2 Chronicles 29:10

KJV

Now [it is] in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now it is in mine heart {H3824} to make {H3772} a covenant {H1285} with the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, that his fierce {H2740} wrath {H639} may turn away {H7725} from us.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with ADONAI the God of Isra'el, so that his furious anger will turn away from us.

Berean Standard Bible

Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us.

American Standard Version

Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with Jehovah, the God of Israel, that his fierce anger may turn away from us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 29:10 captures King Hezekiah's profound and immediate spiritual resolve at the dawn of his reign. Recognizing the severe spiritual decline and national distress caused by his father King Ahaz's idolatry, Hezekiah declares his heartfelt and deliberate intention to re-establish Judah's covenant relationship with the LORD God of Israel. This resolute act was born from a clear understanding that only a genuine return to God could avert the divine wrath that had justly fallen upon the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal declaration at the very beginning of Hezekiah's reign, immediately following the devastating apostasy of his father, King Ahaz, detailed in [2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign"). Ahaz had not only tolerated but actively promoted idolatry, even sacrificing his own children and closing the doors of the Temple, plunging Judah into spiritual and national crisis. Hezekiah's statement in [2 Chronicles 29:10](/2_chronicles/29-10 "2 Chronicles 29:10 - Hezekiah's Covenant Resolve") is his personal commitment and the foundational motivation for the sweeping religious reforms that follow, beginning with the immediate cleansing and reconsecration of the Temple, as described in [2 Chronicles 29:3-5](/2_chronicles/29-3-5 "2 Chronicles 29:3-5 - Hezekiah Opens and Cleanses the Temple"). It sets the stage for a dramatic reversal of national fortunes and a return to covenant fidelity, contrasting sharply with the preceding spiritual decay.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judah, at this time, was a small kingdom caught between powerful empires, particularly the rising Assyrian Empire. King Ahaz had sought political alliances with Assyria, which often entailed adopting Assyrian religious practices and symbols, leading to widespread syncretism and the abandonment of exclusive worship of Yahweh. The Temple, the spiritual and national heart of Judah, had been desecrated and shut, symbolizing the broken relationship between God and His people. Hezekiah's declaration to "make a covenant" was not about creating a new agreement, but about renewing the foundational [Mosaic Covenant](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai") that defined Israel's identity and relationship with God. This act was a bold statement of national independence from foreign religious influence and a radical commitment to the ancestral faith, directly challenging the prevailing cultural and political norms of the era.

