2 Chronicles 29:8

KJV

Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore the wrath {H7110} of the LORD {H3068} was upon Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389}, and he hath delivered {H5414} them to trouble {H2189}{H2113}, to astonishment {H8047}, and to hissing {H8322}, as ye see {H7200} with your eyes {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Because of this, ADONAI's anger has settled on Y'hudah and Yerushalayim; and he has made them an object of horror, astonishment and mocking - as you can see with your own eyes.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, the wrath of the LORD has fallen upon Judah and Jerusalem, and He has made them an object of terror, horror, and mockery, as you can see with your own eyes.

American Standard Version

Wherefore the wrath of Jehovah was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to be tossed to and fro, to be an astonishment, and a hissing, as ye see with your eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Hezekiah, in the inaugural year of his reign, delivers a stark and sobering assessment of Judah's spiritual state, attributing the nation's visible distress and humiliation directly to the righteous wrath of the LORD. This verse serves as a foundational declaration, explaining the dire consequences of Judah and Jerusalem's prolonged apostasy under previous kings, particularly his father Ahaz, and setting the urgent stage for Hezekiah's sweeping religious reforms and the subsequent national revival. The king's words are not merely an indictment but a powerful call to acknowledge the severity of their condition, recognizing God's just hand in their suffering, and thereby prompting a return to covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is uttered by King Hezekiah in the very first month of his reign, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 29](/2-chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms"). Immediately upon ascending the throne, Hezekiah distinguishes himself from his idolatrous father, Ahaz, by prioritizing the restoration of true worship. The preceding chapter, [2 Chronicles 28](/2-chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - The Reign of Ahaz"), details Ahaz's egregious sins, including closing the doors of the Temple, erecting altars to foreign gods, and even sacrificing his own children. Hezekiah's address to the Levites and priests in [2 Chronicles 29:5-7](/2-chronicles/29-5 "2 Chronicles 29:5-7 - Hezekiah's Call to Consecration") directly precedes this verse, where he explicitly links their fathers' unfaithfulness to God's wrath. Verse 8, therefore, functions as the explicit theological justification and urgent motivation for the immediate cleansing and reconsecration of the Temple, which begins in [2 Chronicles 29:15](/2-chronicles/29-15 "2 Chronicles 29:15 - Cleansing the Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judah in Hezekiah's time was a vassal state, heavily influenced and often threatened by the powerful Assyrian Empire. The reign of Ahaz had seen significant military defeats at the hands of Aram and Israel ([2 Chronicles 28:5-6](/2-chronicles/28-5 "2 Chronicles 28:5-6 - Defeat by Aram and Israel")), and later, Judah was forced to pay tribute to Assyria ([2 Chronicles 28:20-21](/2-chronicles/28-20 "2 Chronicles 28:20-21 - Ahaz's Alliance with Assyria")). The "trouble, astonishment, and hissing" Hezekiah references were not abstract concepts but the tangible humiliation of national subjugation, economic hardship, and the scorn of surrounding nations. Culturally, the syncretism introduced by Ahaz had deeply corrupted Judah's religious practices, blending Yahwism with pagan rituals, including child sacrifice and the worship of Baal and Molech. Hezekiah's call was a radical departure from this prevailing apostasy, aiming to restore the covenant relationship with Yahweh as the sole God of Israel, a move that would have significant political and social ramifications.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout 2 Chronicles and the Deuteronomistic history. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Retribution and Consequence**, demonstrating that God's covenant with Israel included both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The "wrath of the LORD" is not arbitrary but a just response to persistent **Covenant Unfaithfulness** and widespread **Idolatry**. The visible "trouble, astonishment, and hissing" serve as clear evidence of this divine judgment, highlighting the theme of **God's Sovereignty over Nations** and His active involvement in human history. Hezekiah's recognition of this judgment also introduces the critical theme of **National Repentance and Revival**, emphasizing that acknowledging sin and turning back to God is the prerequisite for restoration and divine favor, a recurring motif in the Chronicler's narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _'aph'_):** This term literally means "nose" or "nostril," but idiomatically refers to anger, especially a settled, intense indignation often accompanied by snorting or heavy breathing. When applied to God, it signifies His righteous, holy displeasure against sin and rebellion. It is not an uncontrolled outburst but a just and deserved response to covenant breaking and idolatry, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His holiness and justice. The presence of God's wrath indicates a serious breach in the relationship between Him and His people.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _nathan'_):** While a common verb meaning "to give" or "to place," in this context, it carries the weight of "to hand over" or "to abandon" to a particular fate. It implies God's active agency in allowing or orchestrating the consequences that befell Judah. It underscores that their suffering was not accidental or merely a result of bad luck, but a direct consequence permitted by God as a form of judgment, a deliberate act of divine discipline.
* **Trouble, astonishment, and hissing (Hebrew, _za'avah_, _shammah_, _shereqah'_):** This trio of terms is a powerful and frequently used prophetic idiom to describe utter devastation, desolation, and public disgrace.
* **Trouble (_za'avah_):** Suggests terror, dread, or an object of horror. It speaks to the inner anguish and fear experienced by the people.
* **Astonishment (_shammah_):** Implies desolation, ruin, or a state that evokes shock and horror in observers. It describes the physical and social devastation that leaves one aghast.
* **Hissing (_shereqah_):** Refers to a whistling or hissing sound, used here to denote mockery, scorn, and derision from onlookers. It signifies Judah's national humiliation, becoming an object of contempt and a byword among surrounding nations. This combination paints a vivid picture of a nation reduced to a state of internal terror, external ruin, and widespread public shame.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah and Jerusalem":** This opening clause establishes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between the nation's sin and their suffering. Hezekiah unequivocally attributes Judah's predicament to the active, righteous indignation of Yahweh. The "wrath of the LORD" (אף יהוה, _'aph YHWH_) is a theological statement, emphasizing God's holy character and His just response to the widespread apostasy and covenant breaking that had characterized the reigns of previous kings, particularly Ahaz. It signifies that their distress was not arbitrary but a divinely ordained consequence.
* **"and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing":** This phrase details the specific manifestations of God's wrath. The verb "delivered" (נָתַן, _nathan_) indicates God's purposeful action in handing over Judah to these severe consequences. "Trouble," "astonishment," and "hissing" are a powerful prophetic triad, vividly describing the national humiliation, internal distress, and external derision Judah experienced. This was not merely misfortune but a divinely orchestrated judgment, leading to internal terror, external desolation, and becoming a byword of scorn among other nations.
* **"as ye see with your eyes":** This concluding phrase is a powerful rhetorical device, grounding Hezekiah's theological declaration in the undeniable reality of their present circumstances. It appeals directly to the lived experience of his audience—the Levites and priests—who were daily witnessing the effects of God's judgment. This makes the king's words not just abstract theology but an urgent, tangible call to action, as the evidence of national decline, military defeat, and economic hardship was plainly visible to all.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Appeal**, specifically an appeal to shared experience, through the phrase "as ye see with your eyes." This grounds the abstract concept of divine wrath in the tangible, visible suffering of the nation, making Hezekiah's argument undeniably compelling to his audience. The use of the three distinct but related terms—"trouble," "astonishment," and "hissing"—constitutes a form of **Climax** or **Tricolon**, building in intensity from internal dread to external desolation and finally to public disgrace. This creates a powerful **Imagery** of national degradation and humiliation. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Justification**, providing the theological rationale for Hezekiah's radical reforms, framing them not as arbitrary changes but as a necessary response to God's just judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical principle that God is holy and just, and that persistent sin, particularly covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry, invites divine judgment. It underscores the active role of God in history, not merely as a distant observer but as one who intervenes to uphold His righteousness and to call His people back to Himself. The suffering of Judah was not random but a direct consequence of their actions, serving as a bitter fruit of their rebellion against the LORD. This concept of divine retribution for sin is a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the seriousness of humanity's choices in relation to God's commands and covenant. It highlights that God's wrath is not capricious but a settled, holy indignation against that which defiles His character and breaks His covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nations as an Astonishment")
* [Isaiah 5:25](/isaiah/5-25 "Isaiah 5:25 - God's Anger and Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's blunt assessment in 2 Chronicles 29:8 serves as a timeless reminder that our actions, both individually and corporately, have profound consequences, particularly in our relationship with God. The "wrath of the LORD" is a sobering reality, not to be dismissed, but understood as the just response of a holy God to sin and rebellion. For us today, this calls for a deep and honest self-examination: Are there areas in our lives, our families, our churches, or our nations where we have strayed from God's ways, pursuing idols (whether material possessions, power, comfort, or self-worship) instead of Him? The "trouble, astonishment, and hissing" Judah experienced can manifest in our lives as broken relationships, spiritual emptiness, societal decay, or a loss of peace. This verse is not meant to condemn us to despair but to awaken us to the gravity of sin and the urgent need for repentance. It invites us to acknowledge God's righteous character, humble ourselves, and turn back to Him, trusting in His mercy and His desire to restore.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "trouble, astonishment, or hissing" might be visible in my own life or community that could be a consequence of unaddressed sin or spiritual apathy?**
* **How does understanding God's "wrath" as a holy and just response to sin deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace?**
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing "idols" (anything that takes God's rightful place) over genuine worship and obedience to the LORD?**

