2 Chronicles 28:10

KJV

And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: [but are there] not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God?

KJV (with Strong's)

And now ye purpose {H559} to keep under {H3533} the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389} for bondmen {H5650} and bondwomen {H8198} unto you: but are there not with you, even {H7535} with you, sins {H819} against the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Now you intend to force the people from Y'hudah and Yerushalayim into subjection as your slaves; but haven't you guilty deeds of your own that you committed against ADONAI your God?

Berean Standard Bible

And now you intend to reduce to slavery the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem. But are you not also guilty before the LORD your God?

American Standard Version

And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not even with you trespasses of your own against Jehovah your God?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 28:10 records the powerful prophetic rebuke delivered by Oded, a prophet from the Northern Kingdom of Israel, to the victorious Israelite army. After a devastating defeat of Judah, the Israelite soldiers had captured 200,000 Judean men, women, and children, intending to enslave them. Oded confronts their actions, highlighting the profound hypocrisy of their triumph by reminding them that their own nation was equally guilty of grievous sins against the LORD, their God, rendering them unfit to act as permanent oppressors over their kin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the tumultuous reign of King Ahaz of Judah (2 Chronicles 28:1-27), a period characterized by profound spiritual apostasy and political instability. Ahaz's reign is depicted as one of the most wicked in Judah's history, marked by idolatry, child sacrifice, and the closure of the temple (2 Chronicles 28:1-5). As a consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness, the LORD allowed them to be severely defeated by their northern neighbors, Israel, under King Pekah, and by the Arameans (2 Chronicles 28:5-8). The immediate preceding verses detail the scale of this defeat, with Pekah slaying 120,000 Judean soldiers in one day and carrying off a massive number of captives. It is as the victorious Israelite army returns to Samaria with these 200,000 captives that the prophet Oded, along with several prominent Ephraimite leaders, intercepts them, delivering the divine message of rebuke found in this verse and the subsequent call to release the captives (2 Chronicles 28:9-15). Oded's intervention serves as a pivotal moment, shifting the narrative from unbridled conquest to divine compassion and inter-Israelite solidarity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the divided monarchy, with the Northern Kingdom of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim or Samaria) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah existing as separate, often antagonistic, entities. Despite their political schism, both kingdoms shared a common heritage as descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and were bound by the Mosaic Covenant. The practice of enslaving war captives was common in the ancient Near East, but the Mosaic Law placed specific restrictions on the enslavement of fellow Israelites, particularly prohibiting permanent bondage (Leviticus 25:39-46). While temporary servitude for debt or poverty was permitted, perpetual enslavement of one's own people was a grave violation of the covenant and the spirit of brotherhood. Furthermore, both kingdoms were steeped in spiritual decline. While Judah under Ahaz had plunged into paganism, Israel had long been plagued by idolatry, particularly the worship of golden calves established by Jeroboam I (1 Kings 12:28-30), and later by Baal worship. Oded's rebuke thus resonates deeply within this context, reminding Israel that their own spiritual state was no better than Judah's, despite their military success.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Mercy**. While God used Israel as an instrument of judgment against Judah's sin, He did not condone Israel's excessive cruelty or the permanent enslavement of their kinsmen. God's judgment is always tempered with mercy, and He calls His people to reflect His character, even in victory. Secondly, the passage powerfully highlights **Hypocrisy and Self-Righteousness**. Oded's core accusation exposes Israel's spiritual blindness, demonstrating that their own "sins against the LORD your God" were just as prevalent, if not more so, than Judah's. This serves as a timeless warning against condemning others while ignoring one's own spiritual failings, a principle echoed in the New Testament (Matthew 7:3-5). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the enduring concept of **Brotherhood and Unity** among God's people. Despite the political division, Israel and Judah remained one covenant people. Enslaving fellow Israelites was a profound violation of this shared identity and the principles of the Mosaic Law, which mandated compassion and release for Hebrew servants (Deuteronomy 15:12-18). Finally, Oded embodies the theme of **Prophetic Rebuke**, serving as a courageous example of a prophet who boldly speaks truth to power, challenging the actions of a victorious army when they went against God's will and covenant principles. His prophetic courage directly led to the release and restoration of the captives (2 Chronicles 28:14-15).