2 Chronicles 28:13

KJV

And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the LORD [already], ye intend to add [more] to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and [there is] fierce wrath against Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559} unto them, Ye shall not bring in {H935} the captives {H7633} hither: for whereas we have offended {H819} against the LORD {H3068} already, ye intend {H559} to add {H3254} more to our sins {H2403} and to our trespass {H819}: for our trespass {H819} is great {H7227}, and there is fierce {H2740} wrath {H639} against Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

saying to them, "Don't bring the captives here, because you intend to do something that will bring guilt on us against ADONAI. It will only add to our sins and guilt, for our guilt is great, and there is fierce anger against Isra'el."

Berean Standard Bible

“You must not bring the captives here,” they said, “for you are proposing to bring guilt upon us from the LORD and to add to our sins and our guilt. For our guilt is great, and fierce anger is upon Israel.”

American Standard Version

and said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for ye purpose that which will bring upon us a trespass against Jehovah, to add unto our sins and to our trespass; for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Chronicles 28:13, the prophet Oded delivers a potent and urgent warning to the victorious Northern Kingdom of Israel, who had just defeated Judah and taken a vast number of captives. He confronts the returning army at Samaria, emphatically forbidding them from bringing their Judean brethren into slavery. Oded argues that Israel's victory was permitted by God due to Judah's existing sins, and that for Israel to now enslave their kin would be to compound their own already great transgressions, further intensifying the fierce wrath of the LORD against them. This verse encapsulates a critical prophetic intercession that averted a major humanitarian and theological crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the narrative of King Ahaz's reign in Judah (2 Chronicles 28). Following Judah's devastating defeat by Israel under King Pekah, where 120,000 Judean soldiers were killed and 200,000 women, sons, and daughters were taken captive along with abundant spoil ([2 Chronicles 28:5-8](/2_chronicles/28-5 "2 Chronicles 28:5-8 - Israel Defeats Judah")), the Israelite army returns to Samaria. As they approach, the prophet Oded, along with several prominent Ephraimite leaders, confronts them. Oded's initial rebuke in [2 Chronicles 28:9-11](/2_chronicles/28-9 "2 Chronicles 28:9-11 - Oded's Rebuke") reminds Israel that Judah's defeat was due to God's anger, not Israel's righteousness, and warns against adding to their own guilt by oppressing their brothers. Verse 13 is the culmination of this prophetic plea, a direct command not to bring in the captives, emphasizing the severe spiritual consequences of such an act. The immediate literary consequence, found in [2 Chronicles 28:14-15](/2_chronicles/28-14 "2 Chronicles 28:14-15 - The Captives are Released"), is the army's obedience and the compassionate care and release of the captives.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 28 unfold during the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 735-732 BC), a period of intense political and military turmoil in the ancient Near East. Judah, under King Ahaz, was caught between the rising Assyrian empire and a coalition of Israel (Ephraim) and Aram (Syria). Despite the political division between the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) since the schism after Solomon's reign, a strong sense of shared identity as "brethren" (descendants of Jacob/Israel) persisted, rooted in their common covenant with Yahweh. The practice of taking captives and spoils was common in ancient warfare, often leading to enslavement. However, Mosaic Law contained specific provisions regarding the treatment of fellow Israelites, prohibiting permanent enslavement and mandating their release in the Year of Jubilee ([Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Treatment of Fellow Israelites")). Oded's warning appeals to this deeper covenantal and familial bond, highlighting that even in conflict, certain ethical boundaries, especially concerning kin, must not be crossed, lest God's wrath be further provoked.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Wrath**, revealing God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His severe displeasure with sin, particularly the oppression of the vulnerable and covenant brethren. The phrase "fierce wrath against Israel" emphasizes the gravity of their existing spiritual state. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Brotherhood**, as Oded reminds Israel of their shared heritage with Judah, appealing to a higher standard of conduct than mere wartime custom. This call for compassion reflects the Mosaic Law's emphasis on mercy towards fellow Israelites, even in times of conflict, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 24:7](/deuteronomy/24-7 "Deuteronomy 24:7 - Prohibition of Kidnapping"). Thirdly, the verse warns of the **Cumulative Nature of Sin and its Consequences**. Israel's victory over Judah was a result of Judah's sin, but Israel's intent to enslave their kin would only "add more to our sins and to our trespass," demonstrating that one sin can lead to another, deepening divine displeasure. Finally, it exemplifies the crucial role of the **Prophetic Voice** in ancient Israel, as Oded fearlessly speaks truth to power, calling the nation to repentance and adherence to God's righteous standards, even when it challenged the spoils of victory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _ma'al_):** This term signifies an act of unfaithfulness, treachery, or sacrilege, often implying a breach of trust or covenant with God. It suggests a profound offense against divine standards, particularly in matters related to sacred things or covenant obligations. In this context, Israel's existing _ma'al_ was great, and taking their Judean brethren captive would constitute a further act of unfaithfulness against the spirit of the covenant that bound them as God's people.
* **Fierce Wrath (Hebrew, _charon aph_):** Literally translating to "burning nose" or "burning anger," this idiom denotes intense, passionate, and righteous divine indignation. It is a strong expression of God's severe displeasure and impending judgment against sin. The prophet Oded uses this phrase to convey the extreme gravity of Israel's existing spiritual state and the dire consequences if they were to compound their sins by enslaving their kin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither:"** This is the prophet Oded's direct, authoritative command to the returning Israelite army. It is an immediate, unequivocal prohibition against bringing the Judean captives into Samaria, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation. This command is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative delivered through God's messenger.
* **"for whereas we have offended against the LORD [already],"** Oded acknowledges that Israel's apparent victory over Judah was not a sign of their own righteousness, but rather a consequence of Judah's prior transgressions against the LORD. The "we" here likely refers to both Israel and Judah as a collective people of God who have sinned, or perhaps Israel acknowledging their own culpability that allowed God to use them as an instrument of judgment against Judah. This sets the theological premise: God's hand was in the defeat, but not as an endorsement of Israel's character.
* **"ye intend to add [more] to our sins and to our trespass:"** This clause reveals the core of Oded's warning: the proposed act of enslaving their Judean brethren would not be an isolated incident but would actively compound and intensify Israel's existing burden of sin and unfaithfulness (_ma'al_). It implies a cumulative effect of disobedience, where one wrong action precipitates another, deepening the nation's spiritual debt before God.
* **"for our trespass is great, and [there is] fierce wrath against Israel."** This final declaration serves as the ultimate justification and dire warning. Oded emphasizes that Israel's current state of _ma'al_ (unfaithfulness/trespass) is already profound, and as a direct consequence, God's intense, burning anger (_charon aph_) is already directed against them. To add to their sins would be to invite an even greater manifestation of this divine wrath, potentially leading to catastrophic judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Prophetic Rebuke** is central, as Oded directly confronts the victorious army, challenging their actions based on divine principles rather than military custom. The repeated use of terms like "sins" and "trespass" (or "offended" and "trespass") creates a sense of **Repetition** and emphasis, underscoring the cumulative and grave nature of Israel's transgressions. The phrase "fierce wrath" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, vividly portraying the intensity of God's anger and the dire consequences awaiting Israel if they persist in their sin. Furthermore, Oded's address carries a strong **Rhetorical Question** implicitly: "Do you truly want to make our already dire situation even worse by further provoking God's wrath?" This rhetorical force aims to shock the listeners into immediate repentance and change of action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning in 2 Chronicles 28:13 resonates deeply with core biblical themes of divine justice, the sanctity of covenant relationships, and the call to compassion. God's wrath is not arbitrary but a righteous response to sin, particularly when His people violate the principles of justice and mercy towards one another. Oded's intervention highlights that even in times of political strife, the spiritual bond of brotherhood among God's people transcends national boundaries, demanding a higher standard of conduct than what might be common in secular warfare. The act of enslaving fellow Israelites was a profound breach of the Mosaic Law and the covenant, demonstrating a lack of faith and love. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God holds His people accountable for their actions, and that compounding sin only deepens His righteous indignation, potentially leading to severe judgment. It underscores the importance of heeding prophetic warnings and choosing mercy over self-interest.

* [Deuteronomy 24:7](/deuteronomy/24-7 "Deuteronomy 24:7 - Prohibition of Kidnapping")
* [Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Treatment of Fellow Israelites")
* [Isaiah 58:6-7](/isaiah/58-6 "Isaiah 58:6-7 - True Fasting and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prophet Oded's courageous confrontation in 2 Chronicles 28:13 offers profound lessons for believers today. It calls us to a radical self-awareness regarding our own sinfulness, recognizing that our actions, even those seemingly justified by circumstances, can compound our spiritual debt before God. Just as Israel was warned against adding to their "great trespass," we too must be vigilant against the subtle ways we might accumulate guilt, whether through negligence, unconfessed sin, or a lack of compassion. This passage also serves as a powerful reminder of the imperative to practice mercy and compassion, especially towards those within the household of faith, even when disagreements or divisions arise. Our shared identity in Christ should always supersede any human distinctions or conflicts, compelling us to act with grace and love, rather than exploitation or oppression. Finally, Oded's prophetic voice challenges us to listen intently to God's warnings, whether delivered through Scripture, wise counsel, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and to respond with immediate repentance and obedience, thereby averting further divine displeasure and experiencing the fullness of God's grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "adding to my sins and to my trespass" through unexamined actions or attitudes?**
* **How does my understanding of God's "fierce wrath" against sin motivate me to pursue holiness and repentance?**
* **Am I demonstrating compassion and mercy towards fellow believers, especially those with whom I might have disagreements or who are in vulnerable positions?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sensitivity to the "prophetic voice" of God in my life, whether through Scripture, community, or personal conviction?**

### FAQ
**Why was Israel warned against taking captives when this was a common practice in ancient warfare?**

Answer: While taking captives was indeed a common practice in ancient warfare, Oded's warning in 2 Chronicles 28:13 highlights a crucial distinction: the captives were fellow Israelites from Judah. The Mosaic Law contained specific provisions regarding the treatment of fellow Hebrews, prohibiting their permanent enslavement and mandating their release in the Year of Jubilee ([Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Treatment of Fellow Israelites")). Furthermore, the spirit of the covenant emphasized brotherhood and compassion among God's people. Oded reminds Israel that their victory was permitted by God due to Judah's sins, not because Israel was righteous. To then oppress their "brethren" would be a profound act of unfaithfulness and a direct violation of God's commands, adding to Israel's already significant "trespass" and provoking further divine wrath. It was a call to prioritize covenant loyalty and familial mercy over the spoils of war.

**What was the outcome of Oded's warning? Did the Israelite army obey?**

Answer: Yes, remarkably, the Israelite army and their leaders did obey Oded's warning. The very next verses in the narrative, [2 Chronicles 28:14-15](/2_chronicles/28-14 "2 Chronicles 28:14-15 - The Captives are Released"), describe how the armed men released the captives and the spoil before the princes and the assembly. Furthermore, some of the prominent leaders of Ephraim, acting on Oded's counsel, took the captives, clothed them from the spoil, provided them with food and drink, anointed them, and even carried the feeble among them on donkeys. They then brought them back to Jericho, the city of palm trees, and returned them to their brethren. This act of compassion and obedience, driven by prophetic conviction, stands as a rare and powerful example of national repentance and adherence to divine instruction in a time of widespread apostasy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The fierce wrath against Israel, stemming from their great trespass, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity's "great trespass" is our universal sinfulness, which separates us from a holy God and incurs His righteous wrath ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All have sinned") and [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The wages of sin is death")). Just as Oded warned Israel against compounding their sin, Christ came to bear the full weight of our accumulated sin, preventing us from adding to our condemnation. He became the ultimate Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and redeeming us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ redeems us from the curse of the law")). The compassion shown by the Ephraimite leaders in releasing the captives foreshadows the spiritual liberation offered by Christ, who delivers us from the domain of darkness and transfers us to the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from darkness to light")). Through Christ, the "fierce wrath" against humanity is propitiated, and we are reconciled to God, no longer captives to sin but adopted as beloved children, demonstrating the ultimate act of divine mercy and brotherhood.

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

Matthew 23:32

Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Numbers 32:14

And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers' stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel.

Matthew 23:35

That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Joshua 22:17

[Is] the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD,

Joshua 22:18

But that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD? and it will be, [seeing] ye rebel to day against the LORD, that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel.