2 Chronicles 25:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if thou wilt go {H935}, do {H6213} it, be strong {H2388} for the battle {H4421}: God {H430} shall make thee fall {H3782} before {H6440} the enemy {H341}: for God {H430} hath {H3426} power {H3581} to help {H5826}, and to cast down {H3782}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And if you do go, then no matter how fiercely you fight, God will cause you to fail before the enemy. For God has the power to help and to cause failure."

Berean Standard Bible

Even if you go and fight bravely in battle, God will make you stumble before the enemy, for God has power to help and power to overthrow.”

American Standard Version

But if thou wilt go, do valiantly, be strong for the battle: God will cast thee down before the enemy; for God hath power to help, and to cast down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 25:8 delivers a profound and urgent prophetic warning to King Amaziah of Judah, asserting God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over the outcomes of all human endeavors, particularly in warfare. The verse highlights that divine favor, not human strength or financial investment, is the sole determinant of victory or defeat, powerfully declaring God's omnipotent capacity to either grant success or orchestrate failure according to His will. It serves as a stark reminder that defiance of God's explicit instruction, even when seemingly costly, inevitably leads to divine judgment and defeat, underscoring the futility of human effort when it stands in opposition to the divine decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the complex narrative of King Amaziah's reign, which begins with a mixed assessment: he "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, though not with a perfect heart" [2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Reign Begins"). As Amaziah prepares for war against Edom, he initially raises a formidable army from Judah and Benjamin. However, in a move to augment his forces, he then hires 100,000 mighty warriors from the Northern Kingdom of Israel for a substantial sum of 100 talents of silver. It is at this critical juncture that an unnamed "man of God"—a prophet—intervenes with a direct divine message, warning Amaziah not to proceed with the Israelite mercenaries because "the Lord is not with Israel" [2 Chronicles 25:7](/2_chronicles/25-7 "2 Chronicles 25:7 - The Prophet's Warning"). Amaziah's immediate concern is the significant financial loss of the 100 talents already paid. Verse 8 is the prophet's powerful and uncompromising response to this dilemma, emphasizing that the financial cost is utterly insignificant compared to the divine judgment that will ensue if Amaziah disregards God's explicit command.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Amaziah ruled Judah from approximately 796-767 BC. His conflict with Edom was a significant geopolitical event, as Edom had previously rebelled against Judah's control during the reign of Jehoram [2 Kings 8:20-22](/2_kings/8-20-22 "2 Kings 8:20-22 - Edom's Rebellion from Judah"). The practice of hiring mercenaries was common in the ancient Near East, reflecting a desire for military superiority and numerical advantage. However, for a king of Judah, relying on a northern kingdom that had consistently strayed into idolatry and disobedience was spiritually problematic and a profound theological compromise. The 100 talents of silver represented an enormous sum, equivalent to over three tons of silver, highlighting the king's significant investment and his understandable, albeit misplaced, reluctance to forfeit it. The prophet's intervention underscores the unique covenant relationship between God and Judah, where military success was not determined by the size or strength of an army, but by divine favor and unwavering obedience to the Lord, a foundational theme echoed throughout Israel's history, as seen in the blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Control**, asserting that God alone determines the outcome of battles and human endeavors. Human strength, military alliances, or financial investments are rendered utterly secondary to His will, as also seen in the psalmist's declaration that "No king is saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength" [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - God's Sovereignty Over Armies"). Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of **Obedience over Expediency**. Amaziah was tempted to prioritize his significant financial investment over divine counsel, but the prophet's warning emphasizes the necessity of immediate and complete obedience to God, regardless of perceived worldly losses or gains. Disobedience, the verse implies, leads to inevitable failure and divine judgment. Finally, the core message is encapsulated in the phrase, "for God hath power to help, and to cast down," which speaks to **God's Omnipotence and Active Involvement** in human affairs, whether bringing success or defeat. It serves as a stark reminder of His ultimate authority over all circumstances, a truth foundational to the narrative of [1 Samuel 2:6-8](/1_samuel/2-6-8 "1 Samuel 2:6-8 - Hannah's Prayer of Praise to God's Power").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Power (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** This word (H3581, כֹּחַ) denotes vigor, force, capacity, or means. In this context, it emphasizes God's inherent, unchallengeable ability and might to effect His will. It is not merely potential energy, but active, dynamic power that God wields to bring about specific outcomes. It speaks to His omnipotence and His sovereign control over all forces, human or otherwise, highlighting His absolute capacity to determine the course of events.
