2 Chronicles 30:6

KJV

So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the posts {H7323} went {H3212} with the letters {H107} from {H3027} the king {H4428} and his princes {H8269} throughout all Israel {H3478} and Judah {H3063}, and according to the commandment {H4687} of the king {H4428}, saying {H559}, Ye children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, turn again {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Abraham {H85}, Isaac {H3327}, and Israel {H3478}, and he will return {H7725} to the remnant {H7604} of you, that are escaped {H6413} out of the hand {H3709} of the kings {H4428} of Assyria {H804}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So runners went with the letters from the king and his officers throughout all Isra'el and Y'hudah. They conveyed the king's order: "People of Isra'el! Turn back to ADONAI, the God of Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov! Then he will return to those of you who remain, who escaped capture by the kings of Ashur.

Berean Standard Bible

So the couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, which read: “Children of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that He may return to those of you who remain, who have escaped the grasp of the kings of Assyria.

American Standard Version

So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, that he may return to the remnant that are escaped of you out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Hezekiah, in a bold and unprecedented move, dispatched swift messengers throughout both the southern kingdom of Judah and the scattered remnants of the northern kingdom of Israel. His royal decree, issued with the full authority of his princes, was a fervent call for national repentance and spiritual renewal. It urged the descendants of Jacob to abandon their idolatrous ways and return wholeheartedly to the covenant God of their patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. The message carried a profound promise: if the people, particularly those who had survived the devastating Assyrian invasions, would turn back to the Lord, He, in turn, would draw near to them, extending mercy and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the midst of King Hezekiah's ambitious and divinely inspired religious reforms, which began immediately upon his ascension to the throne (cf. [2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah's Reforms Begin")). Having cleansed and consecrated the temple in Jerusalem, Hezekiah then resolved to celebrate the Passover, an observance that had been neglected for centuries. The narrative in [2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - Hezekiah's Passover") highlights the logistical and spiritual challenges of this undertaking, including the decision to celebrate it in the second month due to the priests' insufficient consecration and the people's unpreparedness in the first month ([2 Chronicles 30:2-3](/2_chronicles/30-2 "2 Chronicles 30:2-3 - Passover in the Second Month")). Verse 6 marks the pivotal moment where Hezekiah extends the invitation beyond Judah, demonstrating a profound desire for the spiritual reunification of all twelve tribes, despite the political and historical divisions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this time (late 8th century BCE), the northern kingdom of Israel had already suffered significantly under the Assyrian Empire. Samaria, its capital, had fallen in 722 BCE, and many of its inhabitants had been deported, leaving behind a scattered and diminished population ([2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Fall of Samaria")). Judah, while still independent, was under constant Assyrian threat, and its people had largely adopted the idolatrous practices of their northern neighbors and surrounding nations. Hezekiah's call was therefore not just a religious invitation but a bold political and cultural statement, asserting the sovereignty of Yahweh over all Israel, even those under foreign domination. The "posts" or runners (Hebrew: *rān*), were official royal messengers, indicative of the urgency and importance of the king's decree, utilizing the established infrastructure of the ancient Near Eastern empires for communication.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several crucial themes central to the Chronicler's theology and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **repentance and return**, expressed in the direct command to "turn again unto the LORD." This call underscores the divine expectation for humanity to forsake their wayward paths and re-engage with their covenant God. This is intrinsically linked to **God's covenant faithfulness**, as Hezekiah's message invokes "the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel," reminding the people of God's enduring promises to their forefathers, despite their unfaithfulness (cf. [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob")). The promise that "he will return to the remnant of you" highlights the theme of **divine reciprocity and restoration**, demonstrating God's readiness to respond with mercy and renew His presence when His people genuinely seek Him. Finally, the outreach to "all Israel and Judah" and the mention of the "remnant" emphasize the themes of **unity and hope**, a yearning for the spiritual reunification of God's people and the recognition that even a small surviving group can be the recipient of God's redemptive work (cf. [Isaiah 10:21](/isaiah/10-21 "Isaiah 10:21 - The Remnant Shall Return")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Posts (Hebrew, _rān'_):** This term refers to swift runners or couriers, often part of a royal messenger system. In ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, such systems were vital for rapid communication, especially for decrees of national importance. The use of "posts" here underscores the urgency and widespread nature of Hezekiah's invitation, indicating a deliberate and efficient effort to reach all corners of the land, including the distant and scattered northern tribes. It signifies the king's earnestness and the divine imperative behind the message.
* **Turn again (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** This is the foundational Hebrew word for "repentance" or "return." It signifies a complete change of direction, a turning away from sin and back towards God. It implies not just a mental acknowledgment of wrongdoing but a decisive action of reorientation. The call to "turn again unto the LORD" is an invitation to a renewed covenant relationship, emphasizing the active role of humanity in responding to God's gracious initiative. This verb is central to the prophetic call for Israel to return to their covenant obligations (e.g., [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - Return to the Lord Your God")).
* **Remnant (Hebrew, _she'ār'_):** This term refers to those who remain, survive, or are left over after a catastrophe or judgment. In the context of the Assyrian invasions, it specifically denotes the survivors of the northern kingdom who had escaped deportation or death. The concept of the "remnant" is deeply theological in the Old Testament, representing God's faithfulness to preserve a portion of His people, even through judgment, for the continuation of His covenant purposes. Hezekiah's outreach to this "remnant" signals hope and inclusion, recognizing their continued place within the covenant community despite their suffering and dispersion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah,"**: This clause describes the immediate action taken by Hezekiah. The dispatch of "posts" (swift messengers) with official "letters" (royal decrees) indicates the formal and urgent nature of the invitation. The scope of their mission, "throughout all Israel and Judah," highlights Hezekiah's vision for a unified national repentance and Passover celebration, extending beyond his immediate kingdom of Judah to include the scattered and largely apostate northern tribes.
* **"and according to the commandment of the king, saying,"**: This phrase emphasizes the authoritative source of the message. It was not merely a suggestion but a "commandment" issued by the king, underscoring its royal legitimacy and the expectation of compliance. The following words are the direct speech of the king's decree, giving them immense weight and solemnity.
* **"Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,"**: This is the core of Hezekiah's appeal. The direct address, "Ye children of Israel," encompasses all descendants of Jacob, regardless of their current political or geographical divisions. The imperative "turn again" (Hebrew: *shuv*) is a profound call to repentance, urging a fundamental reorientation of their lives away from idolatry and back to the true God. The invocation of "the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel" serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging covenant faithfulness and His unique identity as the God who chose and sustained their forefathers, emphasizing His historical and relational claim on them.
* **"and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria."**: This clause presents the divine promise contingent upon human repentance. The reciprocal action—"he will return"—assures God's compassionate response to a repentant heart, signifying His willingness to restore His presence, favor, and blessing. The specific mention of the "remnant... escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria" directly addresses the plight of the northern tribes, acknowledging their suffering and offering hope of restoration to those who had survived the devastating Assyrian conquests, thereby extending God's mercy even to those who seemed most lost.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent, as the king's message directly speaks to "Ye children of Israel," creating an immediate and personal appeal to the entire nation. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in the reciprocal action: "turn again unto the LORD... and he will return to the remnant of you," highlighting the conditional nature of God's favor and the direct correlation between human repentance and divine restoration. The phrase "the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel" functions as an **Allusion** to the foundational covenant promises and God's unchanging identity, grounding the call to repentance in the rich history of God's faithfulness. Furthermore, the concept of the "remnant" carries significant **Symbolism**, representing not just survivors but a theological concept of God's preservation of a faithful few through judgment, upon whom His future redemptive plans rest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 30:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's persistent call for repentance and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in their apostasy. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine turning to God elicits His gracious return to His people, marked by forgiveness, restoration, and renewed communion. Hezekiah's outreach, driven by divine inspiration, serves as a model of spiritual leadership that transcends political boundaries and historical grievances, seeking the holistic well-being of God's scattered flock. The verse reminds us that divine mercy is extended even to those who have suffered the consequences of their sin, offering hope and a path to reconciliation for the "remnant" who respond to the call. This theme of repentance and restoration is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's character as one who is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love" (cf. [Psalm 145:8](/psalms/145-8 "Psalm 145:8 - The Lord is Gracious")).