* **Key Themes:** Hezekiah's declaration contributes significantly to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Godly Leadership**, showcasing a king who prioritizes the spiritual well-being of his nation above all else, in stark contrast to his wicked predecessors. Secondly, it underscores the critical importance of **Covenant Fidelity and Renewal**. The nation's suffering was directly linked to their breach of the covenant, and Hezekiah's initiative emphasizes that true restoration comes through returning to God's established terms. Thirdly, the verse powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of **Divine Judgment and Mercy**. Hezekiah's recognition of God's "fierce wrath" (a consequence of sin) coupled with his pursuit of covenant renewal (a path to mercy) demonstrates that while God punishes disobedience, He is also willing to relent when His people genuinely repent, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 18:7-8](/jeremiah/18-7-8 "Jeremiah 18:7-8 - God's Willingness to Relent from Disaster"). Finally, it reinforces the centrality of the **Temple and Proper Worship** as essential for the spiritual health and prosperity of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** From H3824, this term refers to the totality of one's inner being—intellect, will, emotions, and conscience. In biblical thought, the "heart" is the seat of decision-making, intention, and moral character. Hezekiah's declaration that "it is in mine heart" signifies a deep, personal, sincere, and resolute decision, not merely a superficial or politically expedient thought. It speaks to the authenticity and depth of his spiritual commitment and the internal conviction driving his actions.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, this signifies a solemn, binding agreement between two parties, often involving promises, stipulations, and consequences for obedience or disobedience. In the context of Israel, "covenant" primarily refers to the Mosaic Covenant established at Sinai, which defined God's relationship with His chosen people. Hezekiah's intention "to make a covenant" is not to initiate a new one, but to renew and re-affirm the broken covenant that Judah had violated through idolatry, thereby seeking to restore the basis for God's blessing and presence.
* **fierce wrath (Hebrew, _chârôwn_ H2740, _ʼaph_ H639):** This powerful idiom, combining `chârôwn` (burning of anger, fierceness) and `ʼaph` (nose, face, then anger/wrath from rapid breathing in passion), literally conveys "burning of nose" or "burning anger." It vividly communicates the intense, consuming nature of God's righteous indignation and holy displeasure against sin and unfaithfulness. It is not an arbitrary outburst, but a just and deserved response to Judah's profound apostasy and covenant breaking, which had already manifested in national distress and military defeats.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now [it is] in mine heart":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the deeply personal and internal nature of Hezekiah's resolve. It is a conviction originating from his innermost being, signifying a genuine spiritual awakening and a firm, unshakeable decision to turn the nation back to God. This internal commitment is the wellspring of all his subsequent actions, demonstrating a king whose spiritual leadership flows from a transformed inner life.
* **"to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel":** This clause articulates Hezekiah's primary objective: to formally re-establish Judah's relationship with Yahweh (H3068), the covenant God of their ancestors, the God of Israel (H3478). This was a deliberate act of national repentance and re-dedication, acknowledging God's rightful sovereignty and Judah's obligation to obey His laws. It implies a commitment to cleanse the land of idolatry and restore proper worship according to the Mosaic Law, recognizing Yahweh as the one true God (H430).
* **"that his fierce wrath may turn away from us":** This final clause reveals the profound motivation behind Hezekiah's covenant renewal. He understood that Judah's widespread idolatry had provoked God's righteous anger, leading to national suffering and judgment. His aim was to seek God's mercy and avert further, potentially catastrophic, divine punishment, demonstrating a clear recognition of the dire consequences of sin and the redemptive power of repentance and a turning back (H7725) to God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. The phrase "in mine heart" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "heart" represents the entirety of Hezekiah's inner being—his will, intellect, and deepest intentions—emphasizing the sincerity and internal origin of his decision. The expression "fierce wrath" is a vivid **Idiom** (literally "burning of nose"), which powerfully communicates the intensity and consuming nature of God's righteous anger, underscoring the severity of Judah's sin. Furthermore, the verse establishes a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: Hezekiah's decision to "make a covenant" (cause) is directly linked to the desired outcome that God's "fierce wrath may turn away from us" (effect). This highlights the biblical principle that repentance and obedience can lead to divine mercy and restoration. The entire declaration also serves as a sharp **Contrast** to the preceding reign of King Ahaz, underscoring the dramatic shift in leadership and national direction, from apostasy to revival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hezekiah's declaration in 2 Chronicles 29:10 profoundly illustrates the biblical understanding of God's character, the nature of sin, and the path to restoration. It affirms God's holiness and justice, demonstrating that He will not tolerate persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness without consequence. Yet, it equally showcases His mercy and willingness to relent from judgment when His people genuinely repent and turn back to Him. The concept of covenant is central, highlighting that God's relationship with humanity is often framed by solemn agreements that carry both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Hezekiah's initiative underscores that true national and individual well-being is inextricably linked to fidelity to God and His commands.

