2 Chronicles 30:11

KJV

Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless divers {H582} of Asher {H836} and Manasseh {H4519} and of Zebulun {H2074} humbled {H3665} themselves, and came {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, some from Asher, M'nasheh and Z'vulun were humble enough to come to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Nevertheless, some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

Nevertheless certain men of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
marks a crucial turning point in King Hezekiah's ambitious spiritual reformation, illustrating God's persistent grace amidst widespread rejection. Following a nationwide invitation to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem, this verse highlights a surprising and faithful remnant from the northern tribes of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun who, in stark contrast to the mockery of their peers, chose to humble themselves and journey to the capital. Their obedient response underscores the profound spiritual significance of individual humility and a return to the Lord's appointed worship, demonstrating God's sovereign preservation of a people for Himself even in times of deep apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of King Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms, which span [2 Chronicles 29-31](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29-31 - Hezekiah's Reformation"). Having meticulously cleansed and rededicated the Temple and reinstituted proper worship practices, Hezekiah takes the unprecedented step of inviting all Israel, from the northernmost reaches of Dan to the southernmost point of Beersheba, to Jerusalem for a unified Passover celebration ([2 Chronicles 30:1-5](/2_chronicles/30-1-5 "2 Chronicles 30:1-5 - Hezekiah's Passover Invitation")). This bold initiative aimed not only at religious revival but also at a symbolic reunification of the long-divided kingdom. The immediate preceding verse, [2 Chronicles 30:10](/2_chronicles/30-10 "2 Chronicles 30:10 - Messengers Mocked"), vividly describes the scorn and ridicule faced by Hezekiah's messengers in the northern territories, emphasizing the deep-seated resistance to his call. Verse 11, therefore, serves as a powerful and unexpected counterpoint, introducing a glimmer of hope and obedience amidst pervasive spiritual apathy, setting the stage for the subsequent joyous and unprecedented celebration of the Passover ([2 Chronicles 30:26](/2_chronicles/30-26 "2 Chronicles 30:26 - Great Joy in Jerusalem")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the late 8th century BCE, a period when the northern kingdom of Israel had been separated from Judah for over two centuries, consistently indulging in idolatry and rejecting the Davidic monarchy and the Jerusalem Temple as the legitimate center of Yahweh worship. By Hezekiah's reign, the northern kingdom was politically unstable and on the cusp of Assyrian conquest, having already endured significant deportations. The Passover, a cornerstone of Israelite identity commemorating their liberation from Egyptian bondage, had largely fallen into disuse, especially in the North. Hezekiah's invitation was thus a radical act, challenging generations of religious and political schism. For individuals from the northern tribes to travel to Jerusalem would have required immense faith, courage, and a willingness to defy prevailing cultural and political norms, undertaking a potentially perilous journey to a rival capital for a neglected religious observance. This act was a profound statement of spiritual allegiance to Yahweh and His covenant.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Chronicles 30:11](/2_chronicles/30-11 "2 Chronicles 30:11 - The Remnant Responds") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Chronicler's theology and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine invitation and human response**, demonstrating that God's gracious call to repentance and worship extends even to those who appear most resistant or distant, as seen in Hezekiah's messengers reaching "from Dan even to Beersheba" ([2 Chronicles 30:5](/2_chronicles/30-5 "2 Chronicles 30:5 - Invitation to All Israel")). Secondly, the pivotal phrase "humbled themselves" introduces the essential theme of **humility and repentance** as indispensable prerequisites for spiritual restoration, contrasting sharply with the pride and scorn displayed by the majority in [2 Chronicles 30:10](/2_chronicles/30-10 "2 Chronicles 30:10 - The Mockery of Hezekiah's Messengers"). Finally, the emergence of a small, faithful group from the northern tribes underscores the enduring biblical theme of the **faithful remnant**. This motif emphasizes God's sovereign ability to preserve a believing core even amidst widespread apostasy and impending judgment, ensuring the continuity of His covenant people and demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises (cf. [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **divers (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_):** This term (H582) is derived from a root suggesting mortality or frailty, often used to refer to "man" in a general sense, highlighting human weakness or commonality. In this context, "divers" (or "certain men") emphasizes that it was not a collective, tribal movement but rather individual persons or smaller groups from these northern tribes who responded. This highlights the personal nature of their decision, distinguishing them as a minority who chose a different path than the scoffing majority, underscoring the power of individual conviction and God's work in specific hearts.
* **humbled (Hebrew, _kânaʻ'_):** The verb (H3665) literally means "to bend the knee" or "to bow down," and figuratively, "to humiliate oneself," "to be brought low," or "to submit." Here, it denotes a voluntary, internal act of contrition and submission to God's will. It implies setting aside pride, long-standing political and religious prejudices, and the ingrained idolatry of the northern kingdom. This profound spiritual posture was the catalyst for their outward act of obedience, signifying a genuine turning of the heart back to Yahweh and His covenant.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** This dual-form noun (H3389) likely means "founded peaceful" or "possession of peace." More than just a geographical location, Jerusalem was the divinely chosen capital of Judah, the city of David, and most importantly, the site of the Temple—the singular, legitimate center for Yahweh worship according to the Mosaic Law. Their journey to Jerusalem was a tangible, symbolic act of repentance, a rejection of the illegitimate worship centers of the North, and a return to the true worship of God, signifying a desire for spiritual reunification with God's covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun":** This phrase immediately establishes a powerful **contrast** with the widespread rejection and mockery described in the preceding verse. The use of "nevertheless" signals a surprising and grace-filled exception. The specific mention of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun is significant, as these were northern tribes deeply enmeshed in the idolatry and political separation that had characterized the kingdom of Israel for centuries. The term "divers" indicates that this was not a mass tribal conversion but a response from individuals or smaller groups within these tribes, highlighting the personal nature of their faith and God's sovereign grace in preserving a remnant even in the most unlikely and apostate regions.
* **"humbled themselves":** This clause describes the internal, spiritual posture that enabled their subsequent outward action. The act of "humbled themselves" signifies a deliberate, voluntary decision to set aside pride, prejudice, and the prevailing cultural norms that had led their kingdom astray. It implies a recognition of their spiritual need and a willingness to submit to God's authority and His covenant requirements. This profound act of contrition was foundational to their spiritual restoration and their ability to respond positively to Hezekiah's invitation.
* **"and came to Jerusalem.":** This clause describes the external, obedient action that resulted from their internal humility. "Came to Jerusalem" was not merely a physical journey; it was a symbolic pilgrimage back to the divinely appointed center of true worship. Their arrival in Jerusalem represented a tangible commitment to abandon the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom and to re-engage with the legitimate worship of Yahweh at His Temple. This act symbolized a profound repentance, a desire for spiritual reunification with God's people, and an embrace of covenant fidelity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Contrast** is immediately evident through the opening "Nevertheless," which sharply juxtaposes the obedient remnant with the mocking majority described in [2 Chronicles 30:10](/2_chronicles/30-10 "2 Chronicles 30:10 - The Mockery of Hezekiah's Messengers"). This highlights the individual nature of faith and response to God's call, emphasizing that divine grace can penetrate even the most resistant environments. The **Remnant Motif** is central, portraying God's enduring faithfulness in preserving a believing core amidst widespread apostasy and impending judgment. This motif is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, underscoring divine sovereignty and grace in maintaining a covenant people. Furthermore, the act of "coming to Jerusalem" functions as profound **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical journey but a spiritual pilgrimage back to the center of true worship, covenant fidelity, and unity with God's people. It symbolizes a turning away from the false worship of the northern kingdom and a return to the Lord, embodying repentance and reconciliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's persistent grace and the transformative power of humility. Despite generations of spiritual rebellion and the immediate scorn of the majority, God's invitation still reached and resonated with a chosen few. Their act of humbling themselves before the Lord underscores a fundamental biblical principle: true spiritual revival and reconciliation with God begin with a contrite heart and a willingness to set aside pride and self-sufficiency. This remnant's obedience demonstrates that God's faithfulness is not contingent on the majority's response, but rather He always preserves a people for Himself, drawing them back to Himself through His gracious call. Their journey to Jerusalem was an act of faith, obedience, and a symbolic reunification, demonstrating that genuine worship requires both an internal disposition of humility and an external commitment to God's revealed will.

* [Isaiah 6:13](/isaiah/6-13 "Isaiah 6:13 - The Holy Seed is the Remnant")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires of You")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the remnant from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today. It challenges us to honestly examine our own hearts and discern whether pride, deeply ingrained habits, cultural pressures, or the fear of societal scorn are preventing us from responding fully and obediently to God's persistent call. Just as Hezekiah's invitation extended to those geographically and spiritually distant from Jerusalem's vibrant spiritual center, God's grace and invitation to repentance, reconciliation, and fellowship are universal, reaching into every corner of our lives and society. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual progress and transformation often begin with a profound willingness to humble ourselves before the Lord, acknowledging our absolute dependence on Him and His divine ways, even if it means standing apart from popular opinion or confronting long-standing personal preferences. Our personal decision to obey God's call, even when others scoff or resist, can lead to profound spiritual blessing, deep joy, and active participation in His greater redemptive purposes, as beautifully evidenced by the subsequent great celebration of the Passover that followed this remnant's arrival ([2 Chronicles 30:26](/2_chronicles/30-26 "2 Chronicles 30:26 - Great Joy in Jerusalem")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does pride or the pressure to conform to societal norms manifest in my life, potentially hindering my full and joyful obedience to God's call?**
* **What "invitations" from God—whether to repentance, radical service, deeper commitment, or a change in lifestyle—might I be scoffing at or subtly ignoring, similar to the majority in the northern kingdom?**
* **In what specific areas of my life is God calling me to "humble myself" and actively "come to Jerusalem," signifying a deeper alignment of my will and actions with His revealed truth and the community of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific tribes (Asher, Manasseh, Zebulun) mentioned as responding positively, while others mocked?**

Answer: While the biblical text does not explicitly detail the precise reasons, several factors may contribute to their unique response. Geographically, Asher and Zebulun were located in the far northern reaches of the kingdom, and Manasseh's territory spanned both sides of the Jordan River. For individuals from these tribes, the journey to Jerusalem would have been particularly arduous and time-consuming, indicating a significant level of commitment and intentionality. Their response highlights that God's sovereign grace can penetrate and stir hearts even in the most geographically distant and spiritually apostate regions. It is plausible that within these tribes, there remained lingering pockets of faithfulness, or individuals who, despite generations of separation and idolatry, retained a spiritual longing for the true worship of Yahweh and the covenant practices. Their decision stands as a powerful testament to the individual nature of faith and the Holy Spirit's ability to draw people to God even when the prevailing cultural and political climate is overtly hostile to divine truth, creating a stark contrast with the widespread rejection and mockery described in [2 Chronicles 30:10](/2_chronicles/30-10 "2 Chronicles 30:10 - The Mockery of Hezekiah's Messengers").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the northern remnant humbling themselves and journeying to Jerusalem finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's invitation to the Passover, a call to return to covenant worship at a specific geographical location, powerfully foreshadows the universal invitation of the Gospel to come to Christ, who is Himself the true Temple (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple")) and the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as the remnant from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun chose humility over pride and obedience over scorn, so too does the New Covenant call all people to humble themselves before the Lord ([James 4:10](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humble Yourselves Before the Lord")) and receive the boundless grace offered through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Jesus Himself perfectly exemplified this humility, emptying Himself of divine prerogative and becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/phil/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). The "faithful remnant" of Old Testament Israel expands in the New Testament to encompass all who, by grace through faith, respond to Christ's call, forming the new people of God, comprised of both Jew and Gentile, who are no longer called to a physical Jerusalem but to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, through their union with Christ ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "You Have Come to Mount Zion, the City of the Living God")). Their arduous journey to Jerusalem thus symbolizes our spiritual pilgrimage of coming to Christ, the true center of worship, reconciliation, and eternal rest for our weary souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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 30:21

¶ And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, [singing] with loud instruments unto the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:18

For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

2 Chronicles 30:25

And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced.

2 Chronicles 33:19

His prayer also, and [how God] was intreated of him, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they [are] written among the sayings of the seers.

2 Chronicles 11:16

And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.

Acts 17:34

Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which [was] Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

2 Chronicles 12:6

Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD [is] righteous.