2 Chronicles 15:14

KJV

And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they sware {H7650} unto the LORD {H3068} with a loud {H1419} voice {H6963}, and with shouting {H8643}, and with trumpets {H2689}, and with cornets {H7782}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They swore this to ADONAI in a loud voice, with shouting and blowing of trumpets and shofars.

Berean Standard Bible

They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns.

American Standard Version

And they sware unto Jehovah with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 15:14 vividly portrays a moment of profound national spiritual revival in Judah under King Asa. The verse captures the fervent, public, and unanimous commitment of the people as they solemnly swore allegiance to the Lord, employing a cacophony of voices, shouts, trumpets, and cornets to express their renewed covenant with God. This act signified a decisive turning point, marking a return to wholehearted devotion after a period of idolatry and spiritual decline.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of King Asa's reforms, particularly following the prophetic encouragement of Azariah son of Oded in [2 Chronicles 15:1-7](/2_chronicles/15-1 "2 Chronicles 15:1-7 - Azariah's Prophecy to Asa"). Azariah’s message spurred Asa to intensify his efforts to purge idolatry from Judah and to restore true worship. The immediate preceding verses, [2 Chronicles 15:12-13](/2_chronicles/15-12 "2 Chronicles 15:12-13 - The Covenant to Seek the Lord"), describe the people entering into a solemn covenant to "seek the LORD God of Israel with all their heart and with all their soul," even decreeing death for those who would not seek Him. Verse 14, therefore, is the climactic and public execution of that very covenant, demonstrating the people's eager and enthusiastic response to Asa's leadership and the divine call. It sets the stage for the Lord's blessing of rest, as noted in [2 Chronicles 15:15](/2_chronicles/15-15 "2 Chronicles 15:15 - God Grants Rest").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Asa reigned over Judah from approximately 913-873 BC. His early reign was marked by a period of peace and reform, but also by the persistent presence of idolatrous practices inherited from previous kings. The assembly described in [2 Chronicles 15:10](/2_chronicles/15-10 "2 Chronicles 15:10 - Assembly in Jerusalem") took place in Jerusalem in the third month of Asa's fifteenth year. This was a grand convocation, drawing not only people from Judah and Benjamin but also a significant number from the northern tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had defected from Israel due to the Lord's evident blessing upon Asa. In ancient Israel, public oaths and covenant renewals were profoundly significant, echoing the foundational covenant at Sinai and subsequent renewals at Shechem or under kings like Josiah. Such acts were binding, communal declarations of national identity and allegiance, often accompanied by specific rituals and public acclamations to underscore their gravity and widespread participation.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [2 Chronicles 15:14](/2_chronicles/15-14 "2 Chronicles 15:14 - The People's Oath to the Lord") is **Solemn Covenant and Wholehearted Commitment**. The act of "swearing unto the LORD" signifies a profound and binding re-establishment of their relationship with God, moving beyond mere outward reform to an internal, sincere dedication. This commitment is explicitly described as being "with all their heart and with all their soul" in [2 Chronicles 15:12](/2_chronicles/15-12 "2 Chronicles 15:12 - The People's Covenant"), reflecting the core requirement of the Mosaic Law to love God wholeheartedly, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God"). Another prominent theme is **Public and Enthusiastic Devotion**. The descriptions "with a loud voice," "with shouting," and the use of "trumpets, and with cornets" highlight the overwhelming enthusiasm, unanimity, and unreserved nature of the people's dedication. This was not a quiet, private affair but a vibrant, communal expression of faith, demonstrating deep conviction and joy in their return to God. Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates **National Revival**, showcasing how godly leadership, coupled with prophetic encouragement, can inspire a collective turning from apostasy back to the Lord, leading to divine blessing and peace as described in [2 Chronicles 15:15](/2_chronicles/15-15 "2 Chronicles 15:15 - God Grants Them Rest").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sware (Hebrew, _shava'_):** This verb (שָׁבַע) means "to swear, to take an oath, to bind oneself by an oath." It implies a solemn, legally and spiritually binding promise, often invoked in the presence of a deity. In this context, it signifies a formal, public, and irrevocable commitment to the Lord, a re-covenanting of the nation to Yahweh, breaking with previous idolatrous practices. It carries the weight of a vow, indicating a deep, intentional pledge of allegiance.
