2 Chronicles 28:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 28:11 records a pivotal prophetic warning delivered by the prophet Oded to the triumphant Israelite army, unequivocally commanding them to release the Judean captives they had seized. This verse highlights God's righteous indignation against the Northern Kingdom for exceeding the bounds of His judgment against Judah by enslaving their own covenant kin, thereby incurring His "fierce wrath" and necessitating immediate restitution to avert further divine displeasure and demonstrate true repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical narrative in [2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - King Ahaz's Reign and Judah's Defeat"), detailing the tumultuous reign of King Ahaz of Judah. Following Judah's severe defeat by King Pekah of Israel, the Israelite army had taken a vast number of Judean captives and much plunder back towards Samaria. Oded's intervention begins in [2 Chronicles 28:9](/2_chronicles/28-9 "2 Chronicles 28:9 - Oded's Rebuke to Israel"), where he confronts the returning army, rebuking them for their excessive cruelty against their "brethren" from Judah, reminding them that Judah's defeat was due to God's anger, not Israel's superior might. Verse 10 further emphasizes the egregious nature of their sin in enslaving fellow Israelites, highlighting the irony of their own past and present sins. Thus, [2 Chronicles 28:11](/2_chronicles/28-11 "2 Chronicles 28:11 - Oded's Command to Release Captives") serves as the direct, unequivocal command for the release of these captives, a pivotal moment that redirects the narrative from conquest to compassion, setting the stage for the Israelite leaders' remarkable act of obedience in [2 Chronicles 28:12-15](/2_chronicles/28-12-15 "2 Chronicles 28:12-15 - Israel's Leaders Obey Oded and Care for the Captives").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the divided monarchy was marked by frequent conflicts and shifting alliances between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, despite their shared ancestry and covenant heritage. The practice of taking captives and plunder was common in ancient Near Eastern warfare. However, the Mosaic Law contained specific provisions regarding the treatment of fellow Israelites, particularly concerning slavery, which was generally limited in duration and scope, and explicitly prohibited permanent enslavement of a "brother" (e.g., [Leviticus 25:39-46](/leviticus/25-39-46 "Leviticus 25:39-46 - Laws Concerning Hebrew Servants")). Oded's rebuke highlights that while God used Israel as an instrument of judgment against Judah's idolatry under Ahaz, Israel's actions went beyond divine intent, violating the sacred bond of kinship and the spirit of the covenant. The "fierce wrath of the LORD" indicates that Israel's actions were seen as a direct affront to God's justice and His covenant relationship with His people, demanding immediate redress.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles - The History of Judah's Kings"):
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** Even when God uses one nation to judge another, there are boundaries to human action. Israel's victory was permitted by God due to Judah's sin, but their subsequent enslavement of their brethren overstepped God's righteous judgment and incurred His own wrath. This highlights God's ultimate control over historical events and His righteous response to all forms of injustice, even when perpetrated by those who believe themselves to be instruments of His will.
* **Covenant Fidelity and Brotherly Responsibility:** The emphasis on "your brethren" underscores the violation of the covenant bond that united Israel and Judah, despite their political division. The Mosaic Law, particularly the humanitarian principles embedded within it, called for compassion and justice among God's people (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor and Releasing Debts")). Israel's actions demonstrated a profound failure in their responsibility towards their fellow covenant members, provoking divine anger.
* **Prophetic Authority and Repentance:** Oded's courageous confrontation of a victorious army exemplifies the vital role of prophets in delivering God's challenging word to those in power. The immediate and positive response of the Israelite leaders (as seen in [2 Chronicles 28:12-15](/2_chronicles/28-12-15 "2 Chronicles 28:12-15 - Israel's Leaders Obey Oded and Care for the Captives")) demonstrates the transformative power of heeding divine warnings and the possibility of averting further judgment through repentance and righteous action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **Fierce Wrath (Hebrew, _chârôwn ʼaph'_):** This powerful compound phrase, combining H2740 (_chârôwn_) meaning "a burning of anger" or "sore displeasure," and H639 (_ʼaph_) meaning "nose" or "nostril" but often signifying "anger" due to rapid breathing in passion, vividly depicts intense, hot, and often sudden divine indignation. It is a strong expression of God's righteous displeasure, frequently used in the Old Testament to describe His anger against sin and rebellion (e.g., [Exodus 32:10](/exodus/32-10 "Exodus 32:10 - God's Anger Against Israel")). In this context, it signifies the extreme gravity of Israel's actions in God's eyes, indicating that their enslavement of their brethren was not merely a tactical error but a profound moral and covenantal transgression that provoked a severe and immediate divine response.
* **Captives (Hebrew, _shibyâh'_):** From H7633 (_shibyâh_), meaning "exile" or "captivity," and related to H7617 (_shâbâh_), "to transport into captivity." This term refers specifically to those taken as spoils of war, typically implying a state of forced servitude or imprisonment. The repetition of "deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive" emphasizes the unjust nature of their current state and the urgent need for their release. It highlights the dehumanizing aspect of their situation and the violation of their freedom, particularly grievous given their shared heritage.
* **Brethren (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** From H251 (_ʼâch_), a primitive word meaning "a brother" (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance). While the KJV uses "brethren" (plural) and the Hebrew text uses a plural possessive form (_ʾaḥeikhem_), the root word underscores the familial and covenantal bond that existed between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, despite their political division. The act of enslaving "brethren" violated the spirit and specific stipulations of the Mosaic Law concerning the treatment of fellow Israelites, elevating the offense from a mere act of war to a profound betrayal of the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"Now hear me therefore,"**: This opening phrase serves as a direct, authoritative summons from the prophet Oded to the Israelite army. The "therefore" connects his command to the preceding rebuke (vv. 9-10), indicating that what follows is a logical consequence or necessary response to the divine displeasure already articulated. It demands immediate attention and obedience, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the message, much like a legal pronouncement.
* **"and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren:"**: This is the core command, a call for immediate restitution and reversal of their unjust actions. The phrase "deliver... again" (from H7725, _shûwb_, meaning "to turn back" or "restore") implies that the captives were wrongfully taken and must be restored to their rightful state of freedom. The repeated emphasis on "taken captive of your brethren" powerfully reinforces the covenantal violation, stressing that these were not foreign enemies but fellow members of God's chosen people, making their enslavement an especially heinous offense.
* **"for the fierce wrath of the LORD [is] upon you."**: This clause provides the divine rationale and motivation for Oded's command. It is a solemn warning that God's intense, burning anger is already directed at them because of their actions. This wrath is not a future threat but a present reality, pressing upon them and demanding their immediate repentance and obedience to avert further, potentially devastating, consequences. It underscores God's active involvement in human affairs and His righteous judgment against injustice within His covenant community, serving as a powerful deterrent.

