2 Chronicles 30:7

KJV

And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, [who] therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.

KJV (with Strong's)

And be not ye like your fathers {H1}, and like your brethren {H251}, which trespassed {H4603} against the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1}, who therefore gave them up {H5414} to desolation {H8047}, as ye see {H7200}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be like your ancestors, or like your kinsmen who sinned against ADONAI the God of their ancestors, with the result that he allowed them to become an object of horror, as you see.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be like your fathers and brothers who were unfaithful to the LORD, the God of their fathers, so that He made them an object of horror, as you can see.

American Standard Version

And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, who trespassed against Jehovah, the God of their fathers, so that he gave them up to desolation, as ye see.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Hezekiah's impassioned plea in 2 Chronicles 30:7 serves as a solemn warning to the people of Judah and the scattered remnants of Israel, urging them to avoid the profound unfaithfulness that characterized their ancestors. He powerfully asserts that the "trespasses" of previous generations against the LORD God directly resulted in their observable "desolation," a stark and visible consequence. This verse thus underscores the immutable principle of covenant disobedience leading to divine judgment, functioning as a potent deterrent and an implicit call to repentance and renewed fidelity to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of King Hezekiah's sweeping invitation to all Israel to participate in a long-neglected Passover celebration in Jerusalem. Coming on the heels of the extensive cleansing and rededication of the Temple in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple"), Hezekiah's message here is a direct rhetorical appeal within his broader effort to restore proper worship and foster national unity under the LORD. It functions as a stark warning, providing the historical and theological rationale for the urgency of his call to repentance and participation in the sacred feast. The verse immediately precedes the people's varied responses, which range from mockery to humble acceptance, setting the stage for the subsequent celebration and widespread religious reforms.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned in Judah during a highly volatile period, approximately 715-686 BC, shortly after the catastrophic fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC. The "desolation" explicitly mentioned in the verse refers directly to the Assyrian deportations and the widespread destruction and abandonment of cities in the northern territories, a visible and recent historical trauma that served as a chilling object lesson. Culturally, the Passover was a foundational, divinely ordained feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage, a cornerstone of their covenant identity that had been largely ignored for generations, particularly during the reigns of idolatrous kings. Hezekiah's unprecedented invitation to the scattered northern tribes was a radical act of faith and a bold attempt to transcend the political and spiritual divisions that had plagued Israel for centuries, appealing to a shared heritage and their common "LORD God of their fathers."
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several crucial themes prevalent throughout Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. It emphasizes the concept of **learning from history**, urging the present generation to heed the lessons of their ancestors' spiritual failures, a recurring Deuteronomic principle evident in passages like [Deuteronomy 4:9-10](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9-10 - Remember the Past"). Central to the warning is the theme of the **consequences of covenant disobedience**, specifically highlighting how idolatry and unfaithfulness directly led to divine judgment and national ruin, as vividly depicted in the account of the fall of Israel in [2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7-23 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - The Fall of Israel and Its Causes"). The phrase "gave them up to desolation" underscores the theme of **divine justice and sovereignty**, affirming that God actively orchestrates or permits the consequences of sin. Implicitly, the warning also serves as a profound **call to repentance and return to the LORD**, setting the stage for the subsequent national revival and restoration of proper worship that Hezekiah champions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trespassed (Hebrew, _mâʻal'_):** This term (H4603) signifies more than a general sin; it denotes an act of unfaithfulness, treachery, or a breach of trust, particularly in the context of a covenant relationship. Derived from a root meaning "to cover up" or "act covertly," it implies a deliberate violation against God's established order, a betrayal of the sacred trust placed upon His people. In the Old Testament, _mâʻal_ often refers to sacrilege or a violation of holy things, indicating the profound gravity of Israel's turning away from the LORD, their covenant partner.
* **Desolation (Hebrew, _shammâh'_):** This word (H8047) vividly describes a state of ruin, waste, astonishment, or horror. It refers to the tangible, visible destruction and abandonment that resulted from God's judgment. It's not merely a spiritual condition but a physical reality—ruined cities, barren lands, and scattered populations—that served as a stark, undeniable testimony to the consequences of their unfaithfulness, a condition they could "see" with their own eyes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren":** This is a direct, imperative warning, a negative command urging the current generation to avoid imitating the destructive behavior of their predecessors. "Your fathers" refers primarily to the ancestors of Judah, while "your brethren" specifically denotes the northern kingdom of Israel, who had recently suffered devastating judgment. The call is to intentionally break a generational cycle of spiritual decline and covenant infidelity.
* **"which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers":** This clause specifies the precise nature of the ancestors' offense: a profound act of covenant unfaithfulness. The phrase "LORD God of their fathers" emphasizes the deeply personal and historical relationship God had maintained with Israel, making their betrayal all the more grievous. Their trespasses included widespread idolatry, persistent neglect of God's laws, and the abandonment of true worship.
* **"[who] therefore gave them up to desolation":** This critical phrase highlights divine agency in the judgment. God, in His righteous justice, actively allowed or brought about the ruin and destruction that befell the unfaithful generations. The word "therefore" establishes a clear and undeniable cause-and-effect relationship: their trespasses were the direct cause, and God's giving them up to desolation was the just and inevitable consequence.
* **"as ye see":** This concluding phrase grounds the warning in observable, undeniable reality. The people could physically witness the ruined cities, the scattered populations, and the diminished state of their land, particularly the northern territories. This visual evidence served as a powerful and undeniable testimony to the truth of Hezekiah's warning and the severity of God's righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices to convey its urgent message. A primary device is **Warning**, a direct admonition from King Hezekiah to the people to avoid repeating the grievous mistakes of the past. This warning is powerfully amplified through **Analogy** or **Comparison**, as the current generation is explicitly cautioned against being "like your fathers, and like your brethren," drawing a clear parallel between their potential future and the historical, devastating fate of their ancestors. The verse also powerfully uses **Cause and Effect**, explicitly linking the "trespasses" of the past generations to the resulting "desolation" ("who therefore gave them up to desolation"). Finally, the phrase "as ye see" serves as an potent **Appeal to Observation**, grounding the abstract theological warning in the tangible, undeniable reality of the destruction around them, making the message more immediate, compelling, and undeniable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the consistent biblical principle that sin, particularly covenant unfaithfulness, inevitably leads to divine judgment. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, which includes both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The "desolation" is not arbitrary but a just consequence of Israel's repeated betrayal of the "LORD God of their fathers." Yet, within this warning of judgment, there is an implicit invitation to repentance and restoration, echoing God's character as both just and merciful. Hezekiah's call is a testament to the fact that even in the face of severe consequences, God offers a path back to fellowship through humility and obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7-23 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - The Fall of Israel and Its Causes")
* [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Sin and Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's warning in 2 Chronicles 30:7 carries timeless relevance for believers today. We are called to be diligent students of history, both biblical and personal, learning from the spiritual failures of those who came before us. This verse challenges us to honestly assess whether we, individually or communally, are repeating patterns of spiritual apathy, idolatry, or disobedience that have led to "desolation" in previous generations or even in our own lives. It reminds us that God's warnings are not mere threats but gracious invitations to turn from destructive paths. The "desolation" we "see" today—whether societal breakdown, personal brokenness, or spiritual emptiness—can serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of straying from God's ways. Conversely, it implicitly encourages us to seek God's will, live in active obedience, and embrace the path of repentance, knowing that God's mercy and grace are always available for those who genuinely turn to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "trespasses" or patterns of unfaithfulness from past generations (biblical or personal) might we be in danger of repeating today?**
* **In what ways do we "see" or experience "desolation" in our world or personal lives that could be linked to disobedience or a departure from God's truth?**
* **How can we actively break cycles of spiritual apathy or disobedience in our own lives and communities, ensuring we do not become "like our fathers"?**
* **What specific steps can we take to ensure our worship and daily lives reflect true fidelity to the "LORD God of our fathers"?**

### FAQ
**What does "trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers" refers to a profound and deliberate act of covenant unfaithfulness. The Hebrew word for "trespassed" (_mâʻal_) implies a deep breach of trust, a betrayal of the sacred relationship God had established with Israel through His covenant. This wasn't merely a minor sin but a fundamental turning away from God, often manifested through idolatry, neglecting His commands, failing to worship Him properly, and embracing the practices of surrounding pagan nations. It was an affront to the very God who had faithfully delivered and sustained their ancestors, making their unfaithfulness particularly egregious.

**How did God "give them up to desolation" as a consequence of their sin?**

Answer: The phrase "gave them up to desolation" signifies divine judgment, not as an act of arbitrary cruelty, but as a just and inevitable consequence of their persistent unfaithfulness. God, in His sovereignty, either allowed or actively brought about the ruin and destruction that befell the unfaithful generations. This included allowing foreign powers, most notably the Assyrian Empire, to conquer, deport, and destroy their land and cities, particularly the northern kingdom of Israel (cf. [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel")). The "desolation" was a visible, tangible state of ruin, waste, and abandonment, serving as a stark and undeniable testament to their covenant breach and God's righteous response to their rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's warning in [2 Chronicles 30:7](/2_chronicles/30-7 "2 Chronicles 30:7 - Hezekiah's Warning"), while rooted in the Old Covenant's cycle of sin and judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "trespasses" of Israel's fathers, which led to "desolation," point to the universal human condition of sin and rebellion against God, a condition that brings spiritual death and separation (cf. [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). Hezekiah's call for the people to return to the Passover and the Temple foreshadows Christ's ultimate invitation to spiritual reconciliation and a new covenant. Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of humanity's "trespasses" on the cross, taking upon Himself the "desolation" and curse that was due to us (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His sacrifice, we are freed from the old cycle of sin and judgment, no longer needing to fear being "given up to desolation" for our unfaithfulness. Instead, by faith in Him, we are granted forgiveness, new life, and the promise of eternal communion with God, enabling us to live in true fidelity, not by the law alone, but by the power of His Spirit (cf. [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - Life in the Spirit")).

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 29:8

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.

Ezekiel 20:13

But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.

Ezekiel 20:18

But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:

Zechariah 1:3

Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

Zechariah 1:4

Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and [from] your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.