2 Chronicles 30:9

KJV

For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children [shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God [is] gracious and merciful, and will not turn away [his] face from you, if ye return unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

For if ye turn again {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068}, your brethren {H251} and your children {H1121} shall find compassion {H7356} before {H6440} them that lead them captive {H7617}, so that they shall come again {H7725} into this land {H776}: for the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} is gracious {H2587} and merciful {H7349}, and will not turn away {H5493} his face {H6440} from you, if ye return {H7725} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

For if you turn back to ADONAI, your kinsmen and children will find that those who took them captive will have compassion on them, and they will come back to this land. ADONAI your God is compassionate and merciful; he will not turn his face away from you if you return to him."

Berean Standard Bible

For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and sons will receive mercy in the presence of their captors and will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful; He will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.”

American Standard Version

For if ye turn again unto Jehovah, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that led them captive, and shall come again into this land: for Jehovah your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 30:9 encapsulates a powerful divine assurance, delivered through King Hezekiah's messengers, that God's inherent character is one of boundless grace and mercy. This verse serves as a profound motivation for the people of Israel and Judah, particularly those in captivity, to return to the Lord. It promises that a sincere turning back to God will be met with divine compassion, leading to the miraculous restoration of their scattered brethren and children to their homeland, for the Lord will never turn His face away from those who earnestly seek Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within King Hezekiah's sweeping reforms, immediately following his restoration of temple worship in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Restores Temple Worship"). Hezekiah's next bold move was to invite all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, to Jerusalem for a nationwide Passover celebration, an event that had been neglected for centuries ([2 Chronicles 30:1-5](/2_chronicles/30-1-5 "2 Chronicles 30:1-5 - Hezekiah's Passover Invitation and Preparations")). The verse itself is part of the urgent plea carried by Hezekiah's messengers to the remnants of the Northern Kingdom, recorded in [2 Chronicles 30:6-9](/2_chronicles/30-6-9 "2 Chronicles 30:6-9 - Messengers' Invitation and Promise"). It functions as the theological bedrock of the invitation, providing the compelling reason for the people to overcome their spiritual apathy and historical divisions. The promise of God's compassion and the return of captives directly addresses their most pressing fears and hopes, making the call to repentance tangible and deeply personal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah ruled Judah in the late 8th century BC, a period dominated by the formidable Assyrian Empire. Decades earlier, in 722 BC, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had fallen to Assyria, resulting in the brutal deportation and scattering of its population across the Assyrian Empire ([2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Israel's Exile to Assyria")). Many Israelites were living as captives, while those who remained in the land were often spiritually compromised, having adopted pagan practices. Judah, too, had suffered under the idolatrous reign of Hezekiah's father, Ahaz, bringing the nation to spiritual and political decline. The Passover, a central feast commemorating Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")), was a powerful symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and redemptive power. Hezekiah's invitation to observe it, uniquely extended to the remnants of the Northern Kingdom, was not merely a religious act but a profound statement aiming to re-establish national identity and unity under Yahweh, despite the deep-seated divisions and the harsh geopolitical realities of Assyrian dominance. The promise of "compassion before them that lead them captive" would have offered immense hope to a people whose families were enslaved or dispersed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Chronicler's theology and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Repentance and Divine Restoration** is paramount, positing that a genuine "turn again unto the LORD" is the indispensable prerequisite for God's compassionate intervention and the restoration of what was lost, including the literal return of captives to their homeland. This highlights a profound principle: God's willingness to restore when His people return to Him, as seen in numerous instances throughout Israel's history. Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Gracious and Merciful Character**, presenting Him as "gracious and merciful" (Hebrew: *channun* and *rachum*), attributes frequently paired to describe His benevolent nature and covenant faithfulness ([Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Attributes Revealed to Moses")). These qualities assure the people that God desires their well-being and will not reject their sincere repentance, even after prolonged apostasy. Thirdly, the phrase "will not turn away his face from you" emphasizes **God's Enduring Presence and Favor**. This idiom signifies God's attentiveness, acceptance, and willingness to engage in fellowship with His people when they seek Him. It contrasts sharply with instances where God might hide His face due to sin ([Psalm 27:9](/psalms/27-9 "Psalm 27:9 - Do Not Hide Your Face")), indicating His readiness to restore intimate communion and provide divine favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gracious (Hebrew, _channûwn'_):** This term (H2587) denotes God's unmerited favor, kindness, and willingness to show clemency and give generously, even to the undeserving. It speaks of God's disposition to bestow grace and mercy, not as a response to human merit, but out of His inherent goodness. In the context of 2 Chronicles 30:9, it assures the people that God's disposition towards them is one of benevolent favor, ready to extend kindness despite their past idolatry and rebellion.
* **Merciful (Hebrew, _rachûwm'_):** Derived from the root *racham* (H7356), meaning "womb," *rachûwm* (H7349) conveys a deep, compassionate, and tender love, akin to a parent's profound empathy for their child. It speaks of a visceral pity and compassion that moves God to act on behalf of those in distress. When paired with *channûwn*, it paints a comprehensive picture of God's character as one who not only gives freely but also feels deeply and acts compassionately towards His suffering people, particularly those in captivity.
