2 Chronicles 15:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in those times {H6256} there was no peace {H7965} to him that went out {H3318}, nor to him that came in {H935}, but great {H7227} vexations {H4103} were upon all the inhabitants {H3427} of the countries {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In those times people going about their business were insecure, and great disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands;

Berean Standard Bible

In those days there was no safety for travelers, because the residents of the lands had many conflicts.

American Standard Version

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 lands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 15:5 vividly depicts a period of profound societal unrest and personal insecurity within ancient Israel, directly attributing this widespread chaos to the nation's spiritual apostasy. This verse serves as a solemn warning within Azariah's prophetic message to King Asa, illustrating the severe consequences that arise when a people abandon their covenant relationship with God, leading to internal strife, external threats, and a pervasive sense of fear and disorder across the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the prophetic message delivered by the prophet Azariah to King Asa of Judah, immediately following Asa's decisive victory over the Cushites (Ethiopians) in [2 Chronicles 14:9-15](/2_chronicles/14-9 "2 Chronicles 14:9-15 - Asa's Victory Over the Cushites"). Azariah, empowered by the Spirit of God, meets Asa with a powerful exhortation and warning in [2 Chronicles 15:1-7](/2_chronicles/15-1 "2 Chronicles 15:1-7 - Azariah's Prophecy to King Asa"). The prophecy begins with a promise of God's presence for those who seek Him and a stern warning of His abandonment for those who forsake Him ([2 Chronicles 15:2](/2_chronicles/15-2 "2 Chronicles 15:2 - Azariah's Call to Seek God")). Verse 5 then functions as a historical illustration, recalling a past era of intense distress and instability experienced by Israel due to their unfaithfulness, thereby reinforcing the urgency and truthfulness of Azariah's warning to Asa and Judah. The surrounding verses in [2 Chronicles 15](/2_chronicles/15 "2 Chronicles 15 - Asa's Reforms and Covenant Renewal") describe Asa's subsequent religious reforms, motivated by this prophetic word, which included the removal of idols and the renewal of the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 2 Chronicles 15:5 likely refers to the turbulent times of the Judges or early monarchy, characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, and internal strife, as depicted in the [Book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Disobedience and Deliverance"). During such periods, the absence of a strong, righteous central authority and the widespread turning away from the Lord led to a breakdown of social order. "No peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in" reflects a society where travel and daily life were perilous, marked by banditry, inter-tribal conflicts, and the constant threat of invasion. The "inhabitants of the countries" refers not just to Judah but to the broader region of Israel, indicating a widespread collapse of security and well-being. Culturally, peace (`shalom`) in ancient Israel was understood not merely as the absence of war, but as holistic well-being, prosperity, and security, rooted in a right relationship with God. Its absence, therefore, signified a profound spiritual and societal crisis.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several recurring themes in the Deuteronomistic history. Foremost is the **consequences of disobedience**, illustrating that turning away from God inevitably leads to societal breakdown, personal insecurity, and divine judgment. The lack of `shalom` and the presence of "great vexations" are direct results of Israel's spiritual decline, serving as a stark reminder of the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). It also highlights the theme of **divine discipline**, where God allows distress and chaos to afflict His people not out of malice, but to prompt repentance and a return to Him, as seen throughout the narrative of the [Judges](/judges/2 "Judges 2 - Disobedience and Oppression"). Finally, the verse speaks to **societal instability** as a direct outcome of spiritual decay. When a nation's foundational relationship with God erodes, internal cohesion weakens, external threats proliferate, and a general state of disorder pervades, affecting "all the inhabitants" and disrupting the fabric of daily life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (_shalom_) is far richer than the English "peace." It encompasses not just the absence of conflict, but a state of wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and security. In this context, the declaration "no peace" signifies a complete absence of this holistic well-being—a profound lack of safety, order, and prosperity in every aspect of life. It implies a broken relationship with God, which is the ultimate source of true `shalom`.
* **Vexations (Hebrew, _mehumah'_):** The word מְהוּמָה (_mehumah_) carries a strong sense of "confusion," "disorder," "panic," "tumult," or "uproar." It describes a state of chaotic distress, widespread disarray, and psychological agitation, rather than mere annoyances. The "great vexations" suggest a pervasive, overwhelming sense of fear and instability that grips the entire population, leading to a breakdown of normal life and a feeling of being constantly unsettled and threatened.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in those times [there was] no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in":** This clause vividly describes a state of extreme insecurity and danger that permeated daily life. The idiom "went out, nor came in" is a **merism**, encompassing all aspects of life and movement—whether one was traveling, working in the fields, engaging in commerce, or simply staying at home. It signifies that no one was safe, no activity was secure, and no place offered refuge. This pervasive lack of `shalom` indicates a complete breakdown of law and order, and more fundamentally, a withdrawal of divine protection and blessing.
* **"but great vexations [were] upon all the inhabitants of the countries":** This second clause amplifies the description of distress, emphasizing its severity and widespread nature. "Great vexations" (מְהוּמָה, _mehumah_) points to a profound, chaotic disorder and panic that afflicted everyone. The phrase "all the inhabitants of the countries" underscores that this was not an isolated incident or a localized problem, but a universal experience of distress across the entire land, affecting every individual regardless of their status or location. This widespread suffering is presented as a direct consequence of the spiritual condition of the people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of widespread distress. The most prominent is **Merism** in the phrase "no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in." This idiomatic expression covers all possible movements and activities, indicating a total and pervasive lack of security in every sphere of life. By mentioning both "going out" and "coming in," the text implies that danger was present everywhere, whether one was venturing forth or seeking refuge at home. This creates a sense of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and absolute nature of the insecurity. The description of "great vexations" further contributes to this hyperbole, painting a picture of overwhelming and chaotic distress. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Historical Allusion**, referencing a past period of Israelite history (likely the time of the Judges) to serve as a cautionary tale for King Asa and his people. The vivid imagery evokes a sense of **Divine Retribution** or **Consequence**, where the chaotic state of the nation is understood as a direct result of their spiritual unfaithfulness, serving God's purpose of discipline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound insecurity and widespread "vexations" described in 2 Chronicles 15:5 serve as a powerful theological statement about the direct correlation between a nation's spiritual fidelity and its societal well-being. This verse echoes the Deuteronomic principle that obedience to God's covenant brings blessings of peace and prosperity, while disobedience leads to curses, chaos, and vulnerability. The absence of `shalom` is not merely a political or social failing, but a spiritual one, indicating God's withdrawal of favor and protection. It highlights God's active involvement in history, using even distress as a means to call His people back to Himself, demonstrating His sovereignty over both blessing and judgment.

