2 Chronicles 15:12

KJV

And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;

KJV (with Strong's)

And they entered {H935} into a covenant {H1285} to seek {H1875} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1} with all their heart {H3824} and with all their soul {H5315};

Complete Jewish Bible

and they entered into a covenant to seek ADONAI, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and with all their being;

Berean Standard Bible

Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul.

American Standard Version

And they entered into the covenant to seek Jehovah, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 15:12 describes a pivotal moment during the reign of King Asa of Judah, where the people, inspired by divine victory and prophetic encouragement, entered into a solemn covenant. This national commitment was a profound act of spiritual revival, binding them collectively to diligently seek the LORD God of their ancestors with complete and undivided devotion, encompassing their entire being—intellect, will, emotions, and life force. It marked a significant turning point towards national faithfulness and subsequent peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant narrative arc in the book of 2 Chronicles, detailing the reign of King Asa. Immediately preceding this event, Asa and Judah experienced a miraculous victory over a massive Cushite army (recorded in [2 Chronicles 14](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - Asa's Victory Over the Cushites")). This divine intervention was followed by a powerful prophetic message from Azariah, son of Oded, who exhorted Asa and the people to be strong and not lose heart, assuring them that "the LORD is with you while you are with him" ([2 Chronicles 15:2](/2_chronicles/15-2 "2 Chronicles 15:2 - Azariah's Prophecy to Asa")). Inspired by this prophecy and God's evident blessing, Asa initiated widespread religious reforms, removing idolatrous altars and repairing the altar of the LORD. The covenant described in verse 12 is the culmination of these events—a direct and communal response to God's faithfulness and the call to renewed obedience, demonstrating the people's earnest desire to formalize their commitment to Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Asa reigned over the Southern Kingdom of Judah from approximately 913 to 873 BC. His era followed a period of spiritual decline marked by the widespread adoption of idolatry, even after the division of the united monarchy. The Chronicler often highlights the kings' religious fidelity as a determinant of national prosperity or decline. Covenant-making was a foundational concept in ancient Israel, rooted in the Mosaic Covenant at Sinai, which established Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh. Such covenants were solemn, binding agreements, often involving oaths and rituals, signifying national or individual dedication to God's laws and purposes. The act of "seeking the LORD" was not merely a religious sentiment but a practical commitment to worship Him alone, obey His commands, and rely on Him for protection and provision, especially crucial in a region surrounded by polytheistic nations. This covenant renewal aimed to purge foreign religious practices and restore the exclusive worship of Yahweh, reinforcing Judah's distinct identity as God's chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** The covenant in [2 Chronicles 15:12](/2_chronicles/15-12 "2 Chronicles 15:12 - The Covenant of Seeking God") encapsulates several major theological themes prevalent in Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, **Covenant Renewal and Commitment** stands out, emphasizing the people's deliberate and solemn agreement to rededicate themselves to God, reflecting a conscious choice to return to their spiritual heritage. Secondly, the phrase "with all their heart and with all their soul" underscores **Wholehearted Devotion**, echoing the foundational command of the Shema to [love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment"). This signifies complete, sincere, and undivided allegiance, leaving no room for compromise. Thirdly, to "seek the LORD God" implies **Active Pursuit**, indicating an earnest, diligent, and proactive engagement with God through worship, obedience, and dependence, rather than passive waiting, as seen in [Jeremiah's promise](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God Wholeheartedly"). Finally, this collective act represents a profound **National Revival**, demonstrating that communal repentance and devotion can lead to national blessing, peace, and security, as evidenced by the subsequent period of peace in Judah ([2 Chronicles 15:19](/2_chronicles/15-19 "2 Chronicles 15:19 - Peace in Asa's Reign")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bĕrît_):** This term denotes a solemn, binding agreement or treaty, often initiated by God, establishing a relationship with specific obligations and promises. In the biblical context, covenants define the relationship between God and humanity (e.g., Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic), or between people. Here, it signifies a formal, public, and collective commitment by the people of Judah to God, renewing their allegiance to the terms of the Mosaic Covenant and rejecting idolatry. It implies a reciprocal relationship where faithfulness to the covenant brings blessings.
* **Seek (Hebrew, _dāraš_):** This verb means to "tread, frequent, search, inquire, or diligently seek." It conveys an active, intentional, and thorough pursuit, indicating a deep desire to know, understand, and obey God. It's not a casual or passive act but an earnest, persistent effort to draw near to God, to consult Him, and to live in accordance with His will. This seeking encompasses worship, prayer, obedience, and reliance on His guidance.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lēḇ/lēḇāḇ_) and Soul (Hebrew, _nepeš_):** These terms, often used together, signify the totality of a person's inner and outer being. _Lēḇ_ refers to the inner self, encompassing intellect, will, emotions, and moral character—the seat of thought and decision. _Nepeš_ encompasses the life force, breath, desires, appetites, and the entire animate being. To seek God with "all their heart and with all their soul" means engaging every faculty of one's inner and outer life, every thought, desire, intention, and action, in complete and undivided devotion to Him. It signifies a holistic, sincere, and unreserved commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they entered into a covenant":** This phrase describes a formal, intentional, and public act of commitment. It signifies that the people of Judah, as a collective body, consciously and deliberately bound themselves to a solemn agreement. This was not a casual resolution but a sacred oath, reinforcing their national identity and purpose under God. The act of "entering" implies a willing participation and acceptance of the covenant's terms and responsibilities.
* **"to seek the LORD God of their fathers":** This clause specifies the object and nature of their covenantal commitment. Their pursuit was directed exclusively towards "the LORD God," Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. The addition "of their fathers" emphasizes continuity with their spiritual heritage, acknowledging the God who had revealed Himself to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. It implies a return to the foundational faith and practices of their ancestors, rejecting the idolatrous deviations that had plagued the nation. "To seek" denotes an active, diligent, and earnest pursuit of God's presence, will, and favor.
* **"with all their heart and with all their soul":** This final clause describes the profound depth and totality of their commitment. "With all their heart" refers to the intellectual, volitional, and emotional core of their being—their thoughts, intentions, desires, and affections. "With all their soul" encompasses their very life force, their deepest passions, and their entire animate existence. Together, these phrases convey a complete, unreserved, and undivided devotion, leaving no part of their being untouched by this commitment. It signifies sincerity, integrity, and an absolute dedication to God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Covenant Language** is central, as the act of "entering into a covenant" immediately signals a formal, binding agreement with profound theological implications, echoing the foundational relationship between God and Israel. The phrase "with all their heart and with all their soul" is a prime example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. "Heart" (intellect, will) and "soul" (life force, desires) together encompass the entirety of a person's being, emphasizing the complete and undivided nature of their devotion. This also serves as **Emphasis** or **Repetition**, reiterating the intensity and totality of their commitment, a concept deeply rooted in the Shema ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")). The use of "the LORD God of their fathers" is a form of **Appellation** or **Title**, invoking the historical and ancestral relationship between God and His people, reinforcing continuity and heritage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The covenant made in [2 Chronicles 15:12](/2_chronicles/15-12 "2 Chronicles 15:12 - The Covenant of Seeking God") stands as a powerful testament to the enduring biblical theme of covenant and the call to wholehearted devotion. It reflects the Old Testament emphasis on Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, a relationship defined by mutual obligations and promises. This act of national renewal underscores the principle that human faithfulness is a response to divine initiative and blessing. Just as God had acted powerfully on Judah's behalf, the people responded with a solemn commitment to seek Him diligently. This pursuit of God with "all their heart and with all their soul" is not merely an emotional sentiment but a holistic orientation of life, encompassing intellect, will, and action, which is the essence of true worship and obedience. It anticipates the prophetic call for a new covenant where God's law would be written on the heart, enabling a deeper, more intrinsic devotion.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")
* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God Wholeheartedly")
* [Matthew 22:37](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37 - The Greatest Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound commitment of Judah in [2 Chronicles 15:12](/2_chronicles/15-12 "2 Chronicles 15:12 - The Covenant of Seeking God") offers a timeless model for believers today. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity to a deep, intentional, and comprehensive dedication to God. Our faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a living, active relationship that demands our entire being—our thoughts, emotions, desires, and actions. Just as the people of Judah actively sought the LORD, so too are we called to diligently pursue Him through consistent prayer, diligent study of His Word, sincere worship, and obedience to His commands. This wholehearted seeking fosters spiritual vitality, both individually and corporately, and can lead to seasons of profound blessing and peace, reflecting God's faithfulness to those who draw near to Him with integrity and devotion. It reminds us that true revival begins with a renewed, unreserved commitment of the heart and soul to the living God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I holding back from a wholehearted commitment to God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more diligently "seek the LORD" with all my heart and soul this week?**
* **How does my personal commitment to God impact the spiritual health and direction of my community or church?**
* **What idols or distractions might be preventing me from pursuing God with undivided devotion, and how can I remove them?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "God of their fathers" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "God of their fathers" ([2 Chronicles 15:12](/2_chronicles/15-12 "2 Chronicles 15:12 - The Covenant of Seeking God")) is deeply significant. It emphasizes continuity and heritage, connecting the present generation's covenant with the historical covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and later renewed with Moses at Sinai. It reminds the people of Yahweh's faithfulness across generations and their unique identity as His chosen people, distinct from the surrounding pagan nations. By invoking "the God of their fathers," they were reaffirming their allegiance to the one true God who had revealed Himself to their ancestors and had consistently acted on their behalf, solidifying their return to foundational Israelite faith and rejecting foreign deities.

**How does this covenant in Asa's time relate to the Mosaic Covenant?**

Answer: The covenant made in Asa's time ([2 Chronicles 15:12](/2_chronicles/15-12 "2 Chronicles 15:12 - The Covenant of Seeking God")) is best understood as a **renewal** of the Mosaic Covenant, rather than a new, distinct covenant. The Mosaic Covenant, established at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai")), laid out the fundamental laws and principles governing Israel's relationship with God. Throughout Israel's history, periods of spiritual decline often necessitated such renewals, where the people publicly reaffirmed their commitment to the terms of the Mosaic Law. Asa's covenant was a national rededication to the core tenets of that covenant—exclusive worship of Yahweh, obedience to His commands, and the rejection of idolatry—prompted by divine blessing and prophetic challenge. It served to restore the nation to its proper covenantal relationship with God, reminding them of the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wholehearted seeking of the LORD God in [2 Chronicles 15:12](/2_chronicles/15-12 "2 Chronicles 15:12 - The Covenant of Seeking God") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament covenants, including the Mosaic and its subsequent renewals, pointed forward to a greater, more perfect covenant. Jesus, as the mediator of the [New Covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant") (Hebrews 8:6), fulfills the law's demands and makes possible the very wholehearted devotion that the Old Testament commanded but humanity consistently failed to fully achieve. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for true reconciliation with God, not merely through outward adherence to laws, but by transforming the heart and soul from within. The Spirit of God, given through Christ, enables believers to genuinely "seek the LORD" with a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), fulfilling the prophetic promise of the law being written on their hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Therefore, our ability to love God with [all our heart, soul, mind, and strength](/mark/12-30 "Mark 12:30 - The Greatest Commandment") (Mark 12:30) is a direct result of Christ's work, empowering us to live in the reality of the New Covenant, where seeking God is not a burdensome obligation but a joyful response to His saving grace.

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

Deuteronomy 10:12

¶ And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

Acts 24:14

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

2 Chronicles 23:16

And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.

2 Chronicles 29:10

Now [it is] in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.

2 Chronicles 15:4

But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.

Deuteronomy 4:29

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find [him], if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Deuteronomy 29:1

¶ These [are] the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.