2 Chronicles 15:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 15:4 articulates a profound and enduring principle of divine accessibility and responsiveness: when individuals or a nation, in the midst of distress and adversity, genuinely turn their hearts towards the LORD God of Israel and earnestly seek Him, He unfailingly makes Himself known and available to them. This verse serves as both a historical observation and a timeless promise, assuring that God is not distant but intimately involved with those who pursue Him with sincerity, particularly when trouble compels a reorientation of priorities towards Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the prophetic message delivered by Azariah, the son of Oded, to King Asa and the people of Judah and Benjamin following their significant victory over the Cushite army (see [2 Chronicles 14](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - Asa's Reforms and Victory")). Azariah's prophecy, beginning in [2 Chronicles 15:2](/2_chronicles/15-2 "2 Chronicles 15:2 - Azariah's Prophecy to Asa"), serves as a direct divine commentary on their recent success and a call to continued faithfulness. Verse 4 specifically looks back, drawing upon Israel's past experiences to illustrate the truth of the principle stated in verse 2: "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." It provides historical validation for the promise that God responds to a seeking heart, thereby encouraging Asa and his generation to renew their covenant commitment, which they subsequently do in [2 Chronicles 15:8-15](/2_chronicles/15-8 "2 Chronicles 15:8-15 - Asa's Covenant Renewal").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Asa reigned over Judah from approximately 913 to 873 BC, following a period of spiritual decline marked by idolatry and syncretism, even after the division of the kingdom. While Asa had initiated some reforms early in his reign, removing foreign altars and high places (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 14:2-5](/2_chronicles/14-2 "2 Chronicles 14:2-5 - Asa's Early Reforms")), the nation still faced significant challenges, including the massive invasion by Zerah the Cushite. It was in this context of both recent divine deliverance and ongoing spiritual need that Azariah delivered his message. Culturally, the concept of "seeking the LORD" (דָּרַשׁ, _darash'_) was deeply ingrained in Israelite covenant theology, signifying a deliberate and earnest pursuit of God's will, presence, and favor, often through prayer, repentance, and adherence to the Law. The response, "he was found of them," affirms God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to reveal Himself to His people when they genuinely return.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Responsiveness to Human Initiative**, particularly when that initiative is born out of repentance and earnest seeking. God is portrayed as actively engaging with His people, not as a distant deity. Secondly, the phrase "in their trouble" underscores **Adversity as a Catalyst for Spiritual Awakening**. Often, it is in times of distress that individuals or communities are most inclined to turn away from self-reliance or false gods and seek the true God. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, both God's unwavering commitment to His promises and the reciprocal expectation for Israel to uphold their side of the covenant through obedience and devotion. Finally, it emphasizes the **Efficacy of Genuine Seeking**, demonstrating that a sincere and wholehearted pursuit of God is never in vain, but always met with His presence and deliverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** This verb (שׁוּב) carries the fundamental meaning of "to return," "to turn back," or "to repent." In a spiritual context, it signifies a decisive change of direction, a reorientation of one's life away from sin, idolatry, or self-reliance and back towards God. It implies a conscious, volitional act of repentance and a renewed commitment to the covenant relationship. This is not merely a change of mind but a change of course, involving both intellectual acknowledgment and practical action.
* **Sought (Hebrew, _darash'_):** The Hebrew verb (דָּרַשׁ) means "to inquire," "to consult," "to diligently search," or "to seek earnestly." It denotes a proactive, intentional, and often persistent pursuit. It's more than a casual glance; it implies a deep desire and effort to find, understand, or commune with God. This seeking can involve prayer, studying God's word, seeking His will, or engaging in acts of worship and obedience. The earnestness of the seeking is crucial to the promised outcome.
* **Found (Hebrew, _matsa'_):** This verb (מָצָא) means "to find," "to attain," "to discover," or "to encounter." In the context of seeking God, it signifies a successful outcome to the earnest pursuit. It implies that God makes Himself accessible and reveals His presence, guidance, or deliverance to those who genuinely seek Him. This is not a passive discovery but an active divine response to human seeking, confirming God's willingness to be known and to intervene on behalf of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when they in their trouble":** This opening clause sets the scene, highlighting the catalyst for the people's action. "Trouble" (צָרָה, _tsarah'_) refers to distress, affliction, adversity, or tribulation. It suggests a state of difficulty or crisis that often prompts individuals or communities to re-evaluate their priorities and seek help beyond themselves. The "But" implies a contrast with a previous state of spiritual apathy or disobedience, suggesting that adversity often serves as a divine instrument to awaken spiritual earnestness.
* **"did turn unto the LORD God of Israel":** This phrase describes the initial, crucial action taken by the people. "Turn" (שׁוּב, _shuv'_) signifies repentance and a reorientation of allegiance. It's a turning away from whatever false gods or self-reliant paths they had been pursuing and a turning back to the one true God, the "LORD God of Israel," emphasizing His covenant relationship with His chosen people. This turning implies a recognition of their need for Him and a desire to restore their relationship.
* **"and sought him":** This clause elaborates on the nature of their turning, indicating an active and earnest pursuit. "Sought" (דָּרַשׁ, _darash'_) goes beyond a mere intellectual acknowledgment; it implies a diligent and heartfelt inquiry, a persistent quest for God's presence, guidance, and intervention. It suggests prayer, supplication, and a sincere desire to align their lives with His will.
* **"he was found of them":** This final clause declares the powerful and certain outcome of their actions. God's responsiveness is guaranteed. "He was found" (מָצָא, _matsa'_) signifies that their diligent seeking was met with a successful discovery – God revealed Himself, His presence, His help, and His deliverance. This is the divine promise, demonstrating God's accessibility and His faithfulness to respond to a repentant and seeking heart, especially in times of need.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **General Principle** derived from historical observation, presenting a timeless truth about God's character and His interaction with humanity. The structure itself demonstrates clear **Cause and Effect**: the turning and seeking (cause) inevitably lead to God being found (effect). This creates a powerful sense of divine reliability. There is also an implied **Contrast** within the "But when they..." construction, setting the responsive action of turning and seeking against a prior state of neglect or disobedience. This highlights the transformative power of adversity. Furthermore, the phrasing exhibits a form of **Parallelism** between "turn unto the LORD" and "sought him," reinforcing the dual aspects of repentance and active pursuit. The use of "the LORD God of Israel" specifically invokes the **Covenant Name** of God, reminding the audience of His unique relationship with His people and His faithfulness within that covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 15:4 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative concerning God's accessibility and His response to a seeking heart. It underscores the foundational truth that God is not distant or indifferent but actively desires a relationship with His people, particularly when they humble themselves and turn to Him in repentance. This principle is not limited to times of trouble but is universally applicable, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to those who diligently pursue Him. The verse serves as a powerful encouragement, assuring believers that their efforts to draw near to God will always be met with His presence and provision.