* **Help (Hebrew, _ʻâzar'_):** This term (H5826, עָזַר), in its infinitive form, means "to surround, i.e., protect or aid." When applied to God, it signifies His active intervention to grant victory, provide strength, or ensure success for those who are in His favor and aligned with His purposes. It implies a divine enablement and support that transcends human capabilities and guarantees a favorable outcome.
* **Cast Down (Hebrew, _kâshal'_):** This word (H3782, כָּשַׁל), in its infinitive form, means "to totter or waver," and by implication, "to falter, stumble, faint or fall," or "to bring to ruin." It represents the antithesis of "help," indicating God's active role in bringing about defeat, failure, or judgment upon those who oppose His will or disobey His commands. The stark contrast between "help" and "cast down" underscores the absolute and comprehensive nature of God's power, encompassing both elevation and humiliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if thou wilt go, do [it], be strong for the battle:"** This opening clause functions as a rhetorical challenge or an ironic imperative from the prophet. It is not an encouragement to proceed, but rather a prophetic taunt that sets the stage for the inevitable consequences of disobedience. It implies, "Go ahead, if you insist on your own way, and prepare yourself fully with all your human strength for what you believe will be a strong fight." The prophet is highlighting the futility of human preparation when it stands in defiance of divine counsel, foreshadowing the divine intervention that will negate all human effort.
* **"God shall make thee fall before the enemy:"** This is the direct, unequivocal prophecy of judgment and defeat. The prophet declares that the outcome of the battle, if Amaziah proceeds with the ungodly alliance, will be a humiliating defeat, orchestrated by God Himself. It is a divine promise of failure, not a mere prediction based on human odds or military strategy. This highlights God's active involvement in the affairs of nations and kings, demonstrating His power to humble the proud and disobedient, proving that no human force can stand against His decree.
* **"for God hath power to help, and to cast down."** This final clause provides the profound theological foundation and justification for the preceding warning. It explains *why* God can make Amaziah fall: because He possesses absolute, dual power—the power to grant victory ("to help") and the power to inflict defeat ("to cast down"). This statement encapsulates God's omnipotence and His sovereign prerogative to determine the destiny of individuals and nations based on their obedience or disobedience to His commands. It declares that there is no force, human or otherwise, that can thwart His will or escape His ultimate authority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent and authoritative message. Central to its impact is **Antithetical Parallelism**, powerfully evident in the juxtaposed phrases "to help, and to cast down." This stark contrast emphasizes the dual nature of God's sovereign power, capable of both blessing and judgment, elevation and humiliation. The prophet's initial challenge, "But if thou wilt go, do [it], be strong for the battle," functions as a form of **Ironic Imperative** or **Sarcasm**, highlighting the utter futility and impending doom of human strength when pitted against divine decree. The entire verse is delivered as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct divine utterance conveyed through a human messenger, lending it absolute authority and gravity. The conciseness, directness, and declarative nature of the language also contribute to its **Forcefulness**, ensuring the king understands the dire and unavoidable consequences of his potential disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and human affairs. It teaches that true power and ultimate victory do not reside in human armies, strategic alliances, or financial resources, but solely in the hands of the Almighty. God's ability "to help, and to cast down" means that He is the ultimate arbiter of destiny, capable of elevating or humbling, blessing or cursing, according to His righteous will. This divine prerogative demands complete trust and unwavering obedience from His people, reminding them that any perceived earthly advantage gained through disobedience is a mirage, destined to crumble before His omnipotent decree. The passage serves as a timeless theological anchor, calling believers to prioritize God's counsel above all human wisdom and expediency, recognizing that His power is the only true and unfailing source of success.

* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "God's Sovereignty Over Armies")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound message of 2 Chronicles 25:8 resonates deeply in the lives of believers today. In a world that often prioritizes human ingenuity, financial security, strategic alliances, and self-reliance, this verse calls us back to the foundational truth that God's power is supreme and His will is unthwartable. We are frequently tempted, much like Amaziah, to rely on our own strength, accumulated resources, or worldly wisdom when facing challenges, especially when the path of obedience seems costly, counter-intuitive, or demands a perceived sacrifice. This passage challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust truly lies. Do we truly believe that God has the power to "help" us succeed even against overwhelming odds, or to "cast down" our efforts if they are not aligned with His purposes? It compels us to surrender our plans, our finances, our careers, and our perceived needs to His sovereign hand, trusting that His way, though sometimes seemingly difficult or requiring significant relinquishment, is always the path to true and lasting victory and blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently tempted to rely on your own strength, worldly resources, or human alliances rather than God's omnipotent power?**
* **What "costly" obedience might God be calling you to embrace, where the immediate loss or sacrifice seems greater than any potential gain?**
* **How does the truth of God's absolute power "to help, and to cast down" profoundly shape your prayers, your decision-making processes, and your overall perspective on challenges?**
* **Are there any "ungodly alliances" (relationships, business ventures, habits, or philosophies) in your life that you need to sever or abandon, even if it means a perceived loss or discomfort?**

### FAQ

**Who was the "man of God" or prophet who delivered this message to King Amaziah?**

Answer: The text of 2 Chronicles does not explicitly name this prophet. He is simply referred to as "a man of God" in [2 Chronicles 25:7](/2_chronicles/25-7 "2 Chronicles 25:7 - The Prophet's Warning to Amaziah"). This anonymity is significant, as it emphasizes that the authority of the message came directly from God Himself, rather than from the prophet's personal renown or status. While some biblical scholars have speculated about his identity (e.g., Amos or Oded), the purposeful lack of a name serves to highlight the divine origin and absolute truth of the warning, making it clear that it was God's word, not merely a human opinion.

**Why was the alliance with the Israelite mercenaries so problematic in God's eyes?**

Answer: The primary reason the alliance was problematic was the explicit declaration that "the Lord is not with Israel" [2 Chronicles 25:7](/2_chronicles/25-7 "2 Chronicles 25:7 - The Lord is Not with Israel"). At this time, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had consistently pursued idolatry and rebellion against God, particularly through the worship of golden calves established by Jeroboam I. God had withdrawn His favor from them due to their persistent disobedience and spiritual apostasy. For King Amaziah, the king of Judah—the kingdom where the true worship of Yahweh was meant to reside and where the Davidic covenant was upheld—to ally himself with such a disobedient and idolatrous nation for military gain was seen as a profound compromise of faith and a reliance on ungodly strength rather than on God alone. This principle of avoiding ungodly alliances and relying solely on God's power is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, warning against mixing with those who do not honor God, lest their ways lead to spiritual compromise, defilement, and divine disfavor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth that "God hath power to help, and to cast down" finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While 2 Chronicles 25:8 speaks of God's sovereign power in earthly battles and the outcomes of human endeavors, the New Testament reveals Christ as the very embodiment of this power, wielding it in the cosmic spiritual battle for humanity's redemption. He is the true King who did not rely on earthly armies, financial might, or strategic alliances, but on the Father's perfect will, ultimately laying down His life only to take it up again through the resurrection, demonstrating God's supreme power to "help" His people overcome sin, death, and the grave [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority Over His Life"). Through His crucifixion, Christ decisively "cast down" the principalities and powers of darkness, triumphing over them by the cross [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). He is the one who has been given "all power in heaven and in earth" [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission"), and who will ultimately "cast down" every enemy under His feet, including death itself, reigning until all things are subjected to Him [1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25-26 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Subdued"). Thus, the warning to Amaziah to trust in God's power alone foreshadows the call to trust in Christ, the one through whom God's ultimate help, decisive victory, and eternal salvation are secured for all who believe.

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 14:11

And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, [it is] nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou [art] our God; let not man prevail against thee.

2 Chronicles 20:6

And said, O LORD God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven? and rulest [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Luke 18:29

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

Luke 18:30

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Joel 3:9

¶ Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

Joel 3:14

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision.