2 Chronicles 28:5

Translation
King James Version
Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Wherefore the LORD H3068 his God H430 delivered H5414 him into the hand H3027 of the king H4428 of Syria H758; and they smote H5221 him, and carried away H7617 a great multitude H1419 of them captives H7633, and brought H935 them to Damascus H1834. And he was also delivered H5414 into the hand H3027 of the king H4428 of Israel H3478, who smote H5221 him with a great H1419 slaughter H4347.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Because of this, ADONAI his God handed him over to the king of Aram; they attacked him and carried off from his people a great number of captives, bringing them to Dammesek. In addition, he was handed over to the king of Isra'el, who inflicted on him a great massacre.
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Berean Standard Bible
So the LORD his God delivered Ahaz into the hand of the king of Aram, who attacked him and took many captives to Damascus. Ahaz was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who struck him with great force.
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American Standard Version
Wherefore Jehovah his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away of his a great multitude of captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
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World English Bible Messianic
Therefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they struck him, and carried away of his a great multitude of captives, and brought them to Damascus. He was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who struck him with a great slaughter.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Wherefore the Lord his God deliuered him into the hand of the King of the Aramites, and they smote him, and tooke of his, many prisoners, and brought them to Damascus: and he was also deliuered into the hande of the King of Israel, which smote him with a great slaughter.
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Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah his God giveth him into the hand of the king of Aram, and they smite him, and take captive from him a great captivity, and bring them in to Damascus, and also into the hand of the king of Israel he hath been given, and he smiteth him--a great smiting.
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See also
Isaiah 7:12 Kings 16:52 Kings 16:62 Chronicles 24:242 Chronicles 33:11Isaiah 7:6Judges 2:14
See on the biblical-era map
Invasions of Judah during the Reign of Ahaz
Invasions of Judah during the Reign of Ahaz View full PDF
The Wars of Pekah
The Wars of Pekah View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 11,770 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