### FAQ

**What does "the wrath of the LORD" mean in this context, and is God still wrathful today?**

Answer: In 2 Chronicles 29:8, "the wrath of the LORD" refers to God's righteous and holy indignation against sin, specifically the widespread idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness of Judah. It is not an emotional outburst but a settled, just response from a holy God to persistent rebellion against His commands and character. This wrath manifested in tangible consequences for Judah, such as military defeats, national humiliation, and internal distress. Yes, God is still wrathful today, as His character of holiness and justice remains unchanged. The New Testament affirms God's wrath against unrighteousness ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness")) and warns of a future day of judgment ([Revelation 6:16-17](/revelation/6-16 "Revelation 6:16-17 - The Wrath of the Lamb")). However, the New Testament also profoundly reveals that God, in His immense love, has provided a way to escape His wrath through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dire consequences of Judah's sin in 2 Chronicles 29:8, leading to "trouble, astonishment, and hissing," powerfully foreshadow the ultimate cost of human sin and the perfect solution found in Jesus Christ. The "wrath of the LORD" that fell upon Judah for their idolatry and unfaithfulness points to the deeper, universal wrath of God against all sin, which every human being deserves ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). However, the good news of the New Covenant is that God, in His infinite love, did not "deliver" us to this wrath but instead "delivered" His own Son to bear it on our behalf. On the cross, Jesus became the object of divine "astonishment" and "hissing" (mockery) ([Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mockery of Jesus")), enduring the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, so that those who believe in Him might be spared. He is the true Temple, cleansed and consecrated, through whom we now have access to God, not through ritual sacrifice but through His once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). Thus, Hezekiah's call to national repentance and cleansing finds its ultimate fulfillment in the call to individual repentance and faith in Christ, who delivers us from the wrath to come and offers true spiritual restoration and peace ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1-thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")).

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 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Jeremiah 25:18

[To wit], Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as [it is] this day;

2 Chronicles 24:18

And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.

Jeremiah 29:18

And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them:

Jeremiah 19:8

And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.

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 18:15

Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways [from] the ancient paths, to walk in paths, [in] a way not cast up;