2 Chronicles 30:8

KJV

Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers [were, but] yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now be ye not stiffnecked {H7185}{H6203}, as your fathers {H1} were, but yield {H5414} yourselves {H3027} unto the LORD {H3068}, and enter {H935} into his sanctuary {H4720}, which he hath sanctified {H6942} for ever {H5769}: and serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, that the fierceness {H2740} of his wrath {H639} may turn away {H7725} from you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be stiffnecked now, as your ancestors were. Instead, yield yourselves to ADONAI; enter his sanctuary, which he has made holy forever; and serve ADONAI your God; so that his fierce anger will turn away from you.

Berean Standard Bible

Now do not stiffen your necks as your fathers did. Submit to the LORD and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that His fierce anger will turn away from you.

American Standard Version

Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were; but yield yourselves unto Jehovah, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever, and serve Jehovah your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Hezekiah's impassioned plea in 2 Chronicles 30:8 serves as a pivotal call to repentance and renewed covenant faithfulness for all Israel. Following generations of spiritual apostasy and national decline, Hezekiah urges the people to abandon the stubborn rebellion that characterized their ancestors. Instead, they are exhorted to fully submit to the Lord, return to the divinely consecrated Temple in Jerusalem for proper worship, and faithfully serve God. This radical turning, Hezekiah promises, is the only path to avert divine judgment and experience God's restorative mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within King Hezekiah's ambitious and unprecedented invitation to all Israel—both Judah and the remnants of the northern kingdom—to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. Having just completed a thorough cleansing and rededication of the Temple in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Temple Cleansing"), Hezekiah now extends an urgent summons for national spiritual renewal. The immediate verses leading up to [2 Chronicles 30:8](/2_chronicles/30-8 "2 Chronicles 30:8 - Hezekiah's Call to Repentance") detail the couriers' journey throughout the land, delivering the king's message, which included a stark reminder of the judgment that had befallen their fathers due to unfaithfulness ([2 Chronicles 30:7](/2_chronicles/30-7 "2 Chronicles 30:7 - Warning from History")). Verse 8 itself is a direct exhortation, a pivotal point in Hezekiah's appeal, urging a decisive break from past patterns of rebellion and a return to the Lord, setting the stage for the mixed but ultimately successful response to his call for the Passover celebration described later in [the chapter](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - Hezekiah's Passover Celebration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715-686 BC, a period of significant geopolitical upheaval. The northern kingdom of Israel had fallen to Assyria in 722 BC, and many of its inhabitants were exiled, leaving a fractured and spiritually compromised remnant. Judah itself had suffered under Hezekiah's idolatrous father, Ahaz, who had closed the Temple and promoted pagan worship. Hezekiah's reforms represented a radical departure from this recent past, seeking to restore the Mosaic covenant and centralize worship in Jerusalem. Culturally, the concept of being "stiffnecked" was a well-understood idiom for stubbornness and rebellion, often used in the context of an ox refusing to bear a yoke. Yielding oneself to the Lord, or "giving the hand," was a recognized gesture of submission and covenant allegiance, akin to pledging fealty to a king or entering into a binding agreement. The Temple in Jerusalem was the singular, divinely appointed place for legitimate worship and sacrifice, a foundational element of Israelite identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - Hezekiah's Passover and Revival"), and particularly in this verse, revolve around **repentance and return to God**. Hezekiah's call is a stark reminder of the consequences of **apostasy and unfaithfulness**, contrasting the fathers' rebellion with the present opportunity for divine mercy. The emphasis on entering "his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever" underscores the **centrality of proper worship and the holiness of God's dwelling place**, a direct challenge to the syncretism and idolatry that had plagued both kingdoms. The promise that God's "fierceness of his wrath may turn away" highlights God's **justice against sin** but also His profound **compassion and willingness to forgive** those who genuinely seek Him, echoing the divine promise found in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Healing and Forgiveness"). This entire chapter serves as a powerful testament to the **sovereignty of God** in orchestrating revival and the **importance of leadership** in guiding a nation back to covenant fidelity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stiffnecked (Hebrew, _qâshâh_ H7185, _ʻôreph_ H6203):** This vivid idiom, literally "hard of neck" or "stubborn of neck," is used to describe an obstinate, unyielding, and rebellious disposition, particularly in the context of resisting God's commands or authority. From H7185, `qâshâh` means "to be dense, i.e., tough or severe," implying a hardened state. From H6203, `ʻôreph` refers to "the nape or back of the neck," which, when stiff, indicates refusal to turn or submit. Like an ox that refuses to submit to the yoke and pull the plow, a "stiffnecked" people refuse to obey God's will, characterized by a hardened heart and an unwillingness to humble themselves. This term powerfully encapsulates Israel's historical pattern of rebellion against the Lord, from the wilderness generation (e.g., [Exodus 32:9](/exodus/32-9 "Exodus 32:9 - Israel's Idolatry and Stubbornness")) to the time of the judges and kings.
* **Yield yourselves (Hebrew, _nâthan_ H5414, _yâd_ H3027):** This phrase, literally "give the hand," signifies an act of voluntary submission, surrender, or pledging allegiance. From H5414, `nâthan` is a primitive root meaning "to give," used with great latitude to imply placing, bestowing, or committing. From H3027, `yâd` refers to "a hand (the open one, indicating power, means, direction, etc.)," and idiomatically can mean "yield." It implies a covenantal commitment, an offering of oneself in service and obedience. In ancient Near Eastern treaties, "giving the hand" could denote submission to a conquering power or the formation of a binding agreement. Here, Hezekiah urges the people to make a decisive and willing commitment to [the LORD](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Lord is One"), abandoning their former rebellion for a posture of humble obedience and faithful service within the covenant.
* **Sanctified (Hebrew, _qâdash_ H6942):** This word, referring to the Temple, means "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)." From H6942, `qâdash` is a primitive root indicating a state of being set apart, consecrated, or made holy. The Temple's status as "sanctified for ever" emphasizes its perpetual holiness and its unique, divinely appointed role as the legitimate place of worship and communion with God, regardless of the people's past unfaithfulness. It asserts the Temple's enduring sacred status against all forms of idolatrous defilement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers [were, but]":** This opening clause serves as a direct and urgent admonition. Hezekiah explicitly warns against repeating the historical pattern of stubborn rebellion and obstinate resistance to God's will that characterized previous generations of Israel, which led to divine judgment and national calamity. The "fathers" here refer to those who consistently resisted God's commands, leading to the division of the kingdom and the eventual exile of the northern tribes. The conjunction "but" signals a sharp contrast and a call for a radical change in disposition from past disobedience to present obedience.
* **"yield yourselves unto the LORD,":** This is the positive command, the alternative to being "stiffnecked." It calls for a complete and voluntary surrender of one's will, allegiance, and life to God. It is an invitation to enter into a renewed covenant relationship, marked by humility, obedience, and devotion, acknowledging God's rightful sovereignty over their lives. This act of "giving the hand" signifies a profound commitment and a turning from self-will to divine will.
* **"and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever:":** This clause specifies a concrete act of yielding: returning to the Temple in Jerusalem. The "sanctuary" (the Temple) is emphasized as divinely "sanctified for ever," highlighting its perpetual holiness and its central role as the legitimate place of worship and communion with God, regardless of the people's past unfaithfulness. This was a direct rebuke to idolatrous practices and unauthorized altars, asserting the Temple's unique and enduring sacred status as the designated place for proper worship and atonement.
* **"and serve the LORD your God,":** This is the practical outworking of yielding and entering the sanctuary. "Serving the Lord" encompasses faithful obedience to His commands, participating in proper worship, and living in accordance with the covenant. It moves beyond mere ritual to a life of active devotion and allegiance to Yahweh as their exclusive God, demonstrating their renewed commitment through their actions and lifestyle.
* **"that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.":** This final clause presents the ultimate motivation and promised outcome of their repentance and obedience. God's "fierceness of his wrath" refers to the just judgment and severe consequences for sin and covenant breaking, which Israel had experienced. Hezekiah offers the hope that through genuine turning and submission, God's righteous anger will be averted, and His mercy and favor will be extended, leading to restoration, protection, and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Metaphor** is prominently used with the term "stiffnecked," drawing on the imagery of an uncooperative animal (like an ox refusing the yoke) to vividly portray human obstinacy and rebellion against divine authority. This creates a strong visual for the audience, highlighting the folly and danger of such a disposition. The verse also utilizes **antithesis** or **contrast**, setting the negative command "be ye not stiffnecked" against the positive commands to "yield yourselves unto the LORD," "enter into his sanctuary," and "serve the LORD your God," thereby emphasizing the stark choice before the people and the radical change in posture required. Furthermore, the structure of the verse functions as a **conditional promise** or **consequence**, where the actions of yielding, entering the sanctuary, and serving God are presented as the necessary conditions ("if...then") for the desired outcome: "that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you." This rhetorical strategy appeals to both fear of judgment and hope for mercy, powerfully motivating the audience towards repentance. The direct address "be ye not" also creates a sense of **personal appeal** and urgency, making the king's message resonate directly with each individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates the biblical themes of repentance, divine justice, and God's enduring mercy. It underscores that while God is holy and just, requiring obedience and punishing sin, He is also profoundly gracious and ready to forgive those who genuinely turn to Him. The call to return to the sanctuary and serve the Lord highlights the perpetual importance of right worship and covenant fidelity as central to a healthy relationship with God. This divine pattern of judgment averted by repentance is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, demonstrating God's consistent character and His desire for His people's restoration rather than their destruction.

* [Deuteronomy 30:1-3](/deuteronomy/30-1-3 "Deuteronomy 30:1-3 - Return to the Lord and Be Restored")
* [Isaiah 55:6-7](/isaiah/55-6-7 "Isaiah 55:6-7 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found")
* [Joel 2:12-14](/joel/2-12-14 "Joel 2:12-14 - Return to the Lord with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Hezekiah's ancient call to repentance resonates deeply with contemporary believers, urging us to examine the posture of our hearts before God. Are there areas in our lives where we exhibit a "stiffnecked" resistance to God's will, preferring our own way or clinging to sin? This verse challenges us to a radical surrender, to "yield ourselves unto the LORD" in every facet of our being—our thoughts, desires, actions, and resources. It reminds us that true worship is not merely a ritual but a lifestyle of humble obedience and faithful service, prioritizing God's presence and His commands. Just as the physical sanctuary was central for Israel, believers today are called to prioritize spiritual communion with God, whether through personal devotion, corporate worship, or living as His consecrated dwelling place. The promise that God's wrath may turn away offers immense hope, reminding us that even in the face of our failures, God's mercy is available through genuine repentance, leading to restoration and spiritual flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "stiffnecked," resisting God's clear leading or commands?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to "yield myself unto the LORD" in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent or a one-time decision?**
* **How can I prioritize and "enter into God's sanctuary" (His presence and purposes) more fully in my personal devotion and communal walk of faith?**
* **What specific actions can I take to "serve the LORD my God" more faithfully, and how does this service reflect a turning away from spiritual consequences in my life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be "stiffnecked" in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, being "stiffnecked" refers to a stubborn, unyielding, and rebellious attitude towards God's will, His commands, or His leading in one's life. It manifests as an unwillingness to repent, to humble oneself, or to submit to divine authority. It can appear as spiritual pride, resistance to correction, or a persistent desire to live according to one's own desires rather than God's. It's a refusal to "take on the yoke" of Christ, which Jesus himself described as easy and light for those who learn from Him ([Matthew 11:29-30](/matthew/11-29-30 "Matthew 11:29-30 - Take My Yoke Upon You")). This spiritual stubbornness hinders one's relationship with God and prevents the reception of His blessings.

**How does "yielding yourselves unto the LORD" relate to salvation?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 30:8 is an Old Testament call to covenant faithfulness, the concept of "yielding yourselves unto the LORD" is profoundly connected to salvation. In the New Testament, salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ, which inherently involves a surrender of one's life to Him as Lord. This yielding is not merely a one-time decision but an ongoing posture of submission to His lordship, allowing Him to transform and direct one's life. It is a turning from self-reliance and sin to trust and obey God, aligning with the New Testament call to repentance and faith ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repent and Be Baptized")). True salvation involves not just belief in Christ's atoning work but also a commitment to follow Him as Lord, which is an act of yielding one's entire being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call in 2 Chronicles 30:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "stiffnecked" rebellion of humanity, so vividly described throughout the Old Testament, is overcome only through the atoning work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). We are no longer called to merely "yield ourselves" in a general sense, but to yield to the specific Lordship of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The "sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever," foreshadows Christ himself, who is the true and eternal Temple, the very dwelling place of God, through whom we now have direct access to the Father ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple and I Will Rebuild It"), [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant")). His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross is the definitive act that causes "the fierceness of his wrath" against sin to turn away from all who believe in Him ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). In Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely "serve the LORD our God," not out of fear of wrath, but out of love and gratitude for the redemption He has accomplished, living as new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Exodus 32:9

And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:

2 Chronicles 29:10

Now [it is] in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.

Deuteronomy 10:16

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

Psalms 132:13

For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired [it] for his habitation.

Psalms 132:14

This [is] my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

Romans 6:22

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

1 Chronicles 29:24

And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.