* [Deuteronomy 30:1-10](/deuteronomy/30-1-10 "Deuteronomy 30:1-10 - Return to the LORD and Restoration")
* [Joel 2:12-14](/joel/2-12-14 "Joel 2:12-14 - A Call to Repentance and God's Compassion")
* [Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - God Relents from Disaster")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's resolute commitment in 2 Chronicles 29:10 offers timeless lessons for believers today, both individually and corporately. It calls us to a profound personal examination: Is our faith merely external observance, or does it stem from a sincere, "heartfelt" commitment to God? Just as Hezekiah recognized the dire consequences of Judah's spiritual drift, we too must acknowledge that sin, whether personal or societal, provokes God's righteous displeasure and carries tangible consequences. However, the verse also offers immense hope: God's "fierce wrath" can be turned away through genuine repentance and a renewed commitment to His covenant. This means actively turning from idols—anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—and embracing obedience to His Word. Furthermore, Hezekiah's example challenges leaders in all spheres—family, church, community—to prioritize spiritual integrity and boldly lead others toward a deeper relationship with God, recognizing the profound impact godly leadership can have on collective well-being and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of your life or your community's life might be provoking God's "fierce wrath," and what steps can be taken for genuine repentance?**
* **How does Hezekiah's "heart" resolve challenge us to move beyond superficial religious observance to deep, sincere commitment?**
* **In what ways can we, like Hezekiah, prioritize the spiritual well-being of those under our influence (family, church, workplace)?**

### FAQ
**What was the "fierce wrath" Hezekiah was trying to avert?**

Answer: The "fierce wrath" Hezekiah sought to avert was God's righteous judgment and holy indignation against Judah's widespread idolatry, covenant breaking, and spiritual apostasy under his father, King Ahaz. This wrath had already manifested in various forms of national distress, including military defeats, loss of life, and humiliation at the hands of enemies like the Arameans and the Israelites (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 28:5-6](/2_chronicles/28-5-6 "2 Chronicles 28:5-6 - Defeat by Aram and Israel")). Hezekiah understood that continued unfaithfulness would lead to further, potentially complete, devastation of the nation, as seen in the later exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and eventually Judah itself. His motivation was to restore God's favor and protection over His people.

**Why was "making a covenant" so important for Hezekiah?**

Answer: For Hezekiah, "making a covenant" was crucial because Israel's entire national identity and relationship with God were founded upon the [Mosaic Covenant](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai") established at Mount Sinai. This covenant outlined God's laws, promises of blessing for obedience, and warnings of curses for disobedience. Under King Ahaz, Judah had severely violated this covenant through widespread idolatry and neglect of the Temple. Therefore, Hezekiah's initiative was not to establish a *new* covenant, but to *renew* and re-affirm the existing, broken one. It was a formal, public declaration of Judah's commitment to return to exclusive worship of the LORD and obedience to His commands, thereby restoring the basis for God's blessings, protection, and presence among His people. It was an act of national repentance and re-dedication, demonstrating a profound understanding of Judah's spiritual heritage and destiny.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's heartfelt resolve to make a covenant and turn away God's fierce wrath foreshadows the ultimate and perfect covenant established through Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah's covenant renewal provided a temporary reprieve for Judah, it could not definitively remove the root cause of God's wrath: human sin. The Mosaic Covenant, though holy and good, revealed sin but could not ultimately atone for it (cf. [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "The Law Reveals Sin")). Jesus, however, is the mediator of a "better covenant, founded on better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "The Superior New Covenant")), the New Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The Promise of the New Covenant")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Christ became the ultimate Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world and absorbing the "fierce wrath" of God that humanity justly deserved ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")). The "heart" transformation Hezekiah desired for his people is fully realized in the New Covenant, where God promises to put His laws in our minds and write them on our hearts, giving us a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, Hezekiah's act of covenant renewal points forward to the definitive and eternal covenant of grace, through which believers are reconciled to God, not by their own resolve, but by the perfect work of Christ, who became sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")).

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

Jeremiah 50:5

They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, [saying], Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant [that] shall not be forgotten.

2 Chronicles 23:16

And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.

Ezra 10:3

Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.

2 Kings 23:26

Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal.

Nehemiah 9:38

And because of all this we make a sure [covenant], and write [it]; and our princes, Levites, [and] priests, seal [unto it].

Nehemiah 10:39

For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where [are] the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

Jeremiah 34:18

And I will give the men that have transgressed my covenant, which have not performed the words of the covenant which they had made before me, when they cut the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof,