2 Chronicles 28:11

Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD [is] upon you.

Now hear {H8085} me therefore, and deliver {H7725} the captives {H7633} again, which ye have taken captive {H7617} of your brethren {H251}: for the fierce {H2740} wrath {H639} of the LORD {H3068} is upon you.

Therefore listen to me now; and send the captives back, the people you have taken captive from your kinsmen; because the fierce anger of ADONAI is on you."

Now therefore, listen to me and return the captives you took from your kinsmen, for the fierce anger of the LORD is upon you.”

Now hear me therefore, and send back the captives, that ye have taken captive of your brethren; for the fierce wrath of Jehovah is upon you.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 28:11 records a powerful prophetic warning delivered by Oded to the army of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This verse stands as a crucial moment where divine intervention halted a grave injustice against their brethren from the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

Context

This verse is set during a tumultuous period in the divided monarchy of Israel. King Ahaz of Judah (Southern Kingdom) had provoked the LORD through widespread idolatry and unfaithfulness, leading to God allowing Judah to be defeated by its northern neighbor, Israel, under King Pekah. The Israelite army, having achieved a significant victory, took a vast number of captives – women, sons, and daughters – along with much plunder, intending to bring them back to Samaria. It is at this point that the prophet Oded intercepts the victorious army, delivering a stern message from God. His words in 2 Chronicles 28:9-10 highlight that while Judah's defeat was a consequence of their sin, Israel's actions in enslaving their own kin went beyond God's purpose and incurred His severe displeasure. This verse (28:11) is Oded's direct command for restitution.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Mercy: The verse underscores that God's wrath is not arbitrary but a righteous response to sin. While Judah faced judgment, Israel's overreach in taking their brethren captive also brought God's "fierce wrath" upon them. Yet, the presence of a prophet offering a way out demonstrates God's enduring mercy and desire for repentance.
  • Brotherly Responsibility: Oded emphasizes that the captives are "your brethren." The act of enslaving fellow Israelites violated the spirit of the Mosaic Law and the covenant relationship. This highlights the importance of unity and compassion within God's people, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., Psalm 133:1).
  • Prophetic Authority and Obedience: Oded's courageous confrontation of a victorious army demonstrates the vital role of prophets in speaking God's truth to power, even when unpopular. The subsequent positive response of the Israelite leaders (as seen in 2 Chronicles 28:12-15) shows the power of heeding divine warnings.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fierce wrath of the LORD" translates from the Hebrew charon aph Yahweh (Χ—ΦΈΧ¨Χ•ΦΉΧŸ אַף Χ™Φ°Χ”Χ•ΦΈΧ”). Charon aph denotes a burning, intense anger, often used to describe God's righteous indignation against sin and rebellion. It signifies a severe and immediate displeasure, indicating the gravity of Israel's actions in God's eyes. The repetition of "taken captive of your brethren" underscores the specific nature of their offense – not merely taking war captives, but enslaving those with whom they shared a common heritage and covenant.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and His concern for the oppressed. It teaches us that:

  • God's standards apply universally: Even if one believes they are acting under divine permission (as Israel might have thought in defeating Judah), exceeding God's righteous boundaries brings judgment.
  • Compassion for fellow humans is paramount: We are called to treat others, especially those within the family of faith, with love and respect, not exploitation or oppression. This resonates with New Testament teachings on doing good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
  • Heeding divine warnings is crucial: Like the leaders of Israel, we must be quick to listen to prophetic words or the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and to act decisively in repentance and restitution when we realize we have erred.
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

  • James 2:13

    For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

  • Isaiah 58:6

    [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

  • Ezra 10:14

    Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.

  • Matthew 7:2

    For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

  • Jeremiah 34:14

    At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear.

  • Jeremiah 34:15

    And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name:

  • Matthew 5:7

    Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
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