TRV
Translation
King James Version
Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.
Complete Jewish Bible
For a long time Isra'el was without the true God, without a cohen who could teach, and without Torah.
Berean Standard Bible
For many years Israel has been without the true God, without a priest to instruct them, and without the law.
American Standard Version
Now for a long season Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law:
World English Bible Messianic
Now for a long time Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Nowe for a long season Israel hath bene without the true God, and without Priest to teach and without Lawe.
Young's Literal Translation
and many days are to Israel without a true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law,
See also
In the KJVVerse 11,494 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15 verses 1–7
1 ¶ And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:
2 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.
3 Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.
4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.
5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries.
6 And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity.
7 Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
It was a great happiness to Israel that they had prophets among them; yet, while they were thus blessed, they were strangely addicted to idolatry, whereas, when the spirit of prophecy had ceased under the second temple, and the canon of the Old Temple was completed (which was constantly read in their synagogues), they were pure from idolatry; for the scriptures are of all other the most sure word of prophecy, and most effectual, and the church could not be so easily imposed upon by a counterfeit Bible as by a counterfeit prophet. Here was a prophet sent to Asa and his army, when they returned victorious from the war with the Ethiopians, not to compliment them and congratulate them on their success, but to quicken them to their duty; this is the proper business of God's ministers, even with princes and the greatest men. The Spirit of God came upon the prophet (Ch2 15:1), both to instruct him what he should say and to enable him to say it with clearness and boldness.
I. He told them plainly upon what terms they stood with God. Let them not think that, having obtained this victory, all was their own for ever; no, he must let them know they were upon their good behaviour. Let them do well, and it will be well with them, otherwise not. 1. The Lord is with you while you are with him. This is both a word of comfort, that those who keep close to God shall always have his presence with them, and also a word of caution: "He is with you, while you are with him, but no longer; you have now a signal token of his favourable presence with you, but the continuance of it depends upon your perseverance in the way of your duty." 2. "If you seek him, he will be found of you. Sincerely desire his favour, and aim at it, and you shall obtain it. Pray, and you shall prevail. He never said, nor ever will, Seek you me in vain." See Heb 11:6. But, 3. "If you forsake him and his ordinances, he is not tied to you, but will certainly forsake you, and then you are undone, your present triumphs will be no security to you; woe to you when God departs."
II. He set before them the dangerous consequence of forsaking God and his ordinances, and that there was no way of having grievances redressed, but by repenting, and returning unto God. When Israel forsook their duty they were over-run with a deluge of atheism, impiety, irreligion, and all irregularity (Ch2 15:3), and were continually embarrassed with vexatious and destroying wars, foreign and domestic, Ch2 15:5, Ch2 15:6. But when their troubles drove them to God they found it not in vain to seek him, Ch2 15:4. But the question is, What time does this refer to? 1. Some think it looks as far back as the days of the Judges. A long season ago Israel was without the true God, for they worshipped false gods; it was a time of ignorance, for, though they had priests, they had no teaching priests, though they had elders, yet no law to any purpose, v. 3. These were sad times, when they were frequently oppressed by one enemy or other and grievously harassed by Moabites, Midianites, Ammonites, and other nations. They were vexed with all adversity (v. 6), yet when, in their perplexity, they turned to God by repentance, prayer, and reformation, he raised up deliverers for them. Then was that maxim often verified, that God is with us while we are with him. Whatsoever things of this kind were written aforetime were written for our admonition. 2. Others think it describes the state of the ten tribes (who were now properly called Israel) in the days of Asa. "Now, since Jeroboam set up the calves, though he pretended to honour the God that brought them out of Egypt, yet his idolatry has brought them to downright infidelity; they are without the true God," and no marvel when they were without teaching priests. Jeroboam's priests were not teachers, and thus they came to be without law. It is next to impossible that any thing of religion should be kept up without a preaching ministry. In those times there was no peace, Ch2 15:5. Their war with Judah gave them frequent alarms; so did the late insurrection of Baasha and other occasions not mentioned. They provoked God with all iniquity, and then he vexed them with all adversity; yet, when they turned to God, he was entreated for them. Let Judah take notice of this; let their neighbours' harms be their warnings. Give no countenance to graven images for you see what mischiefs they produce. 3. Others think the whole passage may be read in the future tense, and that it looks forward: Hereafter Israel will be without the true God and a teaching priest, and they will be destroyed by one judgment after another till they return to God and seek him. See Hos 3:4.