* [Leviticus 26:16](/leviticus/26-16 "Leviticus 26:16 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Deuteronomy 28:25](/deuteronomy/28-25 "Deuteronomy 28:25 - Defeat and Dispersion for Disobedience")
* [Judges 5:6](/judges/5-6 "Judges 5:6 - Insecurity in the Time of Deborah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Chronicles 15:5 offers a timeless warning for individuals, communities, and nations. It teaches us that genuine peace, security, and well-being are not merely the result of political stability or economic prosperity, but are fundamentally rooted in a right relationship with God. When we, as individuals or as a society, drift from spiritual principles and neglect our covenant with the Lord, we invite internal chaos, external pressures, and a pervasive sense of dis-ease, or "vexations." This verse challenges us to examine the sources of our own anxieties and societal unrest. Are the "vexations" we experience a consequence of having strayed from the Lord? It calls us to introspection and repentance, reminding us that returning to God and seeking His ways is the only pathway to true `shalom` and lasting security. Just as Azariah's message prompted Asa to reform, this passage encourages us to pursue spiritual renewal, trusting that God is faithful to draw near to those who draw near to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vexations" or lack of "peace" might I be experiencing in my own life or community, and how might these relate to our spiritual condition?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of true peace and security, moving beyond merely external circumstances to a deeper spiritual foundation?**
* **What specific steps can I take, individually and collectively, to "seek the Lord" more diligently and thereby invite His peace and order into my life and surroundings?**

### FAQ

**What "times" is 2 Chronicles 15:5 referring to?**

Answer: The "times" referred to in [2 Chronicles 15:5](/2_chronicles/15-5 "2 Chronicles 15:5 - Times of No Peace") are not a specific, single historical event immediately preceding King Asa's reign. Instead, it serves as a general historical allusion to past periods in Israel's history, particularly the chaotic and insecure era of the Judges. This period, described in the [Book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Disobedience and Deliverance"), was characterized by cycles of apostasy, divine judgment in the form of oppression by foreign enemies, and internal strife, leading to a pervasive lack of peace and widespread distress among the inhabitants. Azariah uses this historical example to emphasize the consequences of forsaking God, thereby reinforcing his prophetic warning to King Asa and the people of Judah.

**What does "no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in" mean?**

Answer: This idiomatic phrase is a **merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. "Him that went out" refers to those engaged in daily activities, travel, or warfare outside their homes, while "him that came in" refers to those seeking rest, safety, or refuge within their homes or cities. Therefore, the phrase "no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in" means that there was no safety, security, or well-being whatsoever, in any place or at any time. It signifies a pervasive, absolute lack of `shalom`—a state where danger and insecurity were constant, whether one was active or at rest, at home or abroad. This reflects a complete breakdown of societal order and divine protection.

**What is the significance of "great vexations"?**

Answer: The "great vexations" (Hebrew: `mehumah`) signify a profound and widespread state of confusion, disorder, panic, and tumult. It's more than mere trouble; it's a chaotic distress that affects everyone. The significance lies in its direct correlation with Israel's spiritual condition. In biblical thought, such widespread societal chaos and personal insecurity are often presented as a form of divine discipline or a natural consequence of a people abandoning their covenant with God. These "vexations" serve as a painful reminder of their spiritual decline, intended to prompt repentance and a return to the Lord, who is the ultimate source of order, peace, and security.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Chronicles 15:5 powerfully illustrates humanity's innate longing for peace and security, and the profound chaos that ensues when we are estranged from God. While the Old Testament narrative ties `shalom` to covenant faithfulness and obedience to the Law, ultimately revealing its fragility in a fallen world, the New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of this longing. He is our true **peace** ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")), the one who breaks down the dividing wall of hostility and reconciles us to God. The "vexations" and lack of peace described in the Old Testament point to the pervasive spiritual unrest and the bondage of sin that afflicts all humanity. Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, delivers us from these spiritual "vexations" and offers a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace")). In Him, we find true rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), and the promise that though we may face tribulation in this world, in Him we have peace because He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World Through Christ")). Thus, the historical chaos of 2 Chronicles 15:5 ultimately foreshadows the perfect peace and deliverance from all spiritual turmoil found only in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")).

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

Judges 5:6

¶ In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.

Psalms 121:8

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Matthew 24:6

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

Matthew 24:7

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

1 Samuel 13:6

When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

Luke 21:25

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;