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.

But when they in their trouble {H6862} did turn {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, and sought {H1245} him, he was found {H4672} of them.

But when, in their distress, they turned to ADONAI the God of Isra'el and sought him, they found him.

But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them.

but when in their distress they turned unto Jehovah, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.

2 Chronicles 15:4 encapsulates a timeless principle of divine responsiveness: God is found by those who earnestly seek Him, especially in times of distress. This verse comes as part of a powerful prophetic message delivered by the prophet Azariah to King Asa and all Judah and Benjamin, encouraging them to renew their covenant with the LORD.

Context

The historical backdrop to this verse is the reign of King Asa of Judah. After a period of spiritual decline and idolatry, the nation was facing various troubles. Azariah's prophecy, found in 2 Chronicles 15:2, serves as a direct call to repentance and a promise of God's presence and blessing if they returned to Him. Verse 4 specifically looks back at past instances where Israel, in their affliction, demonstrated this principle, thereby setting a precedent and a hope for Asa's generation.

Key Themes

  • Repentance and Turning: The phrase "turn unto the LORD" signifies a fundamental change of direction, a spiritual reorientation away from sin and toward God. It's a call to abandon false worship and embrace true devotion.
  • Earnest Seeking: "And sought him" emphasizes a deliberate, active, and sincere pursuit of God. It implies more than just a casual interest; it's a heartfelt desire for His presence and guidance.
  • Divine Accessibility and Responsiveness: The powerful outcome, "he was found of them," highlights God's readiness and willingness to reveal Himself to those who genuinely seek Him. This promise assures believers that God is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of His people.
  • Deliverance in Trouble: The verse begins with "But when they in their trouble," underscoring that adversity often serves as a catalyst for spiritual awakening and a turning point towards God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "turn" is shuv (שוב), which means to return, repent, or turn back. It implies a conscious decision to reverse one's course. "Sought him" comes from darash (דרש), meaning to inquire, consult, or diligently search. This conveys the idea of an earnest and persistent quest for God. The result, "he was found," is from matsa (מצא), indicating a successful discovery or attainment. Together, these words paint a picture of a deliberate human action met by a sure divine response.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 15:4 offers profound encouragement and a clear path for believers today. No matter the depth of trouble or the extent of past wandering, God remains accessible. This verse reminds us that:

  • Trouble Can Lead to Transformation: Difficult circumstances can be God's way of drawing us closer to Him, prompting us to re-evaluate our priorities.
  • God is Always Findable: Just as He was found by the Israelites, God promises to be found by anyone who seeks Him with a sincere heart. This echoes the promise in Jeremiah 29:13, "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
  • Repentance is Key: A genuine turning from self-reliance or sin towards God is the essential first step towards experiencing His presence and help.

This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and His unwavering desire to be in relationship with His people, always ready to respond to a repentant and seeking heart.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 55:6

    ¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

  • 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 4:30

    When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, [even] in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

  • 2 Chronicles 15:15

    And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.

  • Hosea 6:1

    ¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

  • Isaiah 65:1

    ¶ I am sought of [them that] asked not [for me]; I am found of [them that] sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation [that] was not called by my name.

  • Isaiah 65:2

    I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;

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