2 Chronicles 28:5 vividly narrates the immediate and severe divine judgment upon King Ahaz of Judah, whose profound wickedness and widespread idolatry provoked the Lord's righteous wrath. As a direct consequence of his apostasy and covenant unfaithfulness, God actively delivered Ahaz and his kingdom into the hands of two hostile powers: first, the king of Syria, who inflicted a significant military defeat and carried away a large multitude of captives to Damascus, and then, even more devastatingly, into the hand of the king of Israel, who wrought a great slaughter upon Judah. This verse starkly illustrates the principle of divine retribution for national and leadership unfaithfulness, emphasizing God's sovereignty over historical events and the direct correlation between obedience and blessing, or disobedience and curse.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse serves as the immediate and direct consequence of King Ahaz's egregious spiritual rebellion, as detailed in the preceding verses of 2 Chronicles 28. The Chronicler meticulously portrays Ahaz as one of Judah's most wicked kings, who "did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as David his father had done" (2 Chronicles 28:1). His offenses were grave and widespread, including making molten images for Baalim, burning his children as offerings in the horrific ritual of child sacrifice in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, and offering sacrifices and burning incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree (2 Chronicles 28:2-4). The explicit statement in verse 5, "Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him," directly links these severe military defeats to God's righteous judgment against Ahaz's profound apostasy. This connection emphasizes divine sovereignty over historical events and reinforces the Chronicler's overarching theological agenda: demonstrating the direct correlation between national obedience and blessing, or disobedience and curse, a recurring theme throughout the books of Chronicles.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: King Ahaz reigned over Judah from approximately 735-715 BC, a period marked by significant geopolitical instability in the ancient Near East. The attacks described in 2 Chronicles 28:5 are part of the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 734-732 BC). At this time, King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel formed an anti-Assyrian coalition and sought to compel Judah to join their alliance against the burgeoning Assyrian Empire. When Ahaz refused to participate, they invaded Judah with the explicit intention of replacing him with a puppet king, the "son of Tabeel" (Isaiah 7:6). Culturally, Ahaz's embrace of pagan practices, including the abhorrent act of child sacrifice, represented a direct adoption of the abominable customs of the Canaanite nations that God had explicitly commanded Israel to dispossess and avoid. This period also witnessed the rising dominance of the Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III, to whom Ahaz would later appeal for help, further demonstrating his profound lack of faith in the Lord and his reliance on foreign powers rather than divine protection (2 Kings 16:7-9). The Chronicler highlights that even these regional conflicts and the actions of foreign kings were instruments in God's hand for disciplining His unfaithful people.
  • Key Themes: The central theme powerfully articulated in 2 Chronicles 28:5 is Divine Judgment for Disobedience. The explicit declaration that "the LORD his God delivered him" underscores God's active, sovereign involvement in history, demonstrating that the calamities befalling Judah were not random misfortunes but direct, sovereign acts of divine retribution for Ahaz's profound unfaithfulness and rampant idolatry. This aligns perfectly with the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where disobedience leads to defeat by enemies, plague, and captivity. Closely related is the theme of Consequences of Idolatry and Apostasy. Ahaz's embrace of pagan worship, including the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, directly provoked God's wrath, bringing devastating punishment upon Judah in the form of military defeat, mass casualties, and the captivity of a "great multitude." This highlights the destructive impact of a leader's spiritual rebellion on an entire nation. Furthermore, the verse illustrates God's Sovereignty over Nations, showing that even the actions of foreign kings and geopolitical conflicts are under God's ultimate control and can be used as instruments of His discipline against His own people when they stray from His covenant.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Delivered (Hebrew, nâthan', H5414): The Hebrew verb נָתַן (nâthan, H5414), meaning "to give," "to place," or "to hand over," is crucial here. In this context, it signifies an active and intentional handing over by God. It is not merely a passive allowance of events but a deliberate act of divine judgment. This emphasizes God's direct agency and sovereignty over the unfolding calamities, making it clear that these defeats were not accidental but divinely orchestrated consequences of Ahaz's profound sin and covenant breaking.
  • Smote (Hebrew, nâkâh', H5221): The verb נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221), meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)," "to beat," "to kill," or "to slay," conveys a decisive and often violent act of inflicting defeat or injury. Its repetition in relation to both the Syrian and Israelite attacks underscores the severity, brutality, and finality of the military actions against Judah, indicating a comprehensive and painful defeat.
  • Great slaughter (Hebrew, makkâh gᵉdôlāh', H4347): This powerful phrase (מַכָּה גְדוֹלָה, makkâh H4347, gᵉdôlāh H1419) literally means "a great blow" or "a great striking." Makkâh denotes a blow, wound, or figurative carnage, while gᵉdôlāh intensifies it, meaning "great" in any sense, "exceeding," or "mighty." Together, they denote an immense loss of life, a devastating military rout, and a severe, catastrophic defeat. The use of "great" (גְדוֹלָה) intensifies the impact, highlighting the immense human cost of Ahaz's wickedness and God's severe judgment.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria;": The opening "Wherefore" (לָכֵן, lākēn) establishes a direct and undeniable cause-and-effect relationship between Ahaz's egregious wickedness (detailed in vv. 2-4) and the ensuing divine judgment. The phrase "the LORD his God" is profoundly significant; despite Ahaz's profound apostasy and rejection of God, God is still identified as Judah's covenant God, underscoring that the judgment comes from the very One who had chosen, blessed, and established a covenant relationship with them. "Delivered him into the hand" signifies God's active, sovereign role in empowering Judah's enemies, using them as instruments of His righteous discipline.
  • "and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought [them] to Damascus.": This clause meticulously details the specific, devastating consequences of the Syrian attack. "Smote him" indicates a decisive military defeat inflicted upon Judah. The carrying away of a "great multitude" as captives to Damascus, the capital of Syria, highlights the significant human, demographic, and economic toll of this initial judgment, severely weakening Judah's population and resources. This act of captivity was a direct fulfillment of covenant curses for disobedience.
  • "And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.": This second part of the verse describes a subsequent, and seemingly even more devastating, attack from the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The repetition of "delivered into the hand" powerfully reinforces God's continued and active agency in orchestrating these calamitous events. The phrase "smote him with a great slaughter" emphasizes the immense loss of life and the catastrophic nature of this particular defeat, indicating a more severe and deadly blow than the initial Syrian assault, underscoring the comprehensive and unrelenting nature of God's judgment.

Literary Devices

The Chronicler employs several potent literary devices in 2 Chronicles 28:5 to convey the gravity and theological significance of God's judgment. The most prominent is Divine Agency, explicitly stated and reinforced through the repeated phrase "the LORD his God delivered him." This direct attribution of the military defeats to God's action removes any ambiguity, establishing beyond doubt that these were not random misfortunes but divinely orchestrated consequences of Ahaz's profound sin. There is a clear Cause and Effect relationship, powerfully signaled by the opening "Wherefore" (לָכֵן, lākēn), which directly links Ahaz's preceding wickedness to the subsequent divine punishment. Parallelism is evident in the structure, presenting two distinct but similar acts of divine delivery into the hands of two different enemies (Syria and Israel), reinforcing the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the judgment. Furthermore, the use of Intensification through phrases like "great multitude" and especially "great slaughter" serves to emphasize the severe and devastating impact of these defeats, highlighting the immense human cost of Ahaz's unfaithfulness and the severity of God's righteous wrath.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

2 Chronicles 28:5 powerfully articulates the biblical principle of divine justice and the direct consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It reveals a God who is not passive in the face of rampant sin, particularly idolatry and the desecration of His covenant, even when committed by His chosen people and their leaders. The explicit statement that "the LORD his God delivered him" underscores God's active sovereignty over history and His willingness to use foreign nations as instruments of His righteous judgment. This verse serves as a stark reminder that spiritual rebellion, especially from those in positions of authority, has devastating repercussions not only for the individual but for the entire community. It highlights the serious nature of breaking faith with God and the reality that His discipline, though painful, is a just response to persistent sin, intended to call His people back to repentance and obedience.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

2 Chronicles 28:5 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, emphasizing the timeless truth that choices have consequences, and spiritual rebellion invites divine discipline. For those in leadership, whether in the church, family, or society, Ahaz's tragic example serves as a sobering warning: a leader's spiritual posture profoundly impacts those under their care. Compromise with sin, especially idolatry in any form (whether literal pagan worship or the modern worship of self, power, possessions, or ideologies), can lead to devastating outcomes for individuals, families, and entire communities. For all believers, this verse underscores the importance of unwavering faithfulness and the dangers of spiritual apathy or syncretism. God's character as a just and holy God means He will not tolerate persistent unfaithfulness. While His discipline is painful and severe, it is ultimately an act of His righteous governance and often His love, designed to call His people to repentance and to restore them to a right relationship with Him. We are called to examine our own lives for areas of compromise and to actively pursue genuine worship and obedience, trusting in God's steadfast love and His righteous governance over all things.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the explicit statement "the LORD his God delivered him" challenge our understanding of misfortune or suffering in our own lives or in the world around us?
  • What specific lessons can leaders (in any sphere—family, church, business, government) draw from Ahaz's reign and its immediate, devastating consequences for Judah?
  • In what ways might modern "idolatry" (e.g., materialism, self-worship, political ideologies, comfort, entertainment) invite divine discipline into our lives or societies today?
  • How can we cultivate a deeper, unwavering faithfulness to God that actively avoids the spiritual compromises seen in Ahaz and instead prioritizes His will and glory above all else?

FAQ

Why is God referred to as "the LORD his God" when Ahaz was so wicked?

Answer: The phrase "the LORD his God" (יְהוָה אֱלֹהָיו, Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym) is profoundly significant because it highlights God's enduring covenant relationship with Judah, even when the king himself is profoundly unfaithful. It underscores that the judgment comes from the very God who had chosen and blessed Israel and Judah, establishing a covenant with them at Sinai and promising to be their God (Exodus 19:5-6). This makes Ahaz's apostasy even more egregious—he was rebelling against the God who had faithfully sustained his people for centuries and to whom he, as king, was uniquely accountable. It also emphasizes God's sovereign ownership and authority over Judah, despite Ahaz's rebellion. The judgment is not from an arbitrary deity, but from the faithful, covenant-keeping God who holds His people accountable to the terms of their relationship. This language reminds the reader that God's actions are always rooted in His character and His covenant promises, whether in blessing or in discipline (Deuteronomy 28).

