2 Chronicles 28:6

KJV

¶ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

For Pekah {H6492} the son {H1121} of Remaliah {H7425} slew {H2026} in Judah {H3063} an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} in one {H259} day {H3117}, which were all valiant {H2428} men {H1121}; because they had forsaken {H5800} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For Pekach the son of Remalyah killed in Y'hudah 120,000 men in one day, all of them brave men, because they had abandoned ADONAI, the God of their ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

For in one day Pekah son of Remaliah killed 120,000 valiant men in Judah. This happened because they had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers.

American Standard Version

For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah a hundred and twenty thousand in one day, all of them valiant men; because they had forsaken Jehovah, the God of their fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 28:6 records a devastating military defeat for the kingdom of Judah at the hands of Pekah, king of Israel, during the apostate reign of King Ahaz. This verse details the catastrophic loss of 120,000 "valiant men" in a single day, a profound national tragedy explicitly attributed not to the superior strength of the enemy, but to Judah's profound spiritual unfaithfulness and their deliberate "forsaking the LORD God of their fathers." It stands as a stark testament to the severe and immediate consequences of covenant disobedience and idolatry within the Old Testament narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the Chronicler's account of King Ahaz's reign in [2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - The Reign of King Ahaz"), a chapter characterized by a relentless depiction of Ahaz's profound wickedness and its direct, devastating repercussions for Judah. Immediately preceding this calamitous event, the text meticulously details Ahaz's egregious idolatrous practices, including the abhorrent act of making molten images for Baal and offering his own sons as burnt sacrifices in the Valley of Hinnom, explicitly stating that he "transgressed grievously against the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 28:2-4](/2_chronicles/28-2-4 "2 Chronicles 28:2-4 - Ahaz's Idolatry and Transgression")). The military defeat described in verse 6 serves as the immediate and severe divine judgment for this apostasy. Following this verse, the narrative continues to unfold the further calamities that befell Judah, including the taking of many women, sons, and daughters as captives by Israel, and their subsequent release due to the prophetic intervention of Oded ([2 Chronicles 28:8-15](/2_chronicles/28-8-15 "2 Chronicles 28:8-15 - Captives Released by Oded")). The Chronicler's consistent theological framework, which directly links Judah's spiritual fidelity to its national well-being or decline, makes this verse a pivotal illustration of immediate divine retribution for covenant unfaithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - The Reign of King Ahaz") and specifically verse 6, are set during the tumultuous Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 735-732 BC). During this period, Ahaz, king of Judah, faced a formidable coalition led by Pekah, king of Israel, and Rezin, king of Syria. Their objective was to coerce Judah into joining their anti-Assyrian alliance. Rather than heeding the prophet Isaiah's counsel to trust in the Lord ([Isaiah 7:1-9](/isaiah/7-1-9 "Isaiah 7:1-9 - Isaiah's Counsel to Ahaz")), Ahaz chose to appeal to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for military assistance, a decision that ultimately led to Judah's subjugation and tribute to Assyria ([2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7-9 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz's Appeal to Assyria")). The "valiant men" (Hebrew: *chayil*) mentioned in the verse were the elite, most capable warriors of Judah, their loss representing an unparalleled blow to the kingdom's military strength and national security. The broader cultural context reveals a pervasive syncretism in Judah, where the worship of Yahweh was increasingly compromised by pagan practices, leading to the divine judgment expressed through military defeat—a common covenant curse explicitly outlined in the Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 28:25](/deuteronomy/28-25 "Deuteronomy 28:25 - Defeat by Enemies")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes that permeate the books of Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the **consequences of disobedience**, vividly illustrating that turning away from God's covenant results in severe judgment and national calamity. The staggering loss of life is presented as direct divine retribution for Judah's profound apostasy, aligning perfectly with the warnings articulated within the Mosaic covenant ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Secondly, the theme of **divine sovereignty and judgment** is prominently displayed, as God actively uses Pekah and the northern kingdom of Israel as instruments of His righteous discipline against Judah, despite Israel's own unrighteousness. This underscores God's ultimate control over the destinies of nations and the course of history ([Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Instrument")). Finally, the verse profoundly emphasizes the **severity of spiritual apostasy**, demonstrating that Judah's deliberate act of "forsaking the LORD God of their fathers" was not a minor transgression but a fundamental betrayal of their covenant relationship, warranting a devastating and inescapable response that no human strength or military might could possibly avert.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slew (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** This primitive root signifies "to smite with deadly intent," encompassing actions such as destroying, killing, murdering, or making slaughter. In the context of 2 Chronicles 28:6, it underscores the violent, decisive, and lethal nature of the defeat inflicted by Pekah, resulting in the massive casualty count. It emphasizes the direct and fatal impact of the battle.
* **Valiant (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This term refers to a force, whether of men, means, or other resources, denoting strength, valor, and military prowess. When applied to men, it describes mighty warriors, heroes, or capable individuals. The fact that 120,000 *chayil* were slain in one day highlights the overwhelming nature of Judah's defeat and the profound loss of its most skilled and courageous defenders, demonstrating that even their greatest human strength was utterly ineffective against divine judgment.
* **Forsaken (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This verb means "to loosen," "to relinquish," "to abandon," "to desert," or "to neglect." In a theological sense, it describes a deliberate and conscious act of turning away from a relationship, a duty, or a covenant. Here, it precisely captures Judah's willful breach of their covenant with Yahweh, choosing idolatry and unfaithfulness over loyalty to the God who had historically established, protected, and blessed them. It implies an active, conscious rejection rather than a passive drifting away.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah":** This initial clause identifies the specific human agent of the calamity, Pekah, the king of Israel, and the geographical location where this devastating event transpired—within the territory of Judah. It establishes the immediate, visible cause of the disaster as a military invasion from the northern kingdom.
* **"an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men":** This segment vividly conveys the shocking scale and intensity of the defeat. The figure of 120,000 represents an immense and catastrophic loss of life, made even more significant by the qualification that these were "all valiant men," indicating the decimation of Judah's most capable and courageous military personnel. The phrase "in one day" emphasizes the swiftness, totality, and overwhelming nature of the judgment, allowing no opportunity for prolonged resistance or strategic recovery.
* **"because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.":** This is the crucial theological explanation provided by the Chronicler for the preceding military catastrophe. It explicitly states that the devastating defeat was not merely a consequence of strategic miscalculation or superior enemy might, but a direct divine judgment upon Judah for their deliberate and profound apostasy. The appellation "the LORD God of their fathers" serves to underscore the depth of their covenant relationship, highlighting the immense severity of their betrayal against the God who had historically guided, delivered, and protected their ancestors through generations.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices to underscore the profound gravity and theological significance of Judah's situation. The staggering figure of "an hundred and twenty thousand in one day" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, not necessarily to imply numerical inaccuracy, but to powerfully convey the overwhelming, unprecedented, and utterly devastating nature of the defeat, thereby emphasizing the totality of God's judgment. The phrase "all valiant men" utilizes **Emphasis** to highlight that even Judah's strongest, most skilled, and courageous warriors were utterly powerless against the divine decree, thereby magnifying the severity of the judgment and demonstrating the futility of human strength when God's favor is withdrawn. Most significantly, the verse employs a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship, directly linking Judah's act of "forsaking the LORD God of their fathers" to the catastrophic military loss. This explicit causal statement is a hallmark of the Chronicler's theological perspective, where obedience invariably brings blessing and disobedience inevitably brings judgment, effectively serving as a **Didactic Statement** designed to instruct the reader on the immutable principles of divine justice and covenant fidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 28:6 stands as a potent theological declaration concerning the dire consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It powerfully reinforces the Deuteronomic principle that national prosperity, security, and well-being are inextricably linked to a nation's obedience to God's commands, while apostasy inevitably invites divine judgment and calamity. The Chronicler consistently articulates this retributive theology throughout his work, aiming to instruct the post-exilic community of Judah on the paramount importance of unwavering fidelity to Yahweh. This verse vividly demonstrates God's active and sovereign involvement in human history, illustrating His willingness to use even unrighteous nations as instruments of His righteous discipline for His covenant people. It underscores that God's justice is not arbitrary but a righteous and proportionate response to deliberate rebellion against His established covenant, thereby emphasizing the profound seriousness with which God views idolatry, spiritual abandonment, and the breaking of sacred vows.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:14-17](/leviticus/26-14-17 "Leviticus 26:14-17 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Instrument")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate context of 2 Chronicles 28:6 addresses national judgment under the Old Covenant, its underlying principles offer profound and enduring lessons for believers today. The verse serves as a sobering reminder that spiritual fidelity is of supreme importance, and that any turning away from God—whether through overt rebellion, subtle neglect, or the adoption of worldly values—carries significant consequences for our individual lives, our relationships, and our spiritual well-being. It challenges us to engage in honest introspection, examining our own hearts for any areas where we might be "forsaking the LORD," prioritizing temporal pursuits, personal desires, or cultural trends above our covenant relationship with Him. This passage calls for a proactive and unwavering commitment to diligently seeking God, earnestly repenting of sin, and intentionally aligning our lives with His revealed will, trusting that His ultimate desire is always for our good and spiritual flourishing, even when His discipline becomes necessary. Furthermore, it encourages a sober recognition that our personal choices and actions have far-reaching ripple effects, not only individually but within our families, communities, and spheres of influence, urging us to live lives that consistently honor God and lovingly draw others towards Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly "forsaking the LORD," allowing other priorities to eclipse my relationship with Him?**
* **How does this verse deepen my understanding of God's justice and His active, sovereign involvement in the consequences that flow from human choices?**
* **What concrete steps can I take to cultivate a deeper and more consistent faithfulness, ensuring that my daily life truly reflects my unwavering commitment to "the LORD God of my fathers"?**

### FAQ
**Was God unjust in allowing such a massive loss of life in 2 Chronicles 28:6?**

Answer: From the Chronicler's theological perspective, this devastating loss was not an act of injustice but a righteous and necessary act of divine judgment. The verse explicitly provides the rationale: "because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers." This refers to Judah's widespread and deliberate idolatry, which included the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, during the wicked reign of King Ahaz ([2 Chronicles 28:2-4](/2_chronicles/28-2-4 "2 Chronicles 28:2-4 - Ahaz's Wickedness")). According to the terms of the Mosaic covenant, such profound unfaithfulness carried severe and pre-warned consequences, including military defeat and national calamity ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Covenant Curses")). Therefore, the judgment, though undeniably severe in its scope and impact, was understood as a just and proportionate consequence for their profound rebellion against the God who had graciously delivered, sustained, and covenanted with them.

**How does "forsaking the LORD" manifest in our lives today, given that we do not experience literal military defeat for sin?**

Answer: While believers today no longer live under the Old Covenant's national retributive system that linked specific sins directly to military defeat, the underlying spiritual principle of "forsaking the LORD" remains profoundly relevant. In contemporary life, this can manifest as spiritual apathy, prioritizing worldly success, material possessions, or fleeting pleasures over a vibrant relationship with God, neglecting essential spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and corporate worship, engaging in persistent sinful behaviors, or allowing modern "idols" (e.g., money, power, relationships, self-gratification, social media) to usurp God's rightful place of preeminence in our hearts. The consequences, though not necessarily military defeat, can include spiritual barrenness, fractured relationships, moral decay, a profound loss of inner peace, and a diminished sense of God's active presence and blessing in our lives ([Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 28:6, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment meted out for "forsaking the LORD," powerfully illuminates humanity's desperate need for a new covenant and a fundamentally new way of relating to God—a need ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's recurring cycle of sin, judgment, and temporary restoration vividly reveals humanity's inherent inability to perfectly uphold the Law and consistently avoid the spiritual catastrophe of "forsaking the LORD." Jesus, however, stands as the unique and perfect fulfillment, having flawlessly upheld the Law and never once forsaken the Father, even to the ultimate point of obedient death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). He is the ultimate "valiant man," not in a battle against human adversaries, but in His decisive triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Through saving faith in Him, believers are miraculously no longer subject to the curses of the Law for their inherent unfaithfulness, but are graciously brought into a new covenant of grace, where their sins are completely forgiven and God's Holy Spirit indwells them, empowering true obedience and preventing them from ever truly "forsaking" Him again ([Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10-12 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant Promises")). The severe judgment witnessed in [2 Chronicles 28:6](/2_chronicles/28-6 "2 Chronicles 28:6 - Judgment for Forsaking the Lord") thus points forward to the infinitely greater judgment for sin that Christ bore on our behalf, offering us profound reconciliation with God and the promise of eternal life, ensuring that we, as His redeemed people, might never again be separated from "the LORD God of our fathers" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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

2 Kings 15:27

In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, [and reigned] twenty years.

Isaiah 9:21

Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: [and] they together [shall be] against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

2 Kings 16:5

¶ Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome [him].

Deuteronomy 28:25

The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

Jeremiah 2:19

Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that [it is] an evil [thing] and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear [is] not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Isaiah 1:28

And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners [shall be] together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed.

Joshua 23:16

When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.