* **Face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** The Hebrew word *pânîym* (H6440) literally means "face." The idiom "to turn away one's face" signifies rejection, disfavor, or a refusal to acknowledge or respond. Conversely, "not turning away one's face" implies attentiveness, acceptance, approval, and a willingness to engage in fellowship and respond to prayer. In this verse, it is a powerful assurance that God will not ignore or reject their repentance but will fully embrace them and listen to their pleas, signifying His restored presence and favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if ye turn again unto the LORD":** This clause establishes the fundamental condition for divine intervention. The phrase "turn again" (Hebrew: *shûwb*, H7725) signifies repentance, a complete turning back from sin and idolatry to God (H3068). It implies a change of heart, direction, and allegiance, emphasizing that human initiative in seeking God is a prerequisite for His promised response.
* **"your brethren and your children [shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive":** This is the immediate, tangible promise contingent upon their repentance. It speaks to the plight of the exiled Northern Kingdom, whose "brethren" (H251) and "children" (H1121) were in bondage. "Compassion" (H7356) here means favor or mercy. The promise is that God will supernaturally work through the hearts of their captors (H7617), influencing them to show kindness, leniency, or even facilitate the release of the Israelites held in foreign lands, demonstrating God's sovereign power over human authorities.
* **"so that they shall come again into this land":** This clause articulates the ultimate goal and glorious outcome of God's compassion: the physical return of the scattered exiles to their ancestral "land" (H776). This promise was incredibly significant for a people whose identity was deeply tied to their land and covenant inheritance, offering hope for national and familial restoration.
* **"for the LORD your God [is] gracious and merciful":** This is the theological foundation and absolute guarantee of the preceding promises. The assurance of God's character—His inherent grace (*channûwn*, H2587) and deep compassion (*rachûwm*, H7349)—is the reason the people can trust He will fulfill His word. It's not based on their merit, but on His unchanging nature (H3068, H430).
* **"and will not turn away [his] face from you, if ye return unto him":** This reiterates and reinforces the conditional nature of the promise while emphasizing God's unwavering receptiveness. It assures the people that if they genuinely "return" (H7725) to Him, He will not "turn away" (H5493) His "face" (H6440) from them but will be fully present, attentive, and responsive to their needs, signifying renewed covenant relationship and divine favor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful **Literary Devices**. Foremost is the **Conditional Clause** structure ("For if... then..."), which clearly delineates the cause-and-effect relationship between human repentance and divine response. This structure highlights the covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people, where obedience (returning to Him) unlocks blessings (compassion and restoration). There is also a powerful **Repetition** of the core condition: "if ye turn again unto the LORD" and "if ye return unto him." This reiteration serves to emphasize the singular, non-negotiable requirement for experiencing God's promised favor, driving home the central message of repentance. Furthermore, the phrase "will not turn away his face" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like action (turning one's face) to God. This device makes God's character and intentions more relatable and understandable to a human audience. The "face" itself functions as a **Metonymy** or **Symbolism** for God's presence, favor, and attentiveness. Not turning away His face symbolizes His acceptance, willingness to listen, and active engagement with His people, contrasting with the hiding of His face, which signifies displeasure or judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 30:9 profoundly articulates the enduring biblical truth that God's character is fundamentally defined by grace and mercy, and that His disposition towards humanity is one of redemptive love. This verse echoes a consistent theme throughout Scripture: God's readiness to forgive and restore those who genuinely turn to Him, regardless of the depth of their past transgressions or the severity of their current circumstances. It underscores the principle that human repentance is met not with condemnation, but with divine compassion that can miraculously alter even the most dire situations, such as captivity and exile. The promise of "compassion before them that lead them captive" demonstrates God's sovereign power to work through any human authority or circumstance to achieve His redemptive purposes for His people. This divine attribute is the bedrock of all hope for restoration, both individually and corporately, across all dispensations.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "God's Attributes Revealed to Moses")
* [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12-13 "Return to the Lord")
* [Psalm 103:8-10](/psalms/103-8-10 "God's Compassion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless message of 2 Chronicles 30:9 resonates deeply with believers today, offering profound encouragement and a clear path to spiritual renewal. It reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed, how deeply we have sinned, or how insurmountable our "captivity" (whether literal, spiritual, or emotional) may seem, God's character remains constant: He is eternally gracious and merciful. A genuine "turning again unto the LORD" – a heartfelt repentance, a conscious decision to reorient our lives towards Him – is the key that unlocks His compassionate response. This isn't a promise contingent on our perfection, but on our posture of humility and desire to return. It assures us that God's "face" will not be turned away; He is always attentive, ready to receive, forgive, and restore. This applies to personal spiritual backsliding, broken relationships, communal apathy, or even societal decay. Just as He promised to bring exiles home, He promises to bring us home to His presence, healing, and hope when we seek Him with all our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "turn again unto the LORD" with a repentant heart?**
* **How does understanding God as "gracious and merciful" impact my willingness to approach Him, especially after I have sinned?**
* **What "captivity" or seemingly impossible situation in my life or community am I trusting God to show compassion towards and bring restoration from?**
* **How can I actively participate in inviting others to "return to the LORD," reflecting Hezekiah's zeal for corporate repentance and renewal?**

### FAQ
**Why was Hezekiah's call so significant, especially for the Northern Kingdom?**

Answer: Hezekiah's call was profoundly significant because it sought to transcend centuries of political and religious division between Judah (the Southern Kingdom) and Israel (the Northern Kingdom), which had split after Solomon's reign. The Northern Kingdom had largely abandoned Yahweh worship for idolatry, culminating in its fall to Assyria and the scattering of its people decades prior to Hezekiah's reign ([2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Israel's Exile to Assyria")). By inviting all of Israel to Jerusalem for Passover, Hezekiah was making a bold theological statement: that despite political boundaries and historical grievances, they were still one people under God's covenant. This invitation was an act of faith, appealing to a remnant to remember their true identity and return to the Lord, offering hope for spiritual and even physical reunification.

**How does "compassion before them that lead them captive" work practically?**

Answer: This phrase implies God's sovereign ability to influence the hearts and actions of human authorities, even those who are pagan or hostile. Practically, this could manifest in various ways: captors might show unusual leniency, grant improved conditions, or even facilitate the release and return of captives. We see similar divine interventions in other biblical narratives, such as God moving the heart of Cyrus, the Persian king, to issue a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). It demonstrates that God's power is not limited by political or military might, but He can work through any means to bring about His redemptive purposes for His people.

**Is this promise only for physical return to the land, or does it have broader spiritual implications?**

Answer: While the immediate context of 2 Chronicles 30:9 clearly refers to the physical return of the exiled Israelites to their land, its theological principles extend far beyond a literal geographical restoration. The promise of God's compassion and non-rejection upon repentance carries profound spiritual implications for all believers. It signifies the restoration of fellowship with God, deliverance from spiritual bondage (the "captivity" of sin), and the return to a state of spiritual flourishing. Just as the physical land was a symbol of God's presence and blessing for Israel, spiritual restoration means being brought back into the presence and favor of God, where true life and freedom are found. The verse thus serves as an enduring promise of spiritual renewal and reconciliation for anyone who turns to the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The promise of God's grace and mercy, and His willingness to restore those who turn to Him in 2 Chronicles 30:9, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's "gracious and merciful" character, perfectly revealing the Father's heart ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). While Hezekiah's call was to return to the law and temple worship, Jesus's call is to "repent, and believe the gospel" ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe")), inviting all humanity to turn from the captivity of sin to the freedom of God's kingdom. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby removing the barrier of sin that had caused God to "turn away His face." Now, through faith in Christ, believers are not merely shown compassion but are fully reconciled to God, brought near by the blood of Jesus ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")). The spiritual "return to this land" is realized in our adoption as children of God and our inheritance in His eternal kingdom, where we have bold access to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")) and are no longer alienated but brought into intimate fellowship with the Father through the Son. Christ's work ensures that God's face is eternally turned towards His redeemed people, shining upon them with favor and peace.

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

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Psalms 106:46

He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

Psalms 86:5

For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

1 Kings 8:50

And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:

Exodus 34:6

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Exodus 34:7

Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].