2 Chronicles 29:9

KJV

For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives [are] in captivity for this.

KJV (with Strong's)

For, lo, our fathers {H1} have fallen {H5307} by the sword {H2719}, and our sons {H1121} and our daughters {H1323} and our wives {H802} are in captivity {H7628} for this.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here, our ancestors have fallen by the sword; and on this account our sons, daughters and wives have gone into captivity.

Berean Standard Bible

For behold, this is why our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and daughters and wives are in captivity.

American Standard Version

For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Hezekiah, early in his reign, delivers a poignant and urgent address to the Levites and priests, vividly articulating the dire consequences of Judah's recent spiritual apostasy. He declares that their ancestors have perished in battle, and their immediate families—sons, daughters, and wives—have been taken captive. This verse serves as a powerful, emotionally charged indictment of the nation's past covenant unfaithfulness, unequivocally linking their present suffering to their spiritual rebellion and laying the foundational urgency for his comprehensive program of national repentance and temple restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a central and emotionally charged declaration within King Hezekiah's inaugural address to the Levites and priests, delivered in the very first month of his reign. It immediately follows his direct command for them to sanctify themselves and reopen the temple, which his wicked father, King Ahaz, had defiantly shut and desecrated [2 Chronicles 28:24](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24 - Ahaz Shuts the Temple"). Hezekiah's words in [2 Chronicles 29:9](/2_chronicles/29-9 "2 Chronicles 29:9 - Hezekiah's Indictment") provide the compelling theological and historical justification for the radical spiritual reforms he is initiating. By reminding the religious leaders of the recent, painful national calamities, Hezekiah underscores the direct, undeniable link between their ancestors' unfaithfulness to God and the devastating present suffering, thereby motivating them to participate wholeheartedly and urgently in the spiritual renewal of Judah. The speech culminates in a fervent call to consecrate themselves and the temple, preparing the way for a renewed and vibrant covenant relationship with Yahweh.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah ascended the throne of Judah around 715 BC, inheriting a kingdom deeply scarred by the idolatrous and politically disastrous policies of his father, Ahaz. Ahaz had not only actively promoted pagan worship throughout Judah but had also faced severe military defeats at the hands of Aram, Israel, Edom, and the Philistines, leading to significant loss of life and widespread captivity within Judah's borders [2 Chronicles 28:5-18](/2_chronicles/28-5 "2 Chronicles 28:5-18 - Ahaz's Defeats and Idolatry"). Furthermore, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had recently fallen to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC, with its population brutally exiled, serving as a chilling and immediate contemporary warning to Judah. In this ancient Near Eastern cultural milieu, military defeat, famine, and captivity were universally understood not merely as political misfortunes or strategic failures but as direct divine judgments for covenant violations. This understanding was explicitly outlined in the Mosaic Law, particularly in the curses pronounced in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). Hezekiah's reference to "fathers fallen by the sword" and "sons, daughters, and wives in captivity" would have resonated profoundly with a populace still reeling from these traumatic events, recognizing them as the direct and painful consequences of their nation's spiritual apostasy and covenant breach.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it unequivocally highlights the **consequences of disobedience**, establishing a clear and direct link between national suffering (military defeat, widespread captivity) and the nation's departure from God's covenant. This reinforces the foundational Deuteronomic principle that faithfulness brings divine blessing, while unfaithfulness inevitably brings curses and judgment, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, the verse functions as a potent **call to repentance and renewal**. Hezekiah's stark articulation of past failures is not merely an accusation of guilt but a foundational and urgent argument for the necessity of spiritual reform and a decisive return to Yahweh. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **divine justice**, demonstrating that God, as the righteous covenant Lord, holds His people accountable for their corporate actions and choices. Finally, it powerfully exemplifies **righteous leadership**, as Hezekiah courageously confronts the nation's sin and initiates a comprehensive spiritual cleansing, beginning with the temple and its ministers, thereby setting a vital example for the entire nation to follow in returning to the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fallen (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** From H5307, a primitive root meaning "to fall" in a wide variety of applications. Here, it specifically denotes death in battle or military defeat, signifying a loss of divine protection and the devastating physical toll of unfaithfulness. It implies a collapse or overthrow, underscoring the severity of the judgment.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From H2719, referring to a cutting instrument, specifically a sword. In this context, it is the instrument of death in warfare, symbolizing the violent judgment and military defeat that befell Judah as a direct consequence of their covenant breaking. It highlights the brutal reality of their losses.
* **captivity (Hebrew, _shᵉbîy'_):** From H7628, meaning "exiled" or "captured." As a noun, it refers to exile, prisoners, or booty. This term denotes a profound national humiliation, loss of sovereignty, and forced displacement. For the Israelites, being taken captive meant losing their land, their freedom, and their identity as God's chosen people in their promised inheritance, serving as a stark manifestation of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, lo,"**: Hezekiah begins his declaration with an urgent, attention-grabbing interjection. The KJV "lo" (from the Hebrew _hinnēh_) functions as an emphatic "behold!" or "indeed!", signaling that what follows is a critical, undeniable, and immediate truth that demands full consideration and action from the priests and Levites.
* **"our fathers have fallen by the sword,"**: This clause points to recent and profoundly painful historical events—specifically, military defeats and the widespread loss of life among the previous generation. It serves as a direct accusation and a stark reminder that the nation has already experienced severe divine judgment, referencing the numerous conflicts and heavy casualties suffered under King Ahaz's idolatrous and politically disastrous reign.
* **"and our sons and our daughters and our wives [are] in captivity"**: This expands the scope of suffering beyond military casualties to include the profound personal and familial devastation of forced exile and enslavement. The explicit mention of "sons, daughters, and wives" emphasizes the vulnerability and suffering of the entire family unit, highlighting the deep shame, sorrow, and loss of freedom associated with losing one's kin to foreign powers.
* **"for this."**: This crucial and concise phrase provides the explicit causal link. The suffering described—military defeat and widespread captivity—is not random misfortune or mere political happenstance but a direct, divinely ordained consequence of the nation's spiritual apostasy. It specifically refers to their unfaithfulness to God, their neglect of His temple, and their disregard for His covenant laws, leaving no room for doubt regarding the reason for their dire plight.

#### Literary Devices
Hezekiah's address in this verse masterfully employs several potent literary devices to achieve its persuasive and urgent effect. The use of **Pathos** is profoundly evident in the specific and poignant enumeration of those lost and suffering: "fathers," "sons," "daughters," and "wives." This detailed listing evokes a deep sense of sorrow, shame, and urgency, directly appealing to the emotional experience and shared trauma of his audience, who would have personally known or witnessed such tragedies. The verse also relies heavily on **Cause and Effect**, explicitly stating that the national calamities ("fallen by the sword," "in captivity") are a direct result of "this"—the nation's spiritual failures and covenant unfaithfulness. This clear linkage reinforces the Deuteronomic theology of retribution prevalent throughout the Chronicler's work. Furthermore, Hezekiah employs **Historical Allusion**, referencing recent, painful events of military defeat and widespread captivity that would have been fresh in the collective memory of the Levites and priests, lending immediate credibility, weight, and undeniable truth to his words. The initial "For, lo," functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Interjection**, designed to command immediate attention and underscore the gravity and undeniable reality of his statement, compelling his audience to listen and act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration in [2 Chronicles 29:9](/2_chronicles/29-9 "2 Chronicles 29:9 - Hezekiah's Indictment") resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of covenant theology, where blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience are contingent upon faithfulness to God. Hezekiah's words underscore the principle that God, in His perfect justice, holds His covenant people accountable for their corporate and individual choices. The suffering described is not arbitrary misfortune but a direct, divinely orchestrated consequence of Judah's idolatry, spiritual compromise, and neglect of the Lord's commands, serving as a severe form of discipline intended to lead to genuine repentance and restoration. This passage highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when it means enacting its disciplinary clauses to bring His people back to Himself. It also emphasizes the concept of corporate responsibility, where the actions of previous generations or national leaders can have far-reaching consequences for the entire community, necessitating a collective return to God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 1:3](/lamentations/1-3 "Lamentations 1:3 - Judah in Exile")
* [Isaiah 1:20](/isaiah/1-20 "Isaiah 1:20 - Consequences of Refusal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's impassioned plea in [2 Chronicles 29:9](/2_chronicles/29-9 "2 Chronicles 29:9 - Hezekiah's Indictment") serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that spiritual choices, both individual and corporate, carry profound and tangible consequences. Just as Judah's unfaithfulness led to devastating suffering and loss, so too can spiritual apathy, compromise, or outright rebellion in our personal lives, our churches, or our nations result in brokenness, internal decay, and a diminished experience of God's abundant blessing. This verse calls us to a sober and honest assessment of our own spiritual state and the spiritual health of the communities we inhabit. It challenges us to learn from history, recognizing that neglecting God's truth, His commands, and His ways inevitably leads to undesirable outcomes, whether internal spiritual barrenness or external societal struggles. The urgency in Hezekiah's voice compels us to respond promptly and decisively to God's call for repentance and renewal, not merely to avoid negative repercussions, but to restore a vibrant, life-giving, and glorifying relationship with our Creator. It also powerfully highlights the vital role of leadership, both spiritual and secular, in discerning the signs of the times and courageously calling people back to righteousness and truth, even when it means confronting uncomfortable realities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the direct consequences of past disobedience in Judah's history inform our own spiritual vigilance and choices today?**
* **In what specific ways might spiritual apathy, compromise, or neglect manifest in our personal lives or within our communities, and what are the potential repercussions?**
* **What vital role do leaders play in calling a community to repentance and renewal, and how can we actively support such efforts in our spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**What specific historical events does Hezekiah refer to in this verse?**