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keep under (Hebrew, _kavash'_):** The Hebrew verb כָּבַשׁ (*kavash*) means "to subdue," "to bring into bondage," "to tread down," or "to force into submission." In this context, it emphasizes the oppressive and permanent intent of the Israelite army to enslave the Judean captives. It suggests a desire not merely for temporary servitude but for a lasting subjugation, which would have been a direct violation of the Mosaic Law concerning fellow Israelites (Leviticus 25:39-46). The word highlights the severity of the planned action and the deep injustice inherent in it.
* **Sins (Hebrew, _ḥaṭṭa'ot'_):** The Hebrew noun חַטָּאוֹת (*ḥaṭṭa'ot*) is the plural form of *ḥaṭṭa'ah*, meaning "sin," "offense," or "transgression." The use of the plural here underscores the numerous and pervasive nature of Israel's transgressions against the LORD. This would have included their long-standing idolatry (e.g., the golden calves at Dan and Bethel), social injustices, and failure to uphold the covenant, which mirrored or even exceeded Judah's own failings. Oded's pointed question implies that Israel's moral and spiritual ledger was far from clean, making their triumphalism and planned oppression of Judah profoundly hypocritical.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you:"** This opening clause directly confronts the Israelite army's intention. The phrase "children of Judah and Jerusalem" encompasses the entire population of the Southern Kingdom, highlighting the vast number of captives (200,000 according to 2 Chronicles 28:8). The phrase "bondmen and bondwomen" explicitly states their intent to reduce these fellow Israelites to a state of permanent slavery. This was not merely about taking spoils of war but about establishing a lasting, oppressive dominion over their brethren, a clear violation of the covenantal relationship that should have existed between the two kingdoms as one people of God.
* **"[but are there] not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God?"** This is the heart of Oded's powerful rhetorical question. The KJV adds the bracketed phrase "[but are there]" to clarify the interrogative nature, but the Hebrew itself is a direct, emphatic question. The repetition of "with you, even with you" serves to intensify the accusation, pointing directly at the Israelite soldiers and their nation. It asserts that Israel, despite their military victory and perceived divine favor, was deeply implicated in their own transgressions against God. This accusation of "sins against the LORD your God" would have resonated with Israel's history of idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, particularly their worship of the golden calves and Baal. Oded challenges their moral authority, exposing their hypocrisy and reminding them that God's judgment was not exclusively for Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Rhetorical Question** to deliver its core message. Oded's question, "but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God?", is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion and provoke introspection. It functions as a direct, unassailable accusation, highlighting the profound **Irony** of Israel's position: they are acting as instruments of God's judgment against Judah while simultaneously being guilty of similar, if not greater, transgressions themselves. This irony underscores their spiritual blindness and self-righteousness. The repetition of "with you, even with you" serves as a form of **Emphasis** or **Anaphora**, intensifying the personal and national culpability of the Israelite army and nation. This direct address, combined with the prophetic authority of Oded, constitutes a powerful **Prophetic Denunciation**, exposing moral failings and calling for a change of heart and action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Oded's prophetic confrontation in 2 Chronicles 28:10 serves as a profound theological statement on God's consistent character and His expectations for His people. It reveals that while God may use one nation or group to chastise another, He does not condone injustice or oppression, especially when perpetrated by His own covenant people against their brethren. The verse highlights the universal nature of sin and the danger of spiritual hypocrisy, reminding us that God sees beyond outward victories or perceived righteousness to the true state of the heart. It underscores that divine judgment is not arbitrary but rooted in covenant faithfulness, and that no one is exempt from accountability for their "sins against the LORD your God." This passage thus calls for humility, self-examination, and a compassionate response to those who are suffering, even if they are perceived as deserving of judgment.