* [Deuteronomy 30:2](/deuteronomy/30-2 "Deuteronomy 30:2 - Return to the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 3:12](/jeremiah/3-12 "Jeremiah 3:12 - Return, Faithless Israel")
* [Malachi 3:7](/malachi/3-7 "Malachi 3:7 - Return to Me and I Will Return to You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless message of 2 Chronicles 30:6 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a perpetual invitation from God to "turn again" to Him. In a world often characterized by distraction, compromise, and spiritual apathy, this verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our lives towards the Lord. It reminds us that true spiritual renewal begins with a sincere turning away from anything that separates us from God—idols of the heart, unconfessed sin, or misplaced allegiances. Just as God promised to return to the remnant of Israel, He promises His presence, forgiveness, and transformative power to all who genuinely seek Him with a contrite heart. This passage also challenges us, as individuals and as the church, to actively extend invitations of grace and reconciliation to those who are spiritually distant, scattered, or hurting, reflecting Hezekiah's compassionate and unifying vision. It reassures us that no one is too far gone, no past too broken, for God's restorative hand to reach out and bring them back into His loving embrace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life do I need to "turn again" to the Lord, truly repenting and reorienting my priorities?**
* **How does understanding God as "the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel" deepen my trust in His unchanging character and covenant faithfulness?**
* **In what ways can I, or my community, actively reach out to those who feel like a "remnant"—isolated, hurting, or spiritually disconnected—with an invitation to return to God?**
* **What does God's promise, "he will return to the remnant of you," reveal about His compassionate nature and desire for reconciliation?**

### FAQ
**Why did Hezekiah send messengers to "all Israel and Judah," especially the northern kingdom?**

Answer: Hezekiah's decision to send messengers to "all Israel and Judah" was a profound act of faith and a demonstration of his vision for the spiritual reunification of God's people. Historically, the northern kingdom of Israel had separated from Judah after Solomon's reign and largely embraced idolatry. By Hezekiah's time, the northern kingdom had fallen to Assyria, and many of its people were deported or scattered. Despite these political and religious divisions, Hezekiah recognized that all twelve tribes were still "children of Israel" and part of God's covenant people. His invitation to the Passover was an attempt to transcend these divisions and call all the descendants of Jacob back to the worship of the one true God, Yahweh, demonstrating a desire for national spiritual unity under the Lord, reminiscent of the unified kingdom under David and Solomon (cf. [1 Kings 12:16-19](/1_kings/12-16 "1 Kings 12:16-19 - Division of the Kingdom")).

**What is the significance of invoking "the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel" in the message?**

Answer: Invoking "the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel" (or Jacob) is a powerful theological statement that grounds the call to repentance in God's unchanging covenant faithfulness. This specific divine title, first revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob")), reminds the people of God's foundational promises to their patriarchs—promises of land, descendants, and a unique relationship. By using this title, Hezekiah's message assures the people that despite their unfaithfulness and the calamities they had endured, God remained true to His covenant. It was an appeal to their heritage and a reminder that the God who had chosen and sustained their ancestors was still their God, ready to receive them back into His covenant embrace.

**Who is the "remnant... escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria" and why are they specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The "remnant... escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria" refers specifically to the survivors of the northern kingdom of Israel who had not been killed or deported during the Assyrian invasions and the fall of Samaria (cf. [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Fall of Samaria")). Their specific mention highlights their dire circumstances and the immense suffering they had endured. Theologically, the concept of a "remnant" is significant throughout the Old Testament, signifying God's faithfulness to preserve a portion of His people through judgment for the continuation of His redemptive plan (e.g., [Isaiah 10:21](/isaiah/10-21 "Isaiah 10:21 - The Remnant Shall Return")). By reaching out to them, Hezekiah's message offers hope and inclusion to those who might have felt forgotten or beyond redemption, underscoring God's mercy and His desire to restore even the most broken and scattered among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 30:6, with its fervent call to "turn again unto the LORD" and the promise of God's reciprocal return, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's invitation to a physical Passover, a shadow of the ultimate deliverance, foreshadows Christ's universal call to repentance and faith. Just as the ancient Israelites were urged to turn from their idols to the God of Abraham, so too does the New Testament proclaim that all humanity must "repent and believe in the gospel" ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe")). Jesus himself is the ultimate "Lamb of God" whose sacrifice fulfills the Passover, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "remnant" who escaped Assyrian hands prefigures the spiritual remnant, the Church, gathered from all nations, who are redeemed by Christ's blood and delivered from the power of sin and death. Through Christ, God has not merely "returned" to a scattered few, but has fully reconciled the world to Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")), establishing a new covenant where His Spirit dwells within His people, ensuring an abiding presence far greater than any physical return. In Him, the call for unity finds its consummation, as Jew and Gentile are made one new humanity, "no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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 15:19

[And] Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.

Esther 8:14

[So] the posts that rode upon mules [and] camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

Jeremiah 4:1

¶ If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove.

Jeremiah 51:31

One post shall run to meet another, and one messenger to meet another, to shew the king of Babylon that his city is taken at [one] end,

2 Kings 15:29

In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

2 Chronicles 28:20

And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.

Job 9:25

¶ Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.