2 Chronicles 24:24

For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the LORD delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash.

For the army {H2428} of the Syrians {H758} came {H935} with a small {H4705} company of men {H582}, and the LORD {H3068} delivered {H5414} a very {H3966} great {H7230} host {H2428} into their hand {H3027}, because they had forsaken {H5800} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1}. So they executed {H6213} judgment {H8201} against Joash {H3101}.

Although the army of Aram attacked with only a small company of men, ADONAI handed over a very great army to them, because they had abandoned ADONAI the God of their ancestors. Thus they executed judgment against Yo'ash.

Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army. Because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on Joash.

For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men; and Jehovah delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken Jehovah, the God of their fathers. So they executed judgment upon Joash.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 24:24 recounts a pivotal moment in the reign of King Joash of Judah, highlighting the severe consequences of his spiritual decline. Despite Judah possessing a numerically superior army, the passage describes how a relatively small force from Syria was divinely empowered to defeat them. This defeat was not merely a military setback but a direct judgment from the Lord, specifically because Joash and his people had "forsaken the LORD God of their fathers."

Context

This verse is found within the later part of King Joash's reign. Joash began his rule positively, guided by the righteous priest Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:2). However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash succumbed to the influence of corrupt officials and turned away from the Lord, embracing idolatry (2 Chronicles 24:17-19). This spiritual rebellion culminated in the tragic murder of Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, who confronted Joash with God's message (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). The Syrian invasion, led by Hazael, serves as the immediate divine retribution for Judah's apostasy and Joash's personal wickedness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The most prominent theme is God's active involvement in the affairs of nations, delivering a specific judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness. The Lord "delivered a very great host into their hand," demonstrating His sovereignty over military outcomes.
  • Consequences of Apostasy: The verse vividly illustrates that turning away from God has severe repercussions. Joash's forsaking of the Lord led directly to military defeat and personal suffering, emphasizing the principle that disobedience brings judgment.
  • God's Power Over Human Strength: The disparity between the "small company of men" from Syria and Judah's "very great host" underscores that victory or defeat is ultimately determined by God, not by sheer numbers or military might.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: The phrase "forsaken the LORD God of their fathers" reminds the reader of the covenant relationship God had with Israel, which included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (see Deuteronomy 28:15).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "forsaken" is 'azab (Χ’ΦΈΧ–Φ·Χ‘), which means to abandon, leave, or desert. It implies a deliberate turning away from a relationship or obligation. This highlights the intentional nature of Joash's and Judah's rebellion against God. The term "delivered" (natan, Χ ΦΈΧͺַן) emphasizes God's active role; it was not merely a military accident but a purposeful act of divine judgment.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the importance of sustained faithfulness. Just as Joash started well but faltered, we are called to persevere in our devotion to God. It teaches that:

  • Beware of Spiritual Drifting: Even those who begin well can fall away if they neglect their relationship with God or succumb to negative influences.
  • God is Just: While God is merciful, He is also just, and there are consequences for persistent rebellion and sin.
  • True Strength Comes from God: Human strength, resources, or numbers are inconsequential without God's favor. Our ultimate security and success depend on our obedience and trust in Him.
The narrative of Joash is a cautionary tale, urging us to remain steadfast in our commitment to the Lord, lest we face the repercussions of forsaking Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Leviticus 26:37

    And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.

  • Isaiah 30:17

    One thousand [shall flee] at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.

  • Leviticus 26:8

    And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

  • Leviticus 26:25

    And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of [my] covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

  • Deuteronomy 28:25

    The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

  • 2 Chronicles 22:8

    And it came to pass, that, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them.

  • Isaiah 10:5

    ΒΆ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.
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