2 Chronicles 15:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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).

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 15:9 vividly portrays a pivotal moment in King Asa's reign, where his diligent religious reforms and unwavering faithfulness to the Lord resulted in a profound spiritual awakening. This verse highlights the remarkable phenomenon of people from the apostate northern tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon, along with "strangers," migrating in significant numbers to Judah. Their motivation was not political or economic, but a direct response to the undeniable evidence that the LORD God was demonstrably present with Asa, making Judah a beacon of true worship and divine blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct consequence and powerful affirmation of King Asa's obedience to the prophetic word given by Azariah, son of Oded, in [2 Chronicles 15:1-7](/2-chronicles/15-1 "2 Chronicles 15:1-7 - Azariah's Prophecy to King Asa"). Azariah’s message encouraged Asa to be strong, promising God's presence and blessing if Judah remained faithful, but warning of divine abandonment if they forsook Him. Asa responded decisively, purging idolatry, repairing the altar of the Lord, and initiating a national covenant renewal ceremony. Verse 9 immediately follows this account, illustrating the tangible, widespread impact of Asa's reforms and the visible manifestation of God's favor upon Judah. It sets the stage for the great covenant renewal assembly described in [2 Chronicles 15:10-15](/2-chronicles/15-10 "2 Chronicles 15:10-15 - The Covenant Renewal Ceremony").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's reign, the northern kingdom of Israel (comprising ten tribes, including Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon) largely plunged into idolatry, establishing alternative worship centers and embracing Baal worship under various kings. The southern kingdom of Judah, though often faltering, retained the Davidic lineage and the Temple in Jerusalem as the legitimate center of Yahweh worship. King Asa's reign (913-873 BC) marked a significant period of reform in Judah, contrasting sharply with the spiritual decline in the north. The migration of people from the northern tribes, who were technically adversaries, to Judah for spiritual reasons was highly unusual and speaks volumes about the depth of their spiritual hunger and the compelling evidence of God's presence in Judah. The inclusion of "strangers" (non-Israelites residing among them) further emphasizes the universal appeal of genuine worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several core themes. Firstly, **Divine Presence as a Magnet:** The visible evidence that "the LORD his God was with him" served as an irresistible draw, demonstrating that God’s manifest presence is the ultimate attraction for those seeking truth, as seen in [Psalm 96:3](/psalm/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare God's Glory Among the Nations"). Secondly, **Religious Reformation and Revival:** Asa's courageous and uncompromising actions to eradicate idolatry and restore proper worship ignited a genuine spiritual awakening that transcended political boundaries, echoing the call to return to God found in [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"). Thirdly, **Unity in True Worship:** The coming together of people from diverse tribal backgrounds, including "strangers," under the banner of the true God illustrates that genuine worship fosters a profound unity that overcomes historical and geographical divisions, foreshadowing the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. Finally, **The Attractiveness of Righteousness:** When leaders and communities faithfully pursue God, their lives become a compelling testimony, making God's blessings and presence evident and drawing others who are spiritually hungry or disillusioned with false religious systems, as illuminated in [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine Before Others").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fell to him (Hebrew, נָפַל, _naphal_):** This verb typically means "to fall," but in this context, it carries the nuanced meaning of "to fall away to," "to defect to," or "to join oneself to." It implies a decisive, intentional, and often sudden movement of allegiance. It suggests that these individuals from the northern tribes were not merely migrating for economic or political reasons, but were actively "falling away" from their former allegiances and the idolatry of their own kingdom, making a deliberate choice to join Judah due to a spiritual conviction, recognizing where God's blessing and truth resided.
* **strangers (Hebrew, גֵּרִים, _gerim_):** This term refers to resident aliens or sojourners, non-Israelites who lived within Israelite society. They were often distinct from "foreigners" who merely passed through. The inclusion of _gerim_ highlights the inclusive nature of Asa's revival, demonstrating that the spiritual awakening was not limited to ethnic Israelites but extended to those who had chosen to dwell among them and were now drawn to the God of Israel. This prefigures the broader inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people.
* **abundance (Hebrew, לָרֹב, _larov_):** This adverbial phrase means "in great number," "abundantly," or "in multitude." Its use here emphasizes the significant, overwhelming quantity of people who came to Judah. It underscores the powerful and widespread impact of God's manifest presence and the spiritual revival, indicating that the drawing power was not just isolated instances but a substantial movement of people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin":** This clause describes King Asa's initial action to consolidate and strengthen his kingdom, specifically the two tribes that formed the southern kingdom of Judah. This gathering was likely for the purpose of the covenant renewal assembly and the broader religious reforms.
* **"and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon":** This part of the verse introduces the surprising and significant addition of people from the northern tribes (Ephraim, Manasseh, Simeon were prominent tribes in Israel) and "strangers" (resident aliens). This influx demonstrates the far-reaching influence of Asa's reforms and God's evident presence beyond Judah's borders.
* **"for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance":** This provides the reason for their coming: a decisive and numerous defection from the northern kingdom of Israel. The phrase "fell to him" emphasizes their deliberate choice to align with Asa and Judah, driven by spiritual conviction rather than political opportunism. "In abundance" stresses the large scale of this spiritual migration.
* **"when they saw that the LORD his God [was] with him.":** This is the ultimate and most profound reason for the migration. The visible, undeniable evidence of God's manifest presence, blessing, and favor upon King Asa and the kingdom of Judah served as the powerful magnet. It was a clear demonstration that true spiritual vitality and divine blessing resided where God was faithfully honored.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its message. **Cause and Effect** is central, illustrating that Asa's faithfulness and God's subsequent presence (the cause) directly led to the influx of people from the northern tribes (the effect). There is a strong **Contrast** between the spiritual vitality of Judah under Asa and the apostasy prevalent in the northern kingdom of Israel, highlighting Judah as a spiritual refuge. The phrase "fell to him" uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the physical act of "falling" represents a deeper spiritual allegiance and a change in loyalty. The phrase "in abundance" serves as **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the significant number of people drawn to Judah, underscoring the powerful impact of God's presence. Finally, the entire narrative functions as a form of **Symbolism**, where God's presence with Asa acts as a beacon or a magnet, drawing those who are spiritually hungry towards truth and genuine worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the principle that God honors faithfulness, and His manifest presence is an irresistible draw. When a leader or a community genuinely seeks the Lord and purges what is offensive to Him, God's blessing becomes visibly evident, creating a spiritual magnetism that transcends natural divisions. It speaks to the power of authentic revival, demonstrating that true spiritual awakening is not merely an internal phenomenon but has outward, transformative effects, attracting those who long for truth and genuine communion with God. This divine attraction is a testament to God's desire for all people to turn to Him, offering a glimpse of the universal scope of His redemptive plan.