* [Leviticus 25:39-46](/leviticus/25-39 "Leviticus 25:39-46 - Laws Concerning Hebrew Servants")
* [Matthew 7:3-5](/matthew/7-3 "Matthew 7:3-5 - The Danger of Hypocritical Judgment")
* [Romans 2:1-3](/romans/2-1 "Romans 2:1-3 - God's Impartial Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 28:10 stands as a timeless challenge to our human tendency towards self-righteousness and the abuse of power. It compels us to look inward before casting judgment outward, reminding us that our own spiritual standing before God is never based on the perceived failures of others, but on our personal obedience, humility, and genuine repentance. In a world often quick to condemn and exploit, this verse calls believers to embody God's character of mercy, justice, and compassion, especially towards those who are vulnerable or have fallen. It teaches that true spiritual victory is not found in dominating or shaming others, but in recognizing our shared human frailty and extending the same grace we ourselves have received from God. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of empathy, to dismantle systems of oppression, and to always remember that we, too, are prone to "sins against the LORD our God."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be quick to judge others while overlooking my own shortcomings?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of divine justice and mercy, especially in situations where I feel "justified" in my actions or attitudes towards others?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater humility and compassion in my interactions with those I might be tempted to criticize or look down upon?**
* **How does the concept of "brotherhood" or "sisterhood" within the body of Christ call me to treat fellow believers, even those with whom I disagree or who have stumbled?**

### FAQ

**Who was Oded and why was his intervention significant in 2 Chronicles 28?**

Answer: Oded was a prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, specifically mentioned in 2 Chronicles 28:9. His intervention was profoundly significant because he courageously confronted the victorious Israelite army and its leaders as they returned with 200,000 Judean captives. At a time when nationalistic fervor and the spoils of war might have overshadowed moral and covenantal obligations, Oded delivered a direct divine rebuke. He reminded the Israelites that their victory was permitted by God due to Judah's sins, but that Israel itself was equally guilty of "sins against the LORD your God" (2 Chronicles 28:10). His prophetic word highlighted the hypocrisy of enslaving their brethren and the violation of the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 25:39-46). Oded's bold stance, coupled with the support of several prominent Ephraimite leaders (2 Chronicles 28:12), led to a remarkable act of compassion: the Israelite army released the captives, clothed and fed them, and returned them to Jericho, fulfilling the prophet's instruction (2 Chronicles 28:14-15). This act of obedience to Oded's prophecy averted further divine wrath upon Israel and stands as a powerful example of prophetic influence leading to justice and mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prophetic rebuke of Oded in 2 Chronicles 28:10, highlighting Israel's own "sins against the LORD your God" even as they judged Judah, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's justice and mercy found in Jesus Christ. Oded's message exposes the futility of human self-righteousness and the universal reality of sin, a truth profoundly articulated by Paul in [Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). The law's inability to bring true righteousness and its exposure of humanity's shared fallenness is a central theme that finds its resolution in Christ. Just as Oded called Israel to release their captives, Christ came to set the captives free from the bondage of sin and death (Luke 4:18-19). He perfectly fulfilled the law's demands, not by condemning others while being guilty himself, but by living a sinless life and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all humanity (Hebrews 4:15). In Christ, the hypocrisy Oded condemned is overcome, as God, in His infinite mercy, provides a way for forgiveness and reconciliation, not through human merit or judgment of others, but through faith in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The call to brotherhood and compassion, violated by Israel, is perfectly exemplified and commanded by Christ, who calls His followers to love one another as He has loved them (John 13:34-35), demonstrating that true freedom and unity are found only in Him.

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 25:39

¶ And if thy brother [that dwelleth] by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:

Leviticus 25:46

And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit [them for] a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour.

Romans 12:20

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Jeremiah 25:29

For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.

1 Peter 4:17

For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?