2 Chronicles 33:8

Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.

Neither will I any more {H3254} remove {H5493} the foot {H7272} of Israel {H3478} from out {H5921} of the land {H127} which I have appointed {H5975} for your fathers {H1}; so that {H518} they will take heed {H8104} to do {H6213} all that I have commanded {H6680} them, according to the whole law {H8451} and the statutes {H2706} and the ordinances {H4941} by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872}.

Also I will not remove the feet of Isra'el from the land I assigned your ancestors, if only they will take heed to obey every order I have given them, that is, all the Torah, laws and rulings that came through Moshe."

I will never again cause the feet of the Israelites to leave the land that I assigned to your fathers, if only they are careful to do all that I have commanded them through Moses—all the laws, statutes, and judgments.”

neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from off the land which I have appointed for your fathers, if only they will observe to do all that I have commanded them, even all the law and the statutes and the ordinances given by Moses.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 33:8 presents a powerful statement from God regarding His covenant with Israel, conditional upon their obedience to His commands. This verse is situated within the narrative of King Manasseh, one of Judah's most wicked kings.

Context

This verse comes during the long and largely wicked reign of King Manasseh, who succeeded his righteous father Hezekiah. Manasseh plunged Judah into profound idolatry, even setting up altars to Baal and Asherah poles within the temple in Jerusalem, practicing child sacrifice, divination, and witchcraft (2 Chronicles 33:6). Despite God's warnings, Manasseh persisted in his evil ways, leading to severe judgment. The promise in this verse, "Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers," serves as a reminder of God's original covenant with the nation and the conditions for their continued dwelling in the Promised Land. It implies that their removal (exile) is a direct consequence of disobedience, yet God's desire is for them to remain if they obey His Law.

Key Themes

  • Conditional Blessing: God's promise to keep Israel in the land is explicitly tied to their obedience to "all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses." This highlights the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant, where blessings (like dwelling in the land) are contingent upon faithfulness and adherence to God's commands.
  • Divine Faithfulness and Patience: Even in the face of profound national apostasy under Manasseh, God reiterates His foundational covenant principle. This demonstrates His enduring patience and His commitment to His word, even as He ultimately brings judgment upon unrepentant sin.
  • Supremacy of God's Law: The phrase "the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses" emphasizes the comprehensive and non-negotiable nature of God's revealed will. Obedience to this divine instruction was paramount for Israel's well-being and their relationship with God.
  • The Land as a Covenant Promise: The land of Israel was a core part of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 15:18). This verse underscores that staying in the land was not automatic but a privilege maintained through obedience to the covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "remove the foot" metaphorically signifies displacement, expulsion, or exile from their homeland. It speaks to the potential loss of their security and identity as a nation dwelling in the land God had promised. The comprehensive listing of "the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses" (referring to the Hebrew Torah, chuqqim, and mishpatim) underscores that God's command encompasses every aspect of life – moral, civil, and ceremonial – all delivered through Moses as His chosen mediator.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Chronicles 33:8 reinforces the timeless principle that a close relationship with God and the experience of His blessings are often linked to obedience to His Word. While we are under the New Covenant and not the Mosaic Law, the principle of obedience remains vital for spiritual flourishing and bearing fruit in our lives (John 15:10). This verse also reminds us of God's patience and His desire for His people to live in alignment with His will, which ultimately leads to abundant life and blessing.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 7:10

    Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime,

  • 2 Chronicles 7:17

    And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments;

  • 2 Chronicles 7:22

    And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

  • Deuteronomy 27:26

    Cursed [be] he that confirmeth not [all] the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

  • Deuteronomy 28:14

    And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

  • Leviticus 8:36

    So Aaron and his sons did all things which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

  • Leviticus 10:11

    And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.
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