2 Chronicles 24:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 24:24 starkly illustrates divine judgment against King Joash and the people of Judah. Despite Judah's overwhelming numerical superiority in military strength, the Lord sovereignly orchestrated their devastating defeat at the hands of a small Syrian contingent. This catastrophic military loss was not a mere misfortune but a direct, righteous consequence of Judah's profound apostasy, specifically because they had "forsaken the LORD God of their fathers," leading to the execution of God's righteous judgment upon Joash and his kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a tragic turning point in the latter half of King Joash's reign, from initial faithfulness to profound apostasy. Joash began his rule at a very young age, guided by the righteous high priest Jehoiada, under whose influence he repaired the temple and led Judah in a period of spiritual renewal, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 24:1-16](/2-chronicles/24-1 "2 Chronicles 24:1-16 - Joash's Early Reign and Temple Repair"). However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash succumbed to the influence of corrupt officials, abandoning the worship of the Lord and embracing idolatry, a pivotal moment described in [2 Chronicles 24:17-19](/2-chronicles/24-17 "2 Chronicles 24:17-19 - Joash's Apostasy"). This spiritual rebellion culminated in the heinous murder of Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, who courageously confronted Joash and the people with God's prophetic message of judgment, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 24:20-22](/2-chronicles/24-20 "2 Chronicles 24:20-22 - Zechariah's Prophecy and Martyrdom"). The Syrian invasion, led by Hazael, serves as the immediate and direct divine retribution for Judah's collective apostasy and Joash's personal wickedness, setting the stage for the devastating outcome described in verse 24.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Joash's reign (c. 835-796 BC) was one of shifting regional powers. Syria (Aram-Damascus), under King Hazael, was a formidable force, frequently clashing with both Israel and Judah. Military engagements in the ancient Near East often involved significant numerical disparities, but the outcome was frequently attributed to divine favor or disfavor, reflecting the belief in national deities actively intervening in warfare. For ancient Israel, the covenant with Yahweh explicitly linked national prosperity and military success to obedience, and defeat and subjugation to disobedience, as outlined in the blessings and curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The cultural understanding of "forsaking the God of their fathers" would have resonated deeply, signifying a betrayal of foundational national identity and covenantal obligations, which was understood to inevitably invite divine wrath and judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Several major theological and narrative themes converge in 2 Chronicles 24:24. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where God actively intervenes in human affairs, delivering a specific and severe judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness. The Lord's direct action in "delivering a very great host into their hand" underscores His absolute sovereignty over military outcomes, demonstrating that victory or defeat is ultimately determined by His will, not by human strength or numbers. This highlights the **Consequences of Apostasy**, vividly illustrating that turning away from God, especially after a period of faithfulness, leads directly to severe repercussions, including military defeat and personal suffering for the king. This narrative also reinforces the principle of **Covenant Faithfulness**, reminding the reader of the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel, where blessings were contingent upon obedience and curses upon disobedience, as seen throughout the Deuteronomic history and particularly in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). The stark **Contrast Between Human Strength and Divine Power** is also prominent, as the "small company of men" from Syria utterly defeats Judah's "very great host," emphasizing that true power and security reside only in God's favor and not in military might.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsaken (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This verb (H5800, עָזַב) means to loosen, relinquish, abandon, or neglect. In this context, it carries profound theological weight, implying a deliberate and conscious turning away from a relationship or obligation. It signifies more than passive drifting; it is an active rejection of the covenantal relationship with the [LORD God](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - The LORD, the Compassionate and Gracious God") of their fathers. This word underscores the intentionality of Joash's and Judah's rebellion, highlighting their culpability in breaking faith with God.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** The verb (H5414, נָתַן) means to give, put, place, or deliver. Here, it emphasizes God's active and purposeful role in the military defeat. It was not a random misfortune or a mere military accident, but a direct, sovereign act of divine judgment. God "gave" Judah's great army into the hands of the smaller Syrian force, demonstrating His absolute control over the outcomes of battles and His use of foreign nations as instruments of His righteous judgment, even against His own people when they stray.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men,"**: This clause establishes the seemingly insurmountable odds from a human perspective. The Syrian force was numerically insignificant compared to Judah's army, setting up a dramatic contrast that immediately points to a supernatural intervention. This detail highlights the unexpected and humanly inexplicable nature of the impending defeat, underscoring that the outcome was not due to conventional military superiority.
* **"and the LORD delivered a very great host into their hand,"**: This is the pivotal theological statement of the verse. It explicitly attributes the victory of the small Syrian force not to their military prowess, but to the direct, sovereign action of Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh). The "very great host" (H2428, chayil; H7230, rôb; H3966, mᵉʼôd) refers to Judah's army, emphasizing the magnitude of their defeat and the power of the divine hand (H3027, yâd) that orchestrated it. This phrase unequivocally declares that God was the active agent in Judah's downfall.
* **"because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers."**: This clause provides the divine rationale for the judgment. The military defeat was not arbitrary but a direct consequence of Judah's spiritual apostasy. "Forsaken" (H5800, ʻâzab) implies a conscious and deliberate abandonment of their covenant relationship with God (H430, ʼĕlôhîym), a turning away from the God who had historically delivered and blessed their ancestors (H1, ʼâb). This highlights the principle of divine justice: disobedience brings judgment.
* **"So they executed judgment against Joash."**: This final clause states the immediate outcome and target of God's judgment. The "they" refers to the Syrians, who, as instruments of God's wrath, carried out the divine decree of judgment (H8201, shepheṭ) against King Joash (H3101, Yôwʼâsh). This judgment was not just against the nation, but specifically against the king who had led them into idolatry and even murdered God's prophet. It foreshadows Joash's subsequent assassination, completing the cycle of divine retribution.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. Most prominently, there is a stark **Contrast** between the "small company of men" of the Syrians and Judah's "very great host," which serves to magnify the divine intervention. This numerical disparity creates a profound sense of **Irony**, as the militarily superior force is utterly vanquished by the inferior one, underscoring that human strength is futile without God's favor. The entire verse functions as a clear example of **Divine Retribution**, where a specific act of national sin (forsaking the Lord) is met with an immediate and devastating divine punishment (military defeat). The phrase "the LORD God of their fathers" is an appeal to **Covenant Language**, reminding the reader of the historical and ancestral relationship between God and Israel, and thus emphasizing the gravity of Judah's betrayal of this sacred bond. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as the execution of judgment by the Syrians against Joash hints at his ultimate demise, which occurs shortly after this event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 24:24 serves as a profound theological statement on God's active sovereignty in history and His unwavering commitment to covenantal justice. It powerfully illustrates that God is not a passive observer but an engaged ruler who holds nations and their leaders accountable for their faithfulness. The defeat of Judah, despite their numerical superiority, underscores the biblical principle that true strength and security do not lie in human might or resources, but in a right relationship with God. This passage resonates with the broader biblical narrative of conditional covenant, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience, emphasizing the serious consequences of spiritual apostasy and the divine prerogative to use even foreign nations as instruments of judgment against His own people when they turn away from Him.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience to the Covenant")
* [Judges 2:11-15](/judges/2-11-15 "Judges 2:11-15 - Israel's Disobedience and Oppression")
* [1 Samuel 17:45-47](/1-samuel/17-45-47 "1 Samuel 17:45-47 - David's Trust in the Lord Against Goliath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic narrative of Joash in 2 Chronicles 24:24 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual complacency and apostasy carry severe consequences, even for those who began their walk with God commendably. Joash's initial faithfulness under Jehoiada's guidance highlights the importance of consistent spiritual discipline and the dangers of succumbing to negative influences once accountability is removed. Our ultimate security and success, both individually and corporately, are not found in our own strength, resources, or numbers, but in our unwavering obedience and trust in God. This passage challenges us to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with the Lord that is not dependent on external influences, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to Him, recognizing that God is just and will hold His people accountable for their faithfulness to His covenant. It calls us to vigilance against spiritual drifting and to a renewed commitment to the "God of our fathers," lest we experience the painful repercussions of forsaking Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What external influences or internal desires might lead me to "forsake the LORD" in subtle or overt ways today?**
* **How does Joash's initial faithfulness and subsequent fall challenge my understanding of sustained spiritual growth and perseverance?**
* **In what areas of my life am I relying on my own "great host" (resources, abilities, numbers) rather than trusting in God's sovereign power?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my faith remains vibrant and deeply rooted, even when external guidance or accountability diminishes?**

### FAQ

**Why did God allow a small Syrian army to defeat Judah's "very great host"?**

Answer: God allowed a small Syrian army to defeat Judah's numerically superior force as a direct act of divine judgment. The verse explicitly states this was "because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers." King Joash and the people of Judah had abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, turning to idolatry and even murdering Zechariah, the prophet who confronted them with God's message ([2 Chronicles 24:17-22](/2-chronicles/24-17-22 "2 Chronicles 24:17-22 - Joash's Apostasy and Zechariah's Martyrdom")). This defeat demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty over military outcomes, proving that victory is not determined by human strength or numbers, but by divine favor or disfavor, and that He uses even foreign nations as instruments of His righteous judgment.

**What does it mean that they "executed judgment against Joash"?**

Answer: The phrase "So they executed judgment against Joash" means that the Syrian army, acting as instruments of God's will, brought about the divine punishment specifically upon King Joash. This judgment was both military defeat and personal suffering for the king. While the Syrians were the physical agents, the ultimate source of this "judgment" was the Lord, who was holding Joash accountable for his profound apostasy and the murder of Zechariah. This event directly precedes Joash's own assassination by his servants, which further completes the divine judgment against him for shedding innocent blood ([2 Chronicles 24:25](/2-chronicles/24-25 "2 Chronicles 24:25 - Joash's Assassination")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The judgment against Joash and Judah in 2 Chronicles 24:24, born from their forsaking the covenant God, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate judgment and the ultimate solution found in Christ. While Joash faced the consequences of his apostasy through a foreign army, humanity's far greater rebellion against God's perfect law required a more profound judgment. Yet, in Christ, we see God's justice met with His boundless mercy. The Old Testament judgments, like that against Joash, highlight the severity of sin and the righteousness of God, preparing us to understand the need for a perfect sacrifice. Jesus, the true King, did not forsake the Lord; rather, He perfectly obeyed, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the judgment that was due to us. Through His atoning work, the "very great host" of our sins is not delivered into the hands of an enemy for our destruction, but rather, our sin is taken away, and we are offered reconciliation and a new covenant, sealed by His blood ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). Thus, the narrative of Joash's judgment points us to the glorious truth that in Christ, God's judgment for sin was fully executed upon His Son, allowing those who trust in Him to escape eternal condemnation and receive everlasting life ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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

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

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