III. Upon this he grounded his exhortation to prosecute the work of reformation with vigour (Ch2 15:7): Be strong, for your work shall be rewarded. Note, 1. God's work should be done with diligence and cheerfulness, but will not be done without resolution. 2. This should quicken us to the work of religion, that we shall be sure not to lose by it ultimately. It will not go unrewarded. How should it, when the work is its own reward?
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTION 1, ON 2 CHRONICLES
The passage shows the impiety of the ten tribes: “For a long time Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest and without law; but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them.” Do not imitate, the Scripture says, the impiety of your brothers. They do not preach the true God but pursue false idols. For this reason they have been deprived of the priests and the teachers, who could teach them the law of God. Experience, therefore, becomes our guide in showing the damages of impiety. For after being afflicted by any kind of calamity they implore now the help of God, giving themselves entirely to the ineffable goodness of the Lord.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 15:3 delivers a stark prophetic diagnosis of Israel's spiritual decline preceding King Asa's comprehensive reforms. Through the prophet Azariah, the verse reveals a "long season" of national apostasy characterized by a profound absence of three foundational pillars: a genuine relationship with the true God, the vital instruction provided by faithful teaching priests, and adherence to God's divine law. This spiritual vacuum led to widespread societal instability and served as a divine explanation for the nation's past troubles, while simultaneously calling King Asa to deeper commitment and reform.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is a pivotal part of the prophecy delivered by Azariah, son of Oded, to King Asa immediately following Asa's miraculous victory over the Cushite army in 2 Chronicles 14:9-15. Azariah's message functions as a divine interpretation of the nation's history, explaining that past periods of distress and unrest were direct consequences of spiritual failures. It serves as both a warning and an encouragement, promising God's presence with Asa if he continues to seek the Lord, thereby motivating the king to complete the religious reforms he had already initiated (2 Chronicles 14:1-5). The prophecy sets the stage for Asa's subsequent, more thorough purging of idolatry from Judah, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 15:8-19.
Historical & Cultural Context: The "long season" mentioned in the verse likely refers to the reigns of Asa's predecessors in Judah, primarily Rehoboam and Abijah, who largely tolerated or even participated in idolatrous practices, neglecting the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Judah, though distinct from the northern kingdom of Israel, was not immune to the widespread syncretism and spiritual decay prevalent in the ancient Near East. The people often adopted the worship of local deities, built high places for illicit worship, and erected Asherah poles, blurring the lines between true worship and pagan practices. The priestly class, meant to be guardians and communicators of God's Law, had often become negligent or corrupt, failing in their instructional duties. The cultural landscape was one where the covenant relationship with God was increasingly diluted, leading to moral and social instability.
Key Themes: The verse powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights Spiritual Apostasy and Neglect, demonstrating how a departure from the "true God" (Yahweh) to idolatry or superficial faith inevitably leads to societal breakdown. Secondly, the absence of a "teaching priest" underscores the critical theme of the Failure of Spiritual Leadership; when those entrusted with instructing the people in God's ways neglect their duty, the populace is left ignorant and vulnerable to error. Thirdly, being "without law" points to a widespread Disregard for Divine Law (Torah), emphasizing that the abandonment of God's commandments inevitably results in moral decay and chaos. Finally, the broader context of Azariah's prophecy, particularly 2 Chronicles 15:5-6, vividly illustrates the Consequences of Disobedience, showing how this spiritual vacuum directly led to national turmoil and instability, reinforcing the Chronicler's theology of immediate retribution and blessing.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of spiritual desolation. Foremost is Tricolon, where three distinct but related phrases—"without the true God," "without a teaching priest," and "without law"—are presented in a parallel structure. This tripartite enumeration emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of Israel's spiritual decay, indicating a complete breakdown in their relationship with God, their spiritual leadership, and their adherence to divine instruction. The repeated use of the preposition "without" functions as Anaphora, creating a rhythmic emphasis that underscores the profound and lamentable absence of these foundational elements. Furthermore, the verse serves as a Prophetic Assessment, a diagnostic statement delivered by Azariah that not only describes the past and present spiritual state of the nation but also provides a divine explanation for their suffering, thereby setting the stage for King Asa's subsequent reforms and the promise of divine favor upon repentance.