2 Chronicles 15:6

KJV

And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity.

KJV (with Strong's)

And nation {H1471} was destroyed {H3807} of nation {H1471}, and city {H5892} of city {H5892}: for God {H430} did vex {H2000} them with all adversity {H6869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that they were shattered to pieces, nation against nation and city against city, as God troubled them with every kind of distress.

Berean Standard Bible

Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God afflicted them with all kinds of adversity.

American Standard Version

And they were broken in pieces, nation against nation, and city against city; for God did vex them with all adversity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 15:6 powerfully depicts a period of profound national and urban disintegration in ancient Israel, characterized by relentless internal conflict where "nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city." This verse unequivocally attributes this widespread chaos and societal breakdown directly to divine agency, stating that "God did vex them with all adversity." It serves as a stark theological declaration, underscoring the biblical principle that persistent unfaithfulness and abandonment of the Lord inevitably lead to severe consequences, demonstrating God's active sovereignty over human affairs and His use of adversity, often as a means to call His people back to Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the narrative of King Asa's reign, immediately following the Spirit of God empowering the prophet Azariah, son of Oded, to deliver a crucial message to Asa and the people of Judah ([2_chronicles/15-1 "2 Chronicles 15:1 - The Spirit of God on Azariah"]). Azariah's prophecy establishes the Chronicler's core theological framework: seeking the Lord brings blessing and peace, while forsaking Him results in turmoil and judgment. Verse 6, therefore, functions as a historical illustration or a general principle of the consequences of abandoning God, directly contrasting with the earlier period of peace and prosperity Asa experienced when Judah sought the Lord ([2_chronicles/14-6 "2 Chronicles 14:6 - Asa's Early Peace and Fortifications"]). The vivid description of chaos in verse 6 sets the urgent backdrop for Asa's subsequent decisive reforms and renewed covenant with God, which are directly prompted by Azariah's powerful exhortation ([2_chronicles/15-8 "2 Chronicles 15:8 - Asa's Response to Azariah's Prophecy"]).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Divided Monarchy, during which King Asa reigned over Judah (c. 911-870 BC), was frequently marked by political instability, internal conflicts, and external threats from neighboring kingdoms. While external enemies were a constant concern, the phrase "nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city" suggests a deeper, more pervasive internal breakdown and mutual destruction, rather than solely external conquest. The Hebrew terms for "nation" (גּוֹי, *gôwy*) and "city" (עִיר, *ʻîyr*) can refer to various peoples, tribes, or even factions within a larger entity, indicating widespread civil unrest, tribal feuds, or localized urban warfare. This state of affairs would have been a stark reminder of the chaotic period of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Anarchy in the Period of Judges"]), and a fulfillment of covenant curses for disobedience. It underscores the ancient Near Eastern worldview's direct link between spiritual apostasy and societal disintegration.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 15:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes central to the book of Chronicles and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Sovereignty of God over History**, demonstrating that even in periods of apparent chaos and human conflict, God is actively at work, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine purposes. Secondly, it highlights the **Principle of Covenant Fidelity and Consequences**, a central tenet of the Chronicler's theology, where obedience to God brings blessing and peace, while disobedience and idolatry inevitably lead to divine judgment and widespread adversity. Thirdly, the verse illustrates the **Nature of Divine Judgment**, showing that God's discipline is not always external invasion but can manifest as internal disintegration, mutual destruction, and a general state of "all adversity." This adversity, however, often serves as a catalyst, prompting a **Call to Repentance and Seeking God**, as seen in Asa's subsequent actions in response to Azariah's message and the resulting covenant renewal ([2_chronicles/15-8-15 "2 Chronicles 15:8-15 - Asa's Reforms and Covenant Renewal"]).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nation (Hebrew, גּוֹי, _gôwy'_):** This term, often translated as "nation" or "people," can refer broadly to any foreign nation, but in contexts like this, it can also denote various tribes, clans, or even internal factions within a larger national entity. Its repetition signifies a pervasive, internal conflict, where different groups within the broader society are engaged in mutual destruction, rather than solely external warfare.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, כָּתַת, _kâthath'_):** This primitive root means "to bruise or violently strike," and by extension, "to beat down, to pieces, to break in pieces, or to crush." When applied to nations and cities, it implies a complete and often violent breakdown leading to ruin and devastation. The passive voice ("was destroyed") combined with the reciprocal phrasing emphasizes a state of internal or mutual devastation, where entities are actively breaking or being broken by each other.
* **vex (Hebrew, הָמַם, _hâmām'_):** This primitive root means "to put in commotion," and by implication, "to disturb, drive, or destroy." It implies a divine act of confusion, panic, or discomfiture. God is not merely allowing chaos; He is actively orchestrating or intensifying it. This same verb describes God throwing the Egyptians into confusion at the Red Sea ([exodus/14-24 "Exodus 14:24 - God Confuses the Egyptians"]) and vexing Israel's enemies in battle ([deuteronomy/2-15 "Deuteronomy 2:15 - God's Hand Against the Rebellious"]). Its use here underscores that the societal breakdown was a direct, divinely orchestrated state of confusion and panic, not random misfortune.
* **adversity (Hebrew, צָרָה, _tsârâh'_):** This noun, derived from a root meaning "tightness," refers to "distress, trouble, affliction, anguish, or tribulation." It is a comprehensive term for hardship and difficulty. The phrase "all adversity" indicates a pervasive and multifaceted state of trouble, encompassing various forms of distress that afflicted the people, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And nation was destroyed of nation":** This clause vividly describes a state of widespread internal conflict or mutual destruction among different groups, tribes, or even factions within the broader society. It signifies a profound breakdown of social order, tribal allegiances, and political stability, where various "nations" or sub-groups were actively engaged in destructive conflict with each other, leading to their own ruin.
* **"and city of city":** This phrase serves as a parallel to the preceding one, emphasizing the localized and urban dimension of the chaos. It points to civil unrest, internal strife within communities, or warfare between neighboring cities, further illustrating the pervasive nature of the disintegration at a more granular, local level. The repetition underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the breakdown.
* **"for God did vex them with all adversity":** This is the crucial causal clause, explicitly attributing the preceding chaos to divine action. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, *kî*) indicates that God's "vexing" was the direct and ultimate cause of the mutual destruction and widespread adversity. God actively confused, disturbed, and brought distress upon them, leading to their self-destructive behavior and a comprehensive state of trouble. This highlights God's sovereign hand in judgment, using internal strife as a tool to bring about His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the repeated structure "nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city." This balanced phrasing emphasizes the widespread, reciprocal, and pervasive nature of the conflict and disintegration, underscoring the comprehensive breakdown of order from the largest societal units to the smallest. The explicit **Causal Statement**, introduced by the conjunction "for" (כִּי) immediately after the description of chaos, unequivocally establishes God as the direct and ultimate agent behind the adversity, leaving no doubt about divine involvement. This direct attribution of cause to God is a hallmark of the Chronicler's theological perspective, emphasizing divine sovereignty and justice. Furthermore, the phrase "all adversity" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Generalization**, portraying a comprehensive and overwhelming state of trouble that serves to highlight the severity of God's judgment and the devastating consequences of abandoning Him. This vivid imagery also serves as **Thematic Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Asa's subsequent reforms and reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching message about the direct correlation between covenant fidelity and national well-being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 15:6 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of divine retribution and the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It reveals God's active sovereignty not only in blessing but also in judgment, demonstrating that He can use even internal strife and societal breakdown as instruments to achieve His purposes. This verse connects to the broader prophetic tradition that warns of the devastating effects of spiritual apostasy, where a people's departure from God leads to internal decay, vulnerability, and self-destruction. It underscores that true peace and stability are not merely political or military achievements but are fundamentally rooted in a right relationship with the Creator. The "vexing" by God serves as a divine alarm, a severe mercy designed to awaken a people to their need for repentance and a return to the Lord, ultimately aiming for their restoration.

* [Leviticus 26:17](/leviticus/26-17 "Leviticus 26:17 - Consequences of Disobedience and Defeat")
* [Deuteronomy 28:25](/deuteronomy/28-25 "Deuteronomy 28:25 - Curses of Defeat and Scattering")
* [Isaiah 9:19-21](/isaiah/9-19-21 "Isaiah 9:19-21 - Internal Strife as Divine Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 15:6 offers potent insights for contemporary reflection, challenging us to consider the profound link between the spiritual health of a people and the stability of its society. When a nation or community drifts from God's principles, it can invite various forms of "adversity," including internal divisions, social unrest, and a general sense of confusion and disarray. This verse encourages us to look beyond superficial explanations for societal problems and consider the deeper spiritual roots. While not every hardship is a direct divine judgment, the text reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, and He can use challenging times, even widespread conflict, to achieve His purposes—often to draw people back to Himself or to bring about justice. It calls us to a posture of discernment during difficulties, prompting us to ask what God might be teaching, what changes He desires, and how we might personally and corporately respond by seeking Him. Ultimately, it reinforces the timeless truth that genuine peace and lasting stability are found not in human strength or political maneuvering, but in humble repentance and a faithful return to the Lord, who alone can bring order out of chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over adversity shape our response to personal or societal turmoil, moving us beyond despair to discernment?**
* **In what ways might our current societal challenges reflect a departure from God's ways, and what is our individual and communal role in seeking His restoration and righteousness?**
* **How can we discern God's purposes in difficult times, rather than simply attributing them to random chance or human failure, and respond with faith and obedience?**

### FAQ

**Was this a specific historical event, or a general description?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 15:6 describes a general state of widespread instability and conflict ("nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city"), it likely refers to the prevailing conditions in Judah and the surrounding regions during the period *before* King Asa's significant reforms. The Chronicler uses this generalized description to illustrate the theological principle that spiritual decline inevitably leads to societal chaos and divine judgment. It serves as a stark backdrop against which Azariah's prophecy and Asa's subsequent actions—seeking the Lord and instituting reforms—are presented as the only path to peace and stability. Thus, it's both a description of a historical reality and a theological statement about God's active involvement in human affairs, emphasizing the consequences of forsaking Him.

**Does God still "vex" nations today?**

Answer: The principle of God's active sovereignty over nations and His use of various means to bring about His purposes remains timeless. While the specific nature of "vexing" might differ from ancient manifestations, God can and does allow or orchestrate circumstances that lead to distress, confusion, and internal conflict within nations. These can manifest as economic collapse, political instability, social unrest, or even natural disasters. Such events serve as a powerful reminder of humanity's dependence on God and can be a means by which He calls people and nations to repentance, justice, or a deeper reliance on Him. The ultimate goal is often to draw people to Himself, demonstrating that true and lasting peace is found only in aligning with His divine will, as highlighted by the broader message of [2_chronicles/15 "2 Chronicles 15 - Asa's Reforms and Covenant Renewal"].

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chaos and "vexing" described in 2 Chronicles 15:6 powerfully underscore humanity's desperate need for a true and lasting peace, a peace that human efforts or political arrangements can never fully secure. This Old Testament portrayal of a world in disarray due to its departure from God foreshadows the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. He is the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), who comes to bring order to a world vexed by sin and its devastating consequences. While humanity was "destroyed of nation, and city of city" by the pervasive effects of sin, Christ entered this brokenness, bearing the ultimate "adversity" of God's wrath against sin on the cross ([isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Bears Our Suffering"]). Through His sacrifice, He offers not merely a temporary cessation of conflict but a profound and eternal peace *with* God ([romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ"]) and the peace *of* God that transcends all understanding ([philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God Through Christ"]). Those who are "in Christ" are no longer subject to the "vexing" judgment of God for sin ([romans/8-1 "No Condemnation in Christ"]) but find rest for their weary souls in Him ([matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"]). His kingdom is one of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([romans/14-17 "The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy"]), offering the ultimate antidote to the chaos and disarray described in the Old Testament, fulfilling the longing for a world where God's will is perfectly done.

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

Luke 21:22

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Luke 21:24

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

2 Chronicles 33:11

¶ Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

Amos 3:6

Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]?

Psalms 106:41

And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.

Mark 13:8

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these [are] the beginnings of sorrows.