Who were the "king of Syria" and "king of Israel" mentioned here?

Answer: The "king of Syria" was Rezin, and the "king of Israel" was Pekah, son of Remaliah. These attacks were part of the historical conflict known as the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 734-732 BC). Rezin and Pekah formed an anti-Assyrian coalition and sought to compel Judah, under King Ahaz, to join them against the rising power of Assyria. When Ahaz refused, they invaded Judah with the intention of deposing him and installing a more compliant ruler, the "son of Tabeel" (Isaiah 7:1-6). While 2 Chronicles 28:5 does not explicitly name them, the subsequent verse, 2 Chronicles 28:6, explicitly names Pekah as the one who "slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers."

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The devastating judgment upon King Ahaz in 2 Chronicles 28:5 for his profound unfaithfulness and rampant idolatry powerfully foreshadows the ultimate consequences of sin, while simultaneously highlighting the radical contrast with the perfect obedience and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Ahaz, as a king, was meant to be a faithful steward of God's covenant, but his rebellion brought curses and devastation upon his people. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true and eternal King, perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and perfectly obeyed the Father, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). The "great slaughter" and captivity experienced by Judah under Ahaz's leadership illustrate the destructive power of sin and the just wrath of God against it. Yet, Christ, the Lamb of God, willingly became sin for us, bearing the full weight of God's judgment and the curse of the law, so that we might be delivered from spiritual captivity and receive righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13). Where Ahaz led his people into judgment and death, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, leads His people into reconciliation and eternal life, offering a deliverance far greater than any physical rescue from enemies (Romans 5:8). He is the faithful King who secures blessing, not judgment, for all who trust in Him, perfectly fulfilling the covenant that Ahaz so tragically broke and ushering in an everlasting kingdom of peace and righteousness (Isaiah 9:6-7).

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 28 verses 1–5

Never surely had a man greater opportunity of doing well than Ahaz had, finding things in a good posture, the kingdom rich and strong and religion established; and yet here we have him in these few verses, 1. Wretchedly corrupted and debauched. He had had a good education given him and a good example set him: but parents cannot give grace to their children. All the instructions he had were lost upon him: He did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord (Ch2 28:1), nay, he did a great deal that was wrong, a wrong to God, to his own soul, and to his people; he walked in the way of the revolted Israelites and the devoted Canaanites, made molten images and worshipped them, contrary to the second commandment; nay, he made them for Baalim, contrary to the first commandment. he forsook the temple of the Lord and sacrificed and burnt incense on the hills, as if they would place him nearer heaven, and under every green tree, as if they would signify the protection and influence of heaven by their shade and dropping. To complete his wickedness, as one perfectly divested of all natural affection as well as religion and perfectly devoted to the service and interest of the great enemy of mankind, he burnt his children in the fire to Moloch (Ch2 28:3), not thinking it enough to dedicate them to that infernal fiend by causing them to pass through the fire. See what an absolute sway the prince of the power of the air bears among the children of disobedience. 2. Wretchedly spoiled and made a prey of. When he forsook God, and at a vast expense put himself under the protection of false gods, God, who of right was his God, delivered him into the hands of his enemies, Ch2 28:5. (1.) The Syrians insulted him and triumphed over him, beat him in the field and carried away a great many of his people into captivity. (2.) The king of Israel, though an idolater too, was made a scourge to him, and smote him with a great slaughter. The people suffered by these judgments: their blood was shed, their country wasted, their families ruined; for when they had a good king, though they did corruptly (Ch2 27:2), yet then his goodness sheltered them; but now that they had a bad one all the defence had departed from them and an inundation of judgments broke in upon them. Those that knew not their happiness in the foregoing reign were taught to value it by the miseries of this reign.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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