2 Chronicles 15:2

KJV

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he went out {H3318} to meet {H6440} Asa {H609}, and said {H559} unto him, Hear {H8085} ye me, Asa {H609}, and all Judah {H3063} and Benjamin {H1144}; The LORD {H3068} is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek {H1875} him, he will be found {H4672} of you; but if ye forsake {H5800} him, he will forsake {H5800} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

he went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa, and all Y'hudah and Binyamin! ADONAI is with you, as long as you are with him; if you seek him, you will find him; but if you abandon him, he will abandon you!

Berean Standard Bible

So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

American Standard Version

and he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: Jehovah is with you, while ye are with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following a decisive victory over the Ethiopian army, King Asa of Judah receives a crucial prophetic word from Azariah. This verse encapsulates a foundational principle of the covenant relationship between God and His people: divine presence, favor, and accessibility are directly contingent upon human faithfulness, earnest seeking, and continued allegiance. Conversely, a deliberate turning away from God inevitably leads to the withdrawal of His active support and blessing, serving as both a profound encouragement for obedience and a sober warning against spiritual apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This prophetic encounter immediately follows King Asa's remarkable military triumph over Zerah the Ethiopian, detailed in [2 Chronicles 14:9-15](/2_chronicles/14-9 "2 Chronicles 14:9-15 - Asa's Victory Over Zerah"). The narrative highlights Asa's initial reliance on the LORD in the face of overwhelming odds, a faith that resulted in a miraculous deliverance and immense spoils. Azariah's message in [2 Chronicles 15:2](/2_chronicles/15-2 "2 Chronicles 15:2 - Azariah's Prophecy to Asa") serves as a divine interpretation of this victory, reinforcing the principle that God's intervention was a direct consequence of Asa's seeking Him. It functions as a pivotal turning point, urging Asa and the nation not to become complacent in their success but to deepen their commitment, setting the stage for Asa's subsequent reforms and revival in [2 Chronicles 15:8-19](/2_chronicles/15-8 "2 Chronicles 15:8-19 - Asa's Reforms and Covenant Renewal").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Asa reigned over Judah during the divided monarchy, a period often marked by spiritual compromise and idolatry among both northern Israel and, at times, southern Judah. His reign (c. 913-873 BC) followed that of his father Abijah and grandfather Rehoboam, both of whom had periods of unfaithfulness. The threat from foreign powers like the Ethiopians (Cushites) was a constant geopolitical reality, making military strength and divine favor paramount for national survival. Culturally, the concept of a conditional covenant, where blessings followed obedience and curses followed disobedience, was deeply ingrained in Israelite understanding, stemming from the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Azariah's message, therefore, resonated with established theological frameworks, reminding the king and the people of their covenant obligations to the LORD, the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **contingency of divine presence and favor** upon human faithfulness. The verse articulates a clear "if-then" covenantal structure: God's being "with you" is conditional on "ye be with him." This underscores the reciprocal nature of the relationship, where human agency in seeking or forsaking God directly impacts the experience of His manifest presence and blessing. It also powerfully emphasizes the **accessibility of God** to those who genuinely seek Him, echoing promises found in [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart") and [Deuteronomy 4:29](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Deuteronomy 4:29 - Finding God When You Seek Him"). Conversely, the stark warning of God "forsaking" those who "forsake him" highlights the grave **consequences of apostasy** and deliberate turning away, a theme consistently woven through the historical books of the Old Testament, illustrating the divine justice that accompanies covenant infidelity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seek (Hebrew, _dārash'_):** This verb implies a diligent, earnest, and intentional pursuit. It's not a casual glance or passive hope, but an active inquiry, a persistent searching, and often, a worshipful seeking. In a covenant context, it signifies a deliberate effort to align oneself with God's will, to understand His ways, and to obey His commands. It encompasses prayer, study of the law, and turning to God for guidance and help.
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _ʿāzav'_):** This word denotes abandonment, desertion, or leaving behind. It describes a deliberate act of turning away from a previously held commitment, relationship, or allegiance. In this context, it signifies a conscious decision to disengage from the covenant relationship with God, to cease following His commands, or to turn to other gods or sources of security. It implies a breach of loyalty and a rejection of divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin;":** This sets the scene for the prophetic encounter. "He" refers to Azariah, the prophet, who is divinely commissioned to deliver this message. The address to "Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin" underscores the national significance of the message, indicating that the principles apply not just to the king but to the entire covenant community under his leadership. The imperative "Hear ye me" emphasizes the urgency and importance of the divine word about to be delivered.
* **"The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him;":** This is the core conditional statement, establishing the principle of reciprocal relationship. God's active, manifest presence, His favor, protection, and blessing ("The LORD is with you") are directly contingent upon the people's faithfulness and allegiance to Him ("while ye be with him"). "Being with him" implies obedience to His commands, devotion, and exclusive worship, rejecting idolatry and spiritual compromise.
* **"and if ye seek him, he will be found of you;":** This provides a powerful assurance and encouragement. It reiterates the accessibility of God. If the people, individually and corporately, earnestly and diligently "seek him" (as defined by _dārash'_), then God promises to reveal Himself and make Himself available to them. This speaks to divine responsiveness to genuine human pursuit and repentance.
* **"but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.":** This serves as a stark and sobering warning, presenting the negative consequence of the conditional covenant. If the people deliberately "forsake him" (as defined by _ʿāzav'_), abandoning their commitment and turning away from Him, then God will, in turn, "forsake" them. This does not imply a change in God's character, but a withdrawal of His active, protective, and blessing presence, leaving them vulnerable to the consequences of their choices and the threats they face.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Conditional Statement** and **Antithesis**. The structure "while ye be with him... if ye seek him... but if ye forsake him..." creates a clear conditional framework, directly linking human action to divine response. This is a common covenantal pattern in biblical literature, emphasizing moral responsibility. **Antithesis** is evident in the stark contrast between "seek him" and "forsake him," and consequently, between "he will be found of you" and "he will forsake you." This sharp juxtaposition highlights the mutually exclusive outcomes of obedience versus disobedience, making the choice unambiguous and the consequences clear. The use of **Direct Address** ("Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin") lends immediacy and personal urgency to the divine message, ensuring the audience understands its direct relevance to their lives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse articulates a fundamental principle of divine relationship pervasive throughout the biblical narrative: God's interaction with humanity, particularly within the framework of covenant, is often characterized by a responsive dynamic. While God's love and faithfulness are unwavering, His manifest presence, blessing, and active intervention are frequently conditioned on human obedience, seeking, and loyalty. This is not a transactional relationship in the sense of earning salvation, but rather a relational one where communion and favor flourish in an environment of devotion and trust. It underscores God's desire for a genuine, active relationship and His respect for human freedom to choose allegiance or apostasy, with corresponding consequences.

* [Deuteronomy 4:29](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Deuteronomy 4:29 - Finding God When You Seek Him")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God")
* [Psalm 9:10](/psalms/9-10 "Psalm 9:10 - Those Who Seek the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message to King Asa remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless reminder of the dynamic nature of our relationship with God. It challenges us to move beyond passive belief to active engagement, recognizing that our spiritual vitality and experience of God's presence are deeply intertwined with our intentional pursuit of Him. In times of success and blessing, it cautions against complacency, urging us to remember the source of our strength and to continually seek Him with the same fervor as in times of desperation. Conversely, the warning against forsaking God calls for sober self-examination, prompting us to consider if our actions, priorities, or allegiances have subtly shifted away from Him. True spiritual flourishing requires a consistent, wholehearted commitment, where seeking God is not merely an occasional act but a continuous posture of life, ensuring we remain within the sphere of His active favor and protection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly "forsaking" the Lord, perhaps through neglect or misplaced priorities, even without conscious intent?**
* **How can I more consistently and earnestly "seek" the Lord in my daily life, beyond formal devotional times, to experience His manifest presence more fully?**
* **What does "being with God" practically look like for me in my current season of life, and how can I strengthen that commitment?**

### FAQ
**Does God truly "forsake" His people, or is this a figure of speech?**

Answer: While God's covenant love and faithfulness are eternal and He will never utterly abandon His elect (e.g., [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Unfailing Love")), the term "forsake" in this context refers to the withdrawal of His active, manifest presence, protection, and blessing. It signifies a cessation of His intervention on behalf of those who have deliberately turned away from Him and His covenant. This is not a capricious act but a just consequence of human choice, allowing individuals or nations to experience the natural repercussions of their rebellion and self-reliance. It serves as a severe warning, emphasizing the seriousness of covenant infidelity and the loss of divine favor that accompanies it.

**What does it mean to "seek" the Lord in a practical sense today?**

Answer: To "seek" the Lord today, as implied by the Hebrew _dārash'_, means to earnestly and diligently pursue a deeper relationship with Him. Practically, this involves consistent prayer, not just asking for things but engaging in communion and listening; diligent study and meditation on His Word (e.g., [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in God's Law")); active obedience to His commands (e.g., [John 14:21](/john/14-21 "John 14:21 - Obedience and Love")); participating in corporate worship and fellowship with other believers (e.g., [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Neglect Meeting Together")); and seeking His will through the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all areas of life (e.g., [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD")). It implies making God the ultimate priority and source of guidance in all decisions and aspirations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 15:2 presents a conditional principle rooted in the Old Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment and transformation are found in Christ. The Old Testament's emphasis on "being with God" and "seeking Him" pointed to a longing for perfect communion, a communion often broken by human sin and inability to perfectly obey. In Jesus Christ, God Himself "is with us" in an unparalleled way through His incarnation, fulfilling the promise of [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ perfectly fulfilled the demands of the law, establishing a New Covenant where God's presence is not merely conditional on our perfect performance but is secured by His grace through faith (e.g., [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Now, "seeking Him" is no longer a burdensome pursuit of an elusive deity but a joyful response to the One who has already found us (e.g., [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). The warning against "forsaking Him" is transformed into a call to abide in Christ (e.g., [John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")), for in Him, we are eternally secure, and His Spirit indwells believers, ensuring His constant presence (e.g., [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-17 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, the Old Testament principle finds its ultimate and gracious resolution in the person and work of Jesus, who is our permanent "God with us."

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

James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

2 Chronicles 24:20

And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.

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.

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Jeremiah 29:12

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Jeremiah 29:14

And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.