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the essential pillars of a healthy covenant relationship with God and the dire consequences of their neglect. The absence of the "true God" speaks to the fundamental issue of idolatry and spiritual apathy, where the people's allegiance shifted from Yahweh to false deities or self-interest. The lack of a "teaching priest" underscores the vital role of faithful spiritual leadership in preserving and transmitting divine truth; without proper instruction, the people inevitably drift into ignorance and disobedience. Finally, being "without law" reveals the breakdown of moral order and the abandonment of God's revealed will as the guide for life, leading to societal chaos and divine judgment. The Chronicler consistently emphasizes that national prosperity and peace are directly tied to the nation's faithfulness to God, adherence to His Law, and the integrity of its spiritual leadership, illustrating a cyclical pattern of apostasy, judgment, repentance, and restoration throughout Israel's history.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark assessment of 2 Chronicles 15:3 serves as a timeless warning and a profound call to spiritual vigilance for individuals and communities today. Just as ancient Israel suffered from a "long season" of spiritual neglect, we too can drift away from a vibrant relationship with God, neglect sound biblical teaching, and disregard God's moral and ethical guidelines. This verse challenges us to actively pursue and maintain a genuine, intimate connection with the "true God," ensuring that our faith is not merely nominal but deeply rooted in devotion and obedience. It underscores the indispensable value of faithful, expository teaching within the church, reminding us that accurate understanding and application of God's Word are crucial for spiritual health and growth. Furthermore, it calls us to a diligent adherence to God's "law"—His comprehensive instruction for life—recognizing that living by His principles brings blessing, order, and true flourishing, both personally and corporately. We must guard against spiritual apathy and intentionally cultivate an environment where God is sought, His Word is taught, and His commands are honored.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "Israel" refer to in this verse, given the context of King Asa of Judah?
Answer: While King Asa reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah, the term "Israel" in Chronicles often refers to the broader covenant people of God, encompassing the spiritual heritage of all twelve tribes. In this context, it can signify Judah as the legitimate inheritor of the Davidic covenant, or it can be a prophetic indictment on the spiritual state of the entire nation, including both the northern kingdom and Judah, highlighting a widespread spiritual decline that affected the people of God generally. The "long season" of being "without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law" applies to the spiritual failures of the preceding generations and reigns that impacted the entire covenant community.
Why is the absence of a "teaching priest" specifically mentioned as a cause for Israel's decline?
Answer: The Levitical priesthood had a dual and crucial role in ancient Israel: offering sacrifices and, equally important, teaching the Torah to the people. They were meant to be the guardians and communicators of God's revealed will, ensuring the populace understood and lived by His commands. The absence of a "teaching priest" meant a failure in this vital instructional aspect, leading to widespread ignorance of God's Law, moral decay, and rampant idolatry. Without faithful instruction, the people were left spiritually blind, unable to distinguish between truth and error, which contributed significantly to their apostasy, as seen in periods like the Judges where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
How does being "without law" differ from being "without the true God" in this verse?
Answer: While closely related, "without the true God" speaks to the object of worship and the relationship with Him—a departure from genuine, exclusive devotion to Yahweh, often involving turning to idols or superficial faith. It describes the spiritual state of their allegiance. "Without law," on the other hand, refers to the guide for living—a widespread disregard for God's revealed will, His Torah. It describes the moral and ethical state of their conduct. One addresses the source of their spiritual life, the other addresses the blueprint for their daily lives. The verse implies a causal chain: neglecting the true God leads to the absence of faithful teaching, which in turn results in a society that lives "without law."
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prophetic diagnosis of 2 Chronicles 15:3, highlighting Israel's "long season" without the true God, a teaching priest, and the law, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment and revelation of the true God, bringing humanity back into a right relationship with the Father, effectively ending the "without the true God" state for all who believe. Furthermore, Jesus is the supreme "teaching priest," not merely instructing from the Law but fulfilling the priestly office perfectly as our great High Priest who intercedes for us and teaches with unparalleled authority, revealing the very heart of God's will. Finally, Christ is the fulfillment and embodiment of the "law" itself; He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, becoming the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Romans 10:4). Through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling of His Spirit, we are not left "without law" but are empowered to live according to God's righteous standards, not by external compulsion but by an internal transformation that writes God's law upon our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). Thus, what Israel lacked, Christ abundantly provides, offering a new covenant reality where believers are brought into intimate communion with the true God, taught by the ultimate Priest, and enabled to walk in His perfect law.