2 Chronicles 15:9

And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God [was] with him.

And he gathered {H6908} all Judah {H3063} and Benjamin {H1144}, and the strangers {H1481} with them out of Ephraim {H669} and Manasseh {H4519}, and out of Simeon {H8095}: for they fell {H5307} to him out of Israel {H3478} in abundance {H7230}, when they saw {H7200} that the LORD {H3068} his God {H430} was with him.

Then he gathered all Y'hudah and Binyamin, along with those from Efrayim, M'nasheh and Shim'on who were staying with him (for they had defected to him in large numbers upon seeing that ADONAI his God was with him).

And he assembled all Judah and Benjamin, along with those from the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them, for great numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.

And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and them that sojourned with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that Jehovah his God was with him.

Commentary

Context

This verse describes a significant moment during the reign of King Asa of Judah. Following a period of idolatry and spiritual decline in the southern kingdom, Asa initiated a widespread religious reform. His efforts were spurred by the prophecy of Azariah, son of Oded, found in 2 Chronicles 15:1-7, which encouraged him to be strong and promised God's presence if they remained faithful. Asa responded by purging idolatry and renewing the covenant with God. This verse highlights the direct result of Asa's faithfulness and God's evident blessing upon Judah.

Key Themes

  • God's Manifest Presence: The central reason for the migration of people from the northern tribes was their observation that "the LORD his God was with him." This visible evidence of God's manifest presence and blessing was a powerful testimony, drawing people who longed for true worship.
  • Religious Revival and Reformation: King Asa's courageous actions to remove idols and restore proper worship led to a genuine spiritual awakening in Judah. This revival was so profound that it attracted individuals from the apostate northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim, Manasseh, Simeon), which had largely strayed into idolatry after the division of the kingdom following Solomon's reign.
  • Unity in True Worship: The verse speaks of people from different tribes, including "strangers" (those not originally from Judah or Benjamin), joining King Asa. This demonstrates a powerful unity forged not by political alliance, but by a shared desire to worship the true God, transcending the historical and geographical divisions between the northern and southern kingdoms.
  • The Attractiveness of Righteousness: When a leader and a people faithfully seek the Lord, their actions become a beacon. The blessings and evident presence of God act as a magnet, drawing others who are spiritually hungry or disillusioned with false worship. This underscores the benefits of seeking God wholeheartedly.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fell to him" (Hebrew: נָ׀ַל, naphal) implies a strong inclination or a decisive movement. It suggests that these individuals from the northern tribes were not simply migrating for economic reasons, but were actively "falling away" from their former allegiances and joining Judah due to a spiritual conviction, recognizing where God's blessing and truth resided.

Practical Application

This verse offers a timeless principle: genuine faith and obedience to God do not go unnoticed. When individuals or communities sincerely seek the Lord, His presence and blessing become evident, serving as a powerful witness to those around them. It reminds us that our faithfulness can inspire others and that true spiritual revival often leads to a drawing together of people under the banner of God's truth, even bridging divides that seem insurmountable. It encourages believers to live lives that visibly demonstrate God's presence, making the gospel attractive to those who are searching.

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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

  • 2 Chronicles 11:16

    And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.

  • Acts 9:31

    Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

  • Zechariah 8:21

    And the inhabitants of one [city] shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.

  • Zechariah 8:23

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:25

    And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced.

  • Acts 7:9

    And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

  • Acts 7:10

    And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
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