* [Deuteronomy 4:7](/deuteronomy/4-7 "Deuteronomy 4:7 - God's Nearness to Israel")
* [Psalm 96:3](/psalm/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare God's Glory Among the Nations")
* [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine Before Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Chronicles 15:9 offers a timeless and powerful lesson for believers and the church today. It reminds us that our primary mission is not to attract people through worldly means or clever strategies, but to live lives so faithfully devoted to God that His presence and blessing become undeniably evident. When we, individually and corporately, prioritize genuine worship, obedience to His Word, and the removal of spiritual idols from our lives, we create an environment where God's Spirit can move freely. This visible manifestation of God's work in and through us becomes the most compelling witness, drawing those who are searching for meaning, truth, and authentic community. It challenges us to examine our own lives and our church communities: Is God's presence so palpable that it acts as a magnet to those outside? Are we living in such a way that others "see that the LORD our God is with us"? Our faithfulness is not just for our own benefit, but a powerful testimony to a world in need of God's transforming power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the visible presence of God in our lives or communities draw others to faith?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our lives genuinely reflect God's presence, making the gospel attractive?**
* **In what ways might our pursuit of true worship bridge divides within the broader body of Christ today?**

### FAQ

**Who were the "strangers" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "strangers" (Hebrew: _gerim_) refer to resident aliens or sojourners, non-Israelites who had settled within the land of Israel. These individuals were distinct from passing foreigners and often lived among the Israelite population, sometimes adopting aspects of their culture and, in some cases, converting to the worship of Yahweh. Their inclusion in this spiritual movement alongside people from the northern tribes highlights the inclusive nature of God's call and the revival under Asa, demonstrating that the spiritual awakening was not limited by ethnicity or origin, but was open to all who sought the Lord.

**Why did people from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon come to Judah?**

Answer: People from these northern tribes came to Judah not for political or economic reasons, but primarily for spiritual ones. The northern kingdom of Israel had largely abandoned the worship of Yahweh, embracing idolatry and establishing alternative worship centers (like those at Bethel and Dan) after the kingdom divided. In contrast, King Asa had initiated a profound religious reform in Judah, purging idols and restoring the worship of the true God at the Temple in Jerusalem. The verse explicitly states they came "when they saw that the LORD his God [was] with him." This indicates that the visible, tangible evidence of God's blessing, presence, and power in Judah under Asa's righteous leadership served as an irresistible spiritual magnet, drawing those who longed for genuine worship and a relationship with the living God, even if it meant leaving their own tribal lands.

**What does "the LORD his God was with him" imply for us today?**

Answer: This phrase implies that God's presence is not merely an abstract theological concept but a dynamic, observable reality that brings blessing, power, and influence. For us today, it means that when individuals and communities faithfully obey God and prioritize His will, His presence becomes evident in tangible ways—through spiritual vitality, moral integrity, unity, and even outward success or peace. This visible demonstration of God's presence serves as a powerful testimony to the world, drawing others to inquire about the source of such blessing. It encourages believers to live lives of such genuine faith and obedience that the world can "see" God's hand at work, making the gospel attractive and compelling, just as it did in Asa's time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The spiritual magnetism observed in 2 Chronicles 15:9, where God's manifest presence with King Asa drew people from across tribal and national divides, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Asa's reign, though righteous, was imperfect and temporary, a shadow of the perfect, eternal reign of the Messiah. The "strangers" and those from the divided northern tribes coming to Jerusalem foreshadow the universal draw of Christ, who declared, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")). Jesus is the true Temple, the embodiment of God's presence ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and it is His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection that constitute the ultimate "seeing that the LORD his God was with him." Through Christ, the historical divisions between Jew and Gentile, once as stark as those between Judah and Israel, are broken down, and all are reconciled into one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The spiritual unity and abundant influx of believers into God's kingdom, initiated by the Holy Spirit, are the ultimate realization of the phenomenon witnessed in Asa's day, pointing to Christ as the one in whom all the fullness of God dwells and through whom all things are reconciled ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Fullness and Reconciliation")). Just as the Queen of the South came to hear Solomon's wisdom, so "something greater than Solomon is here" in Christ, drawing all who seek true wisdom and life ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Queen of the South and Greater Than Solomon")).

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

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.