#### Literary Devices

The prophet Oded's address in [2 Chronicles 28:11](/2_chronicles/28-11 "2 Chronicles 28:11 - Oded's Command to Release Captives") employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and impactful message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as Oded confronts the victorious army directly, using the imperative "hear me" and "deliver," creating an immediate and confrontational tone that demands attention. **Repetition** is strategically used with the phrase "taken captive of your brethren" and the underlying concept of "deliver the captives again," which serves to emphasize the egregious nature of the offense and the specific identity of the victims, reinforcing the violation of kinship and covenant. The phrase "fierce wrath of the LORD" is a powerful example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like emotion (wrath, burning anger) to God, conveying the intensity of His displeasure in a relatable, albeit symbolic, manner. The entire statement functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired pronouncement intended to reveal God's will and warn of consequences, demonstrating the prophet's crucial role as God's mouthpiece in challenging injustice. The structure of the verse, moving from command to justification, also employs a clear **Cause and Effect**, where the command to release captives is directly linked to the existing "fierce wrath" of the Lord, highlighting the immediate consequence of their actions and the necessity of repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and compassion, particularly within His covenant people. While God permitted Judah's defeat as a judgment for their sin, Israel's subsequent exploitation of their "brethren" revealed a deeper moral failing that incurred God's own "fierce wrath." This demonstrates that divine judgment is not a license for human cruelty, and that God holds His people accountable not only for their direct sins against Him but also for their treatment of one another. The command to "deliver the captives again" is a powerful call to restitution and a reminder that true repentance involves concrete actions to rectify wrongs. It underscores the principle that the bonds of kinship and covenant demand a higher standard of conduct, emphasizing unity, mercy, and the protection of the vulnerable over personal gain or triumphalism.