Answer: While Hezekiah does not name specific battles or captivities, he is undoubtedly referencing the recent and profoundly painful military defeats and subsequent periods of captivity that Judah experienced, particularly during the reign of his father, King Ahaz. [2 Chronicles 28:5-18](/2_chronicles/28-5 "2 Chronicles 28:5-18 - Ahaz's Defeats and Idolatry") details incursions by Aram, Israel, Edom, and the Philistines, which resulted in significant casualties ("fallen by the sword") and the taking of many captives ("sons and our daughters and our wives [are] in captivity"). Furthermore, the recent and devastating fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to Assyria in 722 BC, leading to widespread exile [2 Kings 17:5-6](/2_kings/17-5 "2 Kings 17:5-6 - Fall of Samaria and Exile"), would have been a stark and immediate warning to Judah, reinforcing the direct link between national apostasy and divine judgment.

**Does this verse imply that all suffering is a direct result of sin?**

Answer: This verse, within the specific context of the Mosaic Covenant and the nation of Israel, clearly articulates a direct causal link between national sin (apostasy, idolatry, neglect of God's temple) and specific national judgments (military defeat, captivity). For Israel under the covenant, God explicitly promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Hezekiah's speech powerfully emphasizes this corporate consequence of corporate sin. However, the Bible also teaches that not all individual suffering is a direct, immediate punishment for a specific personal sin, as profoundly explored in the book of Job or in Jesus's teaching about the man born blind [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1 "John 9:1-3 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"). While all suffering ultimately stems from the brokenness introduced by humanity's fall into sin, this verse specifically addresses the covenantal consequences for a nation that has corporately forsaken its God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's impassioned lament in [2 Chronicles 29:9](/2_chronicles/29-9 "2 Chronicles 29:9 - Hezekiah's Indictment"), detailing the devastating consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness—death by the sword and widespread captivity—finds its ultimate and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. The "sword" of divine judgment for sin, which justly fell upon Judah for their rebellion, ultimately fell upon Christ on the cross, as He willingly became a curse for us, thereby redeeming us from the curse of the law [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse"). Hezekiah's earnest efforts to cleanse the defiled temple and restore proper worship foreshadow the perfect and eternal cleansing accomplished by Jesus, who did not offer the insufficient blood of goats and calves, but His own precious blood, entering the true holy places once for all, thus securing an eternal redemption for all who believe [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). The "captivity" of Judah, a direct consequence of their sin, powerfully points to the far deeper spiritual captivity to sin, death, and the dominion of darkness from which all humanity suffers. Jesus, through His victorious death and glorious resurrection, delivers us from this domain of darkness and miraculously transfers us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness"). He is the true King, the greater Hezekiah, who perfectly fulfills God's will, not merely calling for repentance but providing the complete means for it, setting us truly free from the bondage of sin and death, so that those whom the Son sets free are free indeed [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free").

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 Chronicles 28:17

For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.

2 Chronicles 28:5

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.

2 Chronicles 28:8

And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.

Leviticus 26:17

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

Lamentations 5:7

Our fathers have sinned, [and are] not; and we have borne their iniquities.