many ordinary Israelites from "all the tribes" also made the difficult, voluntary decision to leave their homes and heritage in the north to pursue genuine worship in Jerusalem, the divinely appointed center for sacrifice and pilgrimage, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to the Mosaic Law and the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the traumatic division of the united monarchy after the death of Solomon, resulting in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (under Jeroboam) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (under Rehoboam). Jeroboam's immediate act was to consolidate his political power by severing religious ties with Jerusalem. He introduced golden calves in Dan and Bethel, appointed non-Levitical priests, and instituted new feast days, directly contravening Mosaic Law. This created a profound spiritual crisis for faithful Israelites. Culturally, loyalty to one's tribe and land was paramount, making the decision to migrate to Judah a significant personal and communal sacrifice, akin to a spiritual exile for the sake of integrity. Jerusalem, as the site of the Temple and the Ark of the Covenant, represented the legitimate place of worship and the presence of the LORD, a truth deeply ingrained in Israelite identity.
* **Key Themes:** The actions described in 2 Chronicles 11:16 contribute significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the Chronicler's work. First, it highlights **Unwavering Devotion**, as the phrase "set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel" emphasizes a profound and intentional commitment that prioritized their relationship with God above political loyalty, personal comfort, or tribal affiliation. Their decision was a deliberate act of faith in the face of national apostasy. Second, these individuals demonstrated remarkable **Spiritual Integrity**, refusing to compromise their faith by participating in Jeroboam's syncretistic religion, choosing instead to adhere to the Mosaic Law's commands regarding worship at the Jerusalem Temple, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5-7 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - The Chosen Place of Worship"). Third, their move to Jerusalem represents a significant **Sacrifice for Faith**, involving leaving their homes, lands, and communities. This act underscores the biblical principle that true faith often requires a willingness to forsake all for God's truth, echoing the call to count the cost of discipleship found in [Luke 14:26-27](/luke/14-26-27 "Luke 14:26-27 - The Cost of Discipleship"). Finally, this group represents a **True Remnant** within Israel who upheld the covenant, ensuring the continuation of legitimate worship and the preservation of God's truth during a period of national decline and spiritual compromise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, this primitive root means "to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)." In the context of "set their hearts," it signifies a deliberate, intentional act of placing or directing their innermost being. It implies a conscious decision and a firm resolve to commit their will and affections to a specific purpose, in this case, seeking the LORD.
* **Seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** From H1245, this primitive root means "to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after." This word conveys an earnest, diligent, and persistent pursuit. It goes beyond a casual interest, indicating an active and intentional effort to find, consult, and obey God, reflecting a deep desire for His presence and will.
* **Sacrifice (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** From H2076, this primitive root means "to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)." This term specifically refers to the divinely ordained act of offering an animal to God, particularly within the prescribed worship rituals of the Mosaic Law. In this verse, it emphasizes their adherence to the legitimate forms of worship at the Jerusalem Temple, in direct contrast to the illicit practices instituted by Jeroboam.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after them out of all the tribes of Israel":** The phrase "after them" explicitly links these individuals to the priests and Levites mentioned in the preceding verses (2 Chronicles 11:13-15), indicating a broader, popular movement following the example of the religious leaders. The inclusion of "all the tribes of Israel" is highly significant, emphasizing that this spiritual migration was not confined to Judah or Benjamin but involved faithful individuals from the ten northern tribes, demonstrating that true spiritual allegiance transcended political boundaries.
* **"such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel":** This is the core motivation and defining characteristic of these individuals. Their decision was not coerced or accidental but stemmed from a deep, internal commitment ("set their hearts") to earnestly and diligently pursue a relationship with "the LORD God of Israel," emphasizing their adherence to the covenant God of their nation, as opposed to the idolatrous deities introduced by Jeroboam.
* **"came to Jerusalem":** The destination is crucial. Jerusalem, with its Temple, was the divinely appointed, singular place for legitimate worship according to the Mosaic Law. Their journey to Jerusalem was an act of obedience and faithfulness, a public declaration of their rejection of Jeroboam's illegitimate worship centers and their affirmation of God's chosen dwelling place.
* **"to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers":** This clause specifies the purpose of their journey: to engage in proper, legitimate worship. The act of "sacrifice" was central to Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement, communion, and dedication. By sacrificing "unto the LORD God of their fathers," they affirmed their continuity with the covenant heritage and their rejection of the innovative, unbiblical worship practices promoted in the Northern Kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse to underscore its theological significance. **Contrast** is a primary device, starkly juxtaposing the apostasy and political expediency of Jeroboam's kingdom with the unwavering faithfulness and spiritual integrity of these migrating Israelites. This highlights the ongoing spiritual struggle within Israel and God's preservation of a righteous remnant. **Symbolism** is also potent; Jerusalem itself functions as a symbol of true worship, divine presence, and covenant faithfulness, while the act of "seeking the LORD" symbolizes genuine spiritual devotion and active pursuit of God's will. Furthermore, the narrative employs the **Remnant Motif**, a recurring theme in biblical literature, portraying these individuals as a faithful core preserved by God amidst widespread defection. Their voluntary exodus to Jerusalem serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of faith and the magnetic draw of true worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the enduring principle of spiritual integrity and the cost of true devotion. In a time of national apostasy and political compromise, these individuals chose allegiance to God over comfort, security, or tribal loyalty. Their actions demonstrate that genuine faith often requires a radical reorientation of priorities, a willingness to forsake what is convenient or popular for what is divinely commanded. It underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant, even when the majority deviates, ensuring that the flame of true worship continues to burn. Their "setting their hearts to seek the LORD" serves as a timeless example of intentional, wholehearted pursuit of God, a pursuit that transcends external circumstances and political pressures, culminating in an act of worship that honored God according to His prescribed ways.

* [Deuteronomy 4:29](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Deuteronomy 4:29 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking and Finding God")
* [Matthew 10:37-39](/matthew/10-37-39 "Matthew 10:37-39 - The Cost of Discipleship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The example of these faithful Israelites in 2 Chronicles 11:16 provides a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. Their decision to "set their hearts to seek the LORD" in the face of widespread spiritual compromise calls us to examine the depth of our own devotion. In a world that often pressures conformity to cultural norms or compromises spiritual principles for convenience, are we willing to make sacrifices—whether of comfort, popularity, or personal desires—to genuinely seek and obey God? Their physical migration to Jerusalem for true worship serves as a metaphor for our spiritual journey: a willingness to "come out" of systems or ideologies that contradict God's truth and to prioritize worship that is biblically faithful and Spirit-led. This verse compels us to cultivate a faith that stems from a "set heart"—a deep, intentional commitment to diligently seek the Lord and worship Him according to His Word, not according to fleeting trends or personal convenience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean in your life today to "set your heart" on seeking the LORD, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate such intentional devotion?**
* **What "sacrifices"—whether of time, resources, or personal preferences—might true devotion to God require of you in your current context?**
* **How can you ensure your worship, both individually and corporately, is "unto the LORD God of your fathers" (i.e., biblically faithful and Spirit-led) rather than merely culturally convenient or self-serving?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to compromise spiritual integrity for comfort or conformity, and how can you stand firm for God's truth?**

### FAQ

**Why is it significant that these people came "out of all the tribes of Israel" and not just Judah and Benjamin?**

Answer: This detail is highly significant because it demonstrates that the spiritual movement transcended the newly established political boundaries of the divided kingdom. While Jeroboam sought to consolidate his rule over the ten northern tribes, the fact that individuals from "all the tribes" chose to migrate to Jerusalem underscores that God's covenant and the call to true worship still resonated with a faithful remnant across the entire nation. It highlights that their loyalty was primarily to the LORD and His prescribed worship, rather than to a particular king or political entity. This spiritual allegiance challenged Jeroboam's authority and affirmed the enduring centrality of Jerusalem as God's chosen place of worship, even for those living in the Northern Kingdom. It also shows that God continued to work among all His people, preserving a core of faithfulness despite national apostasy.

**What was Jeroboam's primary motivation for establishing alternative worship sites in Dan and Bethel?**

Answer: Jeroboam's primary motivation was political, driven by fear and a desire to secure his newly acquired throne. He reasoned that if his subjects continued to go to Jerusalem for the mandated annual feasts and sacrifices, their hearts would eventually turn back to King Rehoboam and the Davidic dynasty in Judah ([1 Kings 12:26-27](/1_kings/12-26-27 "1 Kings 12:26-27 - Jeroboam's Fear and Political Strategy")). To prevent this, he established alternative, illegitimate worship centers in Dan (north) and Bethel (south) within his own territory, complete with golden calves, non-Levitical priests, and new feast days. His actions were a calculated political maneuver to sever religious ties with Jerusalem and maintain control over his kingdom, directly leading to the apostasy that characterized the Northern Kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The spiritual migration described in 2 Chronicles 11:16 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The "seeking the LORD God of Israel" by setting one's heart is ultimately fulfilled in seeking Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God and the ultimate revelation of His will ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except the Son")). These faithful Israelites left their homes and heritage to come to Jerusalem, the physical center of worship, to offer sacrifices. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ, whose single, perfect sacrifice on the cross superseded all Old Testament sacrifices ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). In Christ, the physical location of worship is no longer paramount, for true worship is now "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), accessible to all who believe, regardless of their geographical origin. The "remnant" motif is fulfilled in the church, the body of Christ, composed of those from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")) who have "set their hearts" to follow Him, even if it means forsaking worldly comforts or allegiances, echoing Jesus' call to [take up one's cross and follow Him](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross"). Thus, the spiritual pilgrimage of 2 Chronicles 11:16 points forward to the universal call to discipleship and the new covenant reality of worship centered on Christ.

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

2 Chronicles 15:9

And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God [was] with him.

1 Samuel 7:3

¶ And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, [then] put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 7:4

Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.

2 Chronicles 30:11

Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.

Acts 11:23

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Hosea 4:8

They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.

Psalms 62:10

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].