* [Isaiah 58:6](/isaiah/58-6 "Isaiah 58:6 - True Fasting and Justice")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Second Chronicles 28:11 stands as a timeless reminder that God's justice is comprehensive, extending beyond our immediate understanding of cause and effect. It challenges us to examine our own actions, even those that might appear justified by circumstances or perceived divine permission, to ensure they align with God's broader character of love, mercy, and justice. The Israelite army, in their moment of victory, lost sight of their covenant obligations and the humanity of their Judean "brethren." This warns us against the dangers of dehumanizing others, especially those with whom we share a common spiritual heritage or even just common humanity. We are called to be agents of reconciliation and liberation, not oppression, and to respond with humility and swift obedience when the Holy Spirit or God's Word convicts us of sin, especially when it involves injustice against others. Our compassion and willingness to make restitution are tangible expressions of our reverence for God and our commitment to His kingdom values, reflecting His heart for the vulnerable and oppressed.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **In what ways might I, or my community, be inadvertently contributing to injustice or holding others "captive" through attitudes, systems, or actions?**
* **How does the concept of "fierce wrath of the LORD" against injustice motivate me to pursue righteousness and advocate for the oppressed?**
* **What specific steps can I take to "deliver the captives again" in my own sphere of influence, whether it's through advocating for the marginalized, offering forgiveness, or making restitution for past wrongs?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of "brotherly" or "sisterly" responsibility towards all people, especially those who are different from me or with whom I have disagreements?**

### FAQ

**Why was God angry with Israel for taking captives, if Judah was being punished by God?**

Answer: While Judah was indeed being punished by God for King Ahaz's widespread idolatry and unfaithfulness, God's judgment against Judah did not grant Israel a license for unlimited cruelty or the permanent enslavement of their "brethren." The Mosaic Law had specific provisions against the permanent enslavement of fellow Israelites (e.g., [Leviticus 25:39-46](/leviticus/25-39-46 "Leviticus 25:39-46 - Laws Concerning Hebrew Servants")), emphasizing the unique covenant bond and shared heritage. Israel's actions went beyond God's intended purpose of chastisement for Judah, demonstrating a lack of compassion and a violation of the spirit of the covenant. God's "fierce wrath" was directed at Israel not for their victory, but for their excessive and unrighteous treatment of their own kin, turning a divinely permitted victory into a sinful act of oppression. This highlights that God's standards of justice and mercy apply universally, even to those He uses as instruments of His will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Second Chronicles 28:11, with its urgent call to release captives and avert divine wrath, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its rebellion against God, was held captive by sin and its consequences, facing the "fierce wrath" of a holy God (as seen in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")). Yet, unlike the Israelite army who brought wrath upon themselves, Jesus, the true "brother" in the ultimate sense, willingly entered our captivity (as described in [Hebrews 2:14-17](/hebrews/2-14-17 "Hebrews 2:14-17 - Jesus Shares in Humanity")). He did not take us captive but became captive to death itself, only to conquer it. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God's "fierce wrath" against sin, becoming the ultimate sacrifice and propitiation for our transgressions (as illuminated in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation") and [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Jesus, the Atoning Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work, He "delivered the captives" of sin, death, and the devil (as proclaimed in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness") and [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). He is the one who reconciles "brethren" (Jew and Gentile, and all who are in Him) into one family, breaking down walls of hostility (as powerfully described in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Oded's command for physical liberation foreshadows the spiritual liberation and reconciliation achieved by the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world and delivers us from the wrath to come.

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

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.