2 Chronicles 15:5

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.

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}.

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

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

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

2 Chronicles 15:5 describes a chaotic and insecure period in ancient Israel, highlighting the severe consequences of spiritual decline. This verse is part of a prophetic message delivered by the prophet Azariah to King Asa of Judah, following a significant military victory.

Context

After King Asa’s decisive victory over the Ethiopians (recorded in 2 Chronicles 14:12), the Spirit of God came upon the prophet Azariah, who then met Asa with a powerful message. The broader prophecy in 2 Chronicles 15:1-7 encourages Asa and Judah to remain faithful to the Lord, assuring them that God would be with them if they sought Him, but warning of severe consequences if they forsook Him. Verse 5 serves as a historical example and a solemn warning, depicting a past period of widespread distress and instability that resulted from Israel's unfaithfulness to God.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Disobedience: The primary message is that turning away from God leads to societal breakdown and personal insecurity. The lack of "peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in" vividly illustrates a complete absence of safety in daily life, whether at home or traveling.
  • Divine Discipline: The "great vexations" are a form of divine discipline, designed to prompt a return to God. This reflects a recurring pattern in Israelite history where God allowed troubles to afflict His people when they strayed from His covenant, as seen in various periods like the time of the Judges.
  • Societal Instability: When a nation or community loses its spiritual moorings, it often experiences internal strife, external threats, and general disorder. The phrase "upon all the inhabitants of the countries" emphasizes the widespread nature of this distress.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "vexations" is mehumah (ΧžΦ°Χ”Χ•ΦΌΧžΦΈΧ”), which conveys a strong sense of "confusion," "disorder," "panic," or "tumult." It suggests a state of chaotic distress and widespread disarray, rather than just minor annoyances. The idiom "no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in" underscores a pervasive sense of insecurity, where no one was safe or free from danger, whether they were engaged in daily activities or simply at rest, echoing similar sentiments found in Judges 5:6 during a period of great trouble for Israel.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning for individuals and nations. It teaches that true peace and security are not merely the absence of conflict, but are rooted in a right relationship with God. When people or societies drift from spiritual principles, they invite internal chaos and external pressures. Conversely, seeking God and obeying His commands is the pathway to stability and genuine well-being, as highlighted by the promise in Azariah's opening words to King Asa. This passage encourages introspection: are we experiencing "vexations" because we have strayed from the Lord? It calls us to return to Him for true peace, remembering that God is near to those who draw near to Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 5:6

    ΒΆ 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;
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