2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

For the eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068} run to and fro {H7751} throughout the whole earth {H776}, to shew himself strong {H2388} in the behalf of them whose heart {H3824} is perfect {H8003} toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly {H5528}: therefore from henceforth {H6258} thou shalt have {H3426} wars {H4421}.

For the eyes of ADONAI move here and there throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong on behalf of those who are wholehearted toward him. You acted foolishly in this regard; for from now on, you will have war."

For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”

For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

2 Chronicles 16:9 KJV delivers a powerful message from the prophet Hanani to King Asa of Judah, highlighting God's active involvement in human affairs and the critical importance of wholehearted devotion.

Context

This verse serves as a divine rebuke to King Asa, who, despite an earlier record of trusting God (2 Chronicles 14:11), had recently made a strategic error. Facing an invasion from Baasha, King of Israel, Asa chose to rely on a worldly alliance rather than seeking the Lord. He bribed Ben-hadad, King of Syria, with treasures from the temple and royal palace to break his treaty with Baasha (2 Chronicles 16:2-3). Hanani's prophecy condemns this lack of faith, stating that Asa's "foolish" action would result in perpetual wars instead of the peace God intended.

Key Themes

  • God's Omnipresence and Active Search: The phrase "the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth" vividly portrays God's constant awareness and active observation of all humanity. He is not a distant, passive observer but is intimately involved and searching.
  • Divine Strength for the Devoted: God's purpose in His active search is "to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." This reveals God's desire to powerfully intervene and support those who are fully committed and sincere in their devotion to Him. It's a promise of divine aid for those who trust Him completely.
  • The Importance of a "Perfect Heart": The KJV's "perfect" here translates the Hebrew word shalem (שָׁלֵם), which means whole, complete, sound, sincere, or undivided. It does not imply sinless perfection but rather a heart that is entirely devoted to God, without reservation or duplicity. King Asa's heart was not shalem in this instance because he looked to Syria instead of God.
  • Consequences of Disobedience and Lack of Trust: Asa's decision to rely on human alliances rather than God's power led to immediate and long-term negative consequences: "thou shalt have wars." This highlights the biblical principle that actions of faith (or lack thereof) have direct repercussions (Galatians 6:7).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "perfect" (shalem) is crucial here. It implies a heart that is wholehearted, undivided in its loyalty and trust towards God. It contrasts sharply with a heart that is divided, seeking help from God and human sources simultaneously, or relying solely on human strength. This concept of wholehearted devotion is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing sincerity and integrity in one's relationship with the Lord (Jeremiah 29:13).

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder for believers today:

  • God is Watching and Ready to Act: Be encouraged that God is actively seeking opportunities to bless and strengthen those who fully trust Him. He is not distant but intimately aware of your circumstances.
  • Examine Your Heart's Devotion: Are you truly wholehearted in your commitment to God, or do you tend to rely on worldly resources, personal strength, or human connections before seeking His will and power?
  • Trust God in Adversity: When facing challenges, the primary response should be to turn to the Lord with full confidence, rather than immediately seeking human solutions that may compromise faith.
  • Choices Have Consequences: Our decisions, especially those concerning trust in God, have spiritual and practical ramifications. Choosing to rely on self or the world over God can lead to unnecessary difficulties and "wars" in our lives.

In essence, 2 Chronicles 16:9 calls us to a life of unwavering faith, assuring us that God's power is always available to those who wholeheartedly depend on Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 3:12

    For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.

  • Proverbs 15:3

    ¶ The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

  • Jeremiah 16:17

    For mine eyes [are] upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

  • Proverbs 5:21

    For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

  • Psalms 34:15

    The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

  • Job 34:21

    For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

  • Hebrews 4:13

    Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
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