2 Chronicles 25:7

KJV

But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD [is] not with Israel, [to wit, with] all the children of Ephraim.

KJV (with Strong's)

But there came {H935} a man {H376} of God {H430} to him, saying {H559}, O king {H4428}, let not the army {H6635} of Israel {H3478} go {H935} with thee; for the LORD {H3068} is not with Israel {H3478}, to wit, with all the children {H1121} of Ephraim {H669}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But a man of God came to him and said, "King, don't let the army of Isra'el go with you; because ADONAI is not with Isra'el or with any of the people of Efrayim.

Berean Standard Bible

But a man of God came to him and said, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel—not with any of the Ephraimites.

American Standard Version

But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for Jehovah is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 25:7 records a critical divine intervention in the reign of King Amaziah of Judah. As Amaziah prepares for war against Edom, having hired 100,000 soldiers from the Northern Kingdom of Israel, an unnamed "man of God" confronts him with a direct message from the LORD. The prophet unequivocally warns Amaziah not to allow the Israelite army to accompany him, stating that the LORD is not with Israel, specifically identifying them with "all the children of Ephraim," a clear reference to the idolatrous and disobedient Northern Kingdom. This verse sets the stage for a profound test of Amaziah's obedience and trust in God's exclusive power and presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Amaziah's reign (2 Chronicles 25). Immediately prior, Amaziah has begun his reign by doing "that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart" ([2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Imperfect Heart")). He consolidates his power by executing those who murdered his father, King Joash, in accordance with the Law ([2 Chronicles 25:3-4](/2_chronicles/25-3 "2 Chronicles 25:3-4 - Amaziah Executes His Father's Murderers")). His next major undertaking is a military campaign against Edom, a long-standing adversary of Judah. To augment his own army of 300,000 men, Amaziah hires 100,000 mercenaries from the Northern Kingdom of Israel for a substantial sum of 100 talents of silver ([2 Chronicles 25:5-6](/2_chronicles/25-5 "2 Chronicles 25:5-6 - Amaziah Hires Israelite Mercenaries")). It is at this precise juncture, on the cusp of battle, that the "man of God" appears, providing a divine counter-command that challenges Amaziah's strategic human calculations and sets up a pivotal moment of decision. The subsequent verses detail Amaziah's choice and its immediate consequences, highlighting God's faithfulness to His word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the divided monarchy, a period following the schism of the united kingdom after Solomon's reign ([1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom")). Judah, the Southern Kingdom, generally sought to maintain the Davidic line and the worship of the LORD in Jerusalem, though often with periods of apostasy. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to by the prominent tribe of Ephraim, had consistently pursued idolatry since Jeroboam I established golden calves at Dan and Bethel ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This deep-seated spiritual divergence made alliances between the two kingdoms problematic from a divine perspective. Prophets, often referred to as "men of God," played a crucial role in both kingdoms, serving as God's direct spokespersons to kings and the people, delivering warnings, instructions, and promises, often challenging royal authority when it deviated from God's will. The act of hiring foreign mercenaries was a common practice in the ancient Near East, but for God's chosen people, reliance on external, ungodly forces was often seen as a lack of trust in the LORD's ability to deliver victory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Guidance and Warning**, demonstrating God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His willingness to intervene directly through His prophets to steer leaders towards obedience. Amaziah is given a clear, unambiguous warning, emphasizing the importance of heeding divine counsel over human strategy. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Ungodly Alliances**. The core reason for the prohibition is that "the LORD is not with Israel," implying that their spiritual state of idolatry and disobedience made them an unsuitable partner for Judah, which was meant to be the kingdom where the LORD's presence resided. Aligning with them would mean sharing in their spiritual liability and inviting God's disfavor upon the campaign, a principle echoed throughout Scripture regarding separation from ungodliness ([Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked")). Thirdly, implicit in the warning is a call to **Trust in God's Exclusive Power and Provision**. By rejecting the Israelite mercenaries, Amaziah is challenged to rely solely on the LORD for victory, rather than on human might or questionable alliances. This theme is further developed in the prophet's subsequent words, assuring Amaziah that God "is able to give thee much more than this" ([2 Chronicles 25:9](/2_chronicles/25-9 "2 Chronicles 25:9 - God is Able to Give More")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _'ish 'Elohim'_):** This term is a common designation for a prophet or divine messenger in the Old Testament, emphasizing that the individual is dedicated to God and speaks on His behalf. It signifies that the message delivered is not merely human counsel but a direct word from the LORD Himself, carrying divine authority and requiring immediate obedience. The anonymity of this "man of God" further highlights that the message, not the messenger, is paramount.
* **Ephraim (Hebrew, _'Ephrayim'_):** While Ephraim was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, it frequently served as a metonym for the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly due to its size, prominence, and its capital, Samaria, being within Ephraimite territory. In this context, "all the children of Ephraim" is a pointed reference to the Northern Kingdom's spiritual condition. It signifies that the LORD's disfavor was not just with a few individuals but with the entire political and spiritual entity of the North, characterized by its long history of idolatry and rejection of the true worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem.
* **To wit (Archaic English):** This phrase, common in the King James Version, is an archaic English expression meaning "namely," "that is to say," or "to know." It serves as an explanatory or clarificatory interjection. Here, it emphasizes and specifies that the general statement "the LORD is not with Israel" is particularly true and applicable to "all the children of Ephraim," reinforcing the identity of the problematic alliance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But there came a man of God to him, saying":** This opening clause signals a divine intervention, a pivotal moment where God directly intercedes in human affairs. The arrival of the "man of God" is not coincidental but a purposeful act of divine communication, underscoring God's active sovereignty over the plans of kings and nations. It sets the stage for a direct confrontation between human strategy and divine command.
* **"O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD [is] not with Israel":** This is the core of the divine prohibition. The "man of God" delivers a clear, imperative command to King Amaziah: do not take the Israelite mercenaries into battle. The reason provided is foundational: "the LORD is not with Israel." This indicates that Israel, due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience, had forfeited the divine presence and blessing that were essential for success in battles fought under God's banner. Their presence would not bring strength but rather divine opposition.
* **"[to wit, with] all the children of Ephraim":** This explanatory clause clarifies and reinforces the specific identity of the "Israel" mentioned. It leaves no ambiguity that the prohibition applies to the soldiers from the Northern Kingdom, specifically identified with Ephraim, which was the dominant tribe and often synonymous with the idolatrous Northern Kingdom. This precise identification underscores the spiritual nature of the warning: the issue was not merely political or military, but fundamentally theological – God's presence and blessing were absent from this particular segment of His people due to their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is central, as the sudden appearance of the "man of God" highlights God's active role in human history and His direct communication with His chosen leaders. This serves to elevate the stakes of Amaziah's decision. **Direct Address** ("O king") immediately establishes the authority of the prophet's message and personalizes the warning to Amaziah, demanding his immediate attention and response. The use of **Metonymy** is evident in "all the children of Ephraim" standing in for the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel. This specific naming not only identifies the group but also subtly evokes the long history of their apostasy and spiritual rebellion, thereby strengthening the theological justification for the prohibition. The archaic phrase "to wit" functions as a **Clarification** or **Emphasis**, drawing particular attention to the specific group being warned against and underscoring the precise nature of God's disapproval.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning to Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 25:7 resonates deeply with broader biblical themes concerning the nature of divine partnership, the perils of ungodly alliances, and the necessity of absolute reliance on God. God's presence is the ultimate determinant of success for His people, and His holiness demands separation from anything that compromises His character or His covenant. The Northern Kingdom, characterized by its entrenched idolatry, represented a spiritual contamination that would negate God's blessing on Judah's military endeavors. This principle extends beyond military strategy to all aspects of life, teaching that true strength and blessing come not from human numbers or questionable associations, but from walking in purity and obedience with the LORD.

* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 25:7 offers a timeless and potent lesson for believers today concerning the wisdom of discerning partnerships and the absolute necessity of relying on God alone. Just as King Amaziah was warned against an alliance that would compromise his mission and invite divine disfavor, we are called to be acutely mindful of who or what we align ourselves with. This applies not only to formal partnerships in business or ministry but also to the influences we allow into our lives through relationships, media, or ideologies. The principle is clear: if the "LORD is not with" a particular person, group, or endeavor due to their ungodliness or spiritual opposition, then aligning with them risks sharing in their spiritual liability and forfeiting God's blessing. This verse encourages a profound trust in God's ability to provide and protect, even when human resources seem insufficient or when the path of obedience appears to diminish our perceived strength. Our true might and success come not from worldly alliances or human calculations, but from walking in unwavering obedience to God's commands and depending entirely on His sovereign power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to form "ungodly alliances" for perceived gain or security, rather than relying solely on God?**
* **How do I discern when God's presence is not with a particular person, group, or endeavor, and what steps should I take in response?**
* **What specific "men of God" (e.g., Scripture, wise counsel, conviction of the Holy Spirit) is the LORD using to speak warnings or guidance into my life today? Am I truly listening?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of where true strength and success come from, especially when facing daunting challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ephraim specifically mentioned, rather than just "Israel"?**

Answer: The mention of "Ephraim" is a significant detail. While "Israel" broadly refers to the Northern Kingdom, Ephraim was the most prominent and populous tribe within that kingdom, often serving as a metonym for the entire Northern Kingdom. This specific designation highlights the deep-seated spiritual apostasy of the North, which had consistently rejected the true worship of the LORD in Jerusalem since the time of Jeroboam I, establishing its own idolatrous centers at Dan and Bethel. By specifying "all the children of Ephraim," the prophet emphasizes that God's disfavor was not just with a segment but with the entire entity that had strayed from the covenant, making them an unsuitable and spiritually dangerous ally for Judah.

**What does the phrase "man of God" signify in this context?**

Answer: The term "man of God" (`'ish 'Elohim'` in Hebrew) is a common biblical title for a prophet or a divine messenger. It signifies that the individual is set apart by God and speaks with His authority. In this context, it underscores that the warning given to Amaziah is not merely human advice or political counsel but a direct, authoritative word from the LORD Himself. The anonymity of the prophet further emphasizes that the message itself, and its divine origin, is more important than the identity of the messenger. This highlights God's direct involvement in the affairs of His people and His commitment to guiding them.

**What would have been the consequence if Amaziah had ignored the warning and taken the Israelite army with him?**

Answer: The immediate consequence, as stated by the "man of God" in the subsequent verse ([2 Chronicles 25:8](/2_chronicles/25-8 "2 Chronicles 25:8 - God Has Power to Help or to Overthrow")), would have been divine judgment and defeat: "But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down." If Amaziah had proceeded with the Israelite mercenaries, the LORD Himself would have caused Judah to be defeated by Edom. This illustrates the principle that aligning with ungodliness invites God's opposition, turning a potential victory into certain defeat, regardless of human strength or numbers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The warning to King Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 25:7, concerning the perils of ungodly alliances and the necessity of divine presence for true success, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The Northern Kingdom, represented by "Ephraim," symbolized a people separated from God's full blessing due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness. In Christ, this spiritual separation is overcome, and a new, perfect "alliance" is offered to all who believe. Jesus is the true "man of God" who perfectly embodies God's presence and speaks His authoritative word, not just to a king but to all humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). He is the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All the Fullness of God in Christ")), making Him the ultimate source of divine presence and power. We are called not to form alliances with the "children of Ephraim"—that is, with the world's systems, values, or strengths that are devoid of God's presence—but to be united with Christ, the Head of the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ the Head of the Church")). Our strength and victory in spiritual battles come not from human might or worldly resources, but from being "in Christ" and relying on His finished work on the cross ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, making it possible for us, who were once spiritually separated, to be reconciled to God and walk in His empowering presence, thereby fulfilling the desire for God's "withness" that was so crucial for Amaziah ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [2 Corinthians 5:17-19](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17-19 - New Creation in Christ")).

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 19:2

And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

2 Chronicles 13:12

And, behold, God himself [is] with us for [our] captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.

Hosea 9:13

Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, [is] planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer.

Isaiah 28:1

¶ Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty [is] a fading flower, which [are] on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!

Isaiah 28:3

The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet:

2 Timothy 3:17

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Samuel 12:1

¶ And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.