* **trumpets (Hebrew, _chatzozterah'_):** The Hebrew word (חֲצֹצְרָה) refers specifically to the long, straight silver trumpets used by priests for ceremonial purposes in the temple. These trumpets were used to signal assembly, to announce offerings, to mark feast days, and to accompany worship. Their presence here underscores the solemnity and sacred nature of the oath, linking it to formal religious observance and divine presence.
* **cornets (Hebrew, _shofar'_):** The Hebrew term (שׁוֹפָר) denotes the ram's horn, a more ancient and primal instrument. The shofar was used for a variety of purposes: to sound an alarm, to call people to war or assembly, to proclaim a new king, or to accompany joyous celebration (e.g., at the New Moon or Jubilee). Its inclusion alongside the priestly trumpets suggests both the solemnity and the joyous, almost martial, enthusiasm of the people's rededication, signifying a resounding declaration heard throughout the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they sware unto the LORD":** This opening phrase establishes the core action: a formal, binding oath made directly to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It signifies a collective and deliberate act of repentance and re-commitment, moving away from the syncretism and idolatry that had plagued the nation. This was not a casual promise but a solemn vow, invoking divine witness and accountability.
* **"with a loud voice, and with shouting":** These phrases emphasize the overwhelming enthusiasm, unanimity, and public nature of the oath. It was not a quiet, private, or reluctant act, but a fervent, audible declaration from the entire assembly. The "loud voice" and "shouting" convey a sense of joy, conviction, and perhaps even a defiant rejection of their past idolatry, proclaiming their renewed allegiance for all to hear.
* **"and with trumpets, and with cornets":** The inclusion of these instruments adds layers of meaning. The trumpets (priestly, ceremonial) lend a sacred and formal weight to the occasion, while the cornets (shofars, often for alarms, assembly, or celebration) add a dimension of exuberant proclamation and perhaps even a spiritual "battle cry" against the forces of idolatry. Their combined use creates a powerful, resonant sound that underscores the magnitude, joy, and public solemnity of this national covenant renewal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the intensity and significance of the event. **Emphasis** and a form of **hyperbole** are evident in the accumulation of descriptors: "loud voice," "shouting," "trumpets," and "cornets." This piling up of auditory imagery creates a vivid picture of overwhelming sound, underscoring the unanimity and fervent enthusiasm of the people, making it clear this was no quiet, subdued affair. The use of **Symbolism** is also prominent; the trumpets and cornets are not merely musical instruments but symbols of divine presence, command, and celebration. The priestly trumpets symbolize the formal, sacred nature of the covenant, while the shofars symbolize a joyous, perhaps even martial, declaration of allegiance. Implicitly, there is also **Contrast** with the previous state of affairs—the silent, hidden, or illicit idolatrous practices are now replaced by a loud, public, and joyful declaration of fidelity to the one true God, marking a profound shift in the nation's spiritual landscape.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in 2 Chronicles 15:14 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of covenant renewal and the call to wholehearted devotion. God consistently desires a relationship with His people marked by sincere commitment, not mere outward observance. The public, enthusiastic nature of this oath reflects a true turning of the heart, a collective repentance that goes beyond individual piety to encompass the entire nation. This act of swearing to the Lord with such fervor is a testament to the transformative power of divine truth and godly leadership, demonstrating that when a people genuinely seek God, He responds with blessing and rest. It highlights that true worship is not a passive activity but an active, often exuberant, declaration of allegiance and love for God, involving the totality of one's being and community.

* [2 Chronicles 15:12](/2_chronicles/15-12 "2 Chronicles 15:12 - The Covenant to Seek the Lord")
* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God")
* [Matthew 22:37](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37 - The Greatest Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 15:14 offers a compelling model for believers today, both individually and corporately. It reminds us that our commitment to God should be wholehearted, not half-hearted or lukewarm. Just as the people of Judah publicly and enthusiastically renewed their covenant, we are called to a vibrant, unreserved expression of our faith in Christ. This includes not only personal devotion but also a willingness to participate joyfully and publicly in corporate worship, celebrating God's goodness and declaring His sovereignty. The passage challenges us to examine the depth of our own commitment: Is our faith merely a private affair, or does it manifest in a "loud voice" of praise and dedication within our communities? It underscores the importance of actively pursuing spiritual revival, both personally and within our churches, inspired by biblical truth and led by the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to renew my commitment to the Lord with a "loud voice" of conviction?**
* **How does my personal and corporate worship reflect the "shouting" and "trumpets" of enthusiastic devotion seen in this verse?**
* **What steps can I take to foster a more wholehearted and public expression of faith in my own life and within my community?**
* **How might I, like King Asa, encourage and participate in spiritual renewal within my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Why was this public oath so important for the people of Judah?**

Answer: This public oath was critically important because it marked a decisive national turning point away from widespread idolatry and back to exclusive worship of Yahweh. After a period of spiritual decline and syncretism, the oath in [2 Chronicles 15:14](/2_chronicles/15-14 "2 Chronicles 15:14 - The People's Oath to the Lord") was a formal, collective, and binding re-establishment of their covenant relationship with God. It wasn't just a private decision but a communal declaration, signifying a unified national commitment to seek the Lord "with all their heart and with all their soul" ([2 Chronicles 15:12](/2_chronicles/15-12 "2 Chronicles 15:12 - The Covenant to Seek the Lord")). This public nature ensured accountability and demonstrated a clear break with the past, leading to divine blessing and peace for the nation ([2 Chronicles 15:15](/2_chronicles/15-15 "2 Chronicles 15:15 - God Grants Rest")).

**What is the difference between "trumpets" and "cornets" and why were both used?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "trumpets" refers to the _chatzozterah_ (חֲצֹצְרָה), which were long, straight silver trumpets primarily used by priests for ceremonial and cultic purposes in the temple. They signaled assembly, announced offerings, and accompanied sacred rituals. "Cornets" refers to the _shofar_ (שׁוֹפָר), the ram's horn, a more ancient instrument with a powerful, often piercing sound. The shofar was used for a wider range of purposes: to sound alarms, call people to war or assembly, proclaim a new king, or mark joyous celebrations and new beginnings. The use of both instruments in [2 Chronicles 15:14](/2_chronicles/15-14 "2 Chronicles 15:14 - The People's Oath to the Lord") is significant. The _chatzozterah_ underscored the solemnity, sacredness, and formal nature of the covenant renewal, linking it to the temple and priestly authority. The _shofar_ added an element of joyous, widespread proclamation, perhaps even a "battle cry" against idolatry, and a sense of national unity and enthusiastic celebration. Their combined sound created a powerful, multi-layered auditory expression of the nation's profound commitment and joy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The fervent oath of 2 Chronicles 15:14, with its "loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets," foreshadows the ultimate and perfect covenant fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant required a renewed human effort to commit to God, often failing due to human weakness, the New Covenant established by Christ is founded on His perfect sacrifice and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Our "swearing unto the LORD" is no longer a mere human promise, but a Spirit-empowered confession of Jesus as Lord, where every knee bows and every tongue confesses His name ([Philippians 2:11](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Every Tongue Confess")). The "loud voice" and "shouting" of Judah's commitment find their spiritual echo in the unreserved praise and worship of believers who have been redeemed by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The ceremonial trumpets and celebratory cornets point to the joyous proclamation of the gospel, the spiritual "trumpet call" that gathers God's people from every nation, and the eternal celebration of our salvation in Christ. He is the mediator of a [better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant"), enabling us to offer ourselves as [living sacrifices](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices"), not out of obligation, but out of grateful love for His saving work. Our worship, empowered by the Spirit, becomes the truest "loud voice" and "shouting" of a people wholly devoted to their King, Jesus 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

Psalms 81:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Psalms 81:4

For this [was] a statute for Israel, [and] a law of the God of Jacob.

Nehemiah 5:13

Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.

Nehemiah 10:29

They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;