* [Deuteronomy 4:29](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Promise to Those Who Seek God")
* [Psalm 9:10](/psalms/9-10 "God Does Not Forsake Those Who Seek Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 15:4 offers profound encouragement and a clear blueprint for spiritual engagement in any generation. It reminds us that our circumstances, particularly those of distress, can serve as powerful catalysts for drawing closer to God. The verse challenges us to examine our own lives: when trouble arises, what is our default response? Do we turn inward, to human solutions, or do we, like the Israelites, turn wholeheartedly to the LORD? The promise "he was found of them" assures us that God is not playing hide-and-seek; He is genuinely accessible and responsive to those who earnestly seek Him. This calls for a proactive, sincere, and persistent pursuit of God, marked by repentance from anything that hinders our relationship with Him and a diligent seeking of His presence and will through prayer, His Word, and obedience. It cultivates a hopeful expectation that God will indeed reveal Himself and provide His help when we genuinely seek Him above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How has trouble in your life served as a catalyst for seeking God more earnestly?**
* **In what practical ways can you "turn unto the LORD" and "seek him" more diligently in your daily life?**
* **What does "he was found of them" mean for your personal experience of God's presence and intervention?**
* **Are there any areas where you are relying on self or other sources instead of turning to and seeking the Lord?**

### FAQ
**Does "trouble" always precede God being found?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 15:4 highlights trouble as a common catalyst for seeking God, it's not an exclusive prerequisite. The verse describes a historical pattern where adversity prompted a return to the Lord, leading to His revelation. However, God can be found by those who seek Him at any time, in any circumstance, out of a pure desire for His presence and truth. Other scriptures, like [Deuteronomy 4:29](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Deuteronomy 4:29 - Seeking God with All Your Heart") and [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Promise to Those Who Seek God"), emphasize the sincerity and wholeheartedness of the seeking, rather than the presence of trouble, as the key factor. Trouble often serves to strip away distractions and self-reliance, making the heart more receptive to turning towards God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 15:4 speaks of Israel's historical experience of seeking and finding God under the Old Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God being "found" by humanity, for He is "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). In Christ, the abstract concept of turning to the LORD becomes concrete: to turn to God is to turn to Jesus, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")). Our "trouble," particularly the ultimate trouble of sin and separation from God, is addressed by His atoning sacrifice, which makes true repentance and genuine seeking possible and effective. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus removed the barrier of sin, allowing us to approach God with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). The promise that "he was found of them" finds its ultimate expression in the New Covenant, where the Holy Spirit empowers believers to seek God and experience His presence intimately, knowing that "everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened" ([Matthew 7:8](/matthew/7-8 "Matthew 7:8 - Ask, Seek, Knock")). Thus, Jesus is both the object of our seeking and the means by which God is fully and finally found.

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

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;