2 Chronicles 24:19

Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.

Yet he sent {H7971} prophets {H5030} to them, to bring them again {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068}; and they testified {H5749} against them: but they would not give ear {H238}.

In spite of this, he sent them prophets to bring them back to ADONAI; they warned them, but they wouldn't pay attention.

Nevertheless, the LORD sent prophets to bring the people back to Him and to testify against them; but they would not listen.

Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto Jehovah; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 24:19 reveals a poignant moment in the history of Judah during the reign of King Joash, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness despite His people's spiritual decline.

Context

After the death of the righteous high priest Jehoiada, who had guided King Joash in his early years, Joash and the leaders of Judah tragically abandoned the house of the LORD and served idols and Asherim. This verse describes God's merciful response to their apostasy. Instead of immediate judgment, the Lord actively intervened, sending prophets to call them back to Him, demonstrating His long-suffering and desire for their repentance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Persistence and Mercy: Even when His people turn away, God does not abandon them. He actively seeks to restore the relationship, offering opportunities for repentance. This underscores God's persistent mercy and desire for His people to turn from their wicked ways and live.
  • The Role of Prophets: The prophets served as God's direct messengers, speaking His truth, testifying against sin, and urging the people to return to the covenant. They were the voice of God's conscience to the nation.
  • Human Stubbornness: The phrase "but they would not give ear" powerfully conveys the people's hardened hearts and their deliberate refusal to listen to God's warnings. This spiritual deafness led to tragic consequences.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "would not give ear" (Hebrew: ืœึนื ื”ึดืงึฐืฉึดืื™ื‘ื•ึผ, lo hiqshivลซ) signifies more than simply not hearing; it implies an active refusal to pay attention, to heed, or to obey. It's a deliberate act of ignoring the divine message, indicating a deep-seated rebellion rather than mere ignorance.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder of several spiritual truths:

  • God's Unchanging Character: God remains patient and merciful, always providing a way back to Him, even when we stray. He continues to speak through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and wise counsel.
  • The Importance of Heeding Warnings: Just as the people of Judah were warned, we are called to be attentive to God's voice and the warnings He provides against sin and spiritual complacency. Ignoring these warnings can lead to painful consequences.
  • The Danger of a Hardened Heart: The narrative highlights the peril of spiritual stubbornness. A refusal to "give ear" to God's call can lead to a hardening of the heart, making it increasingly difficult to return to Him. This stubborn refusal echoes a pattern seen throughout Israel's history, where God's messengers were often rejected and their warnings ignored.

Ultimately, 2 Chronicles 24:19 is a call to humility and responsiveness, urging us to listen to God's voice and respond with repentance and obedience.

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

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 7:25

    Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending [them]:

  • Jeremiah 7:26

    Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers.

  • Isaiah 28:23

    ยถ Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.

  • Isaiah 42:23

    Who among you will give ear to this? [who] will hearken and hear for the time to come?

  • Luke 16:31

    And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

  • Luke 11:47

    Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.

  • Luke 11:51

    From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
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