2 Chronicles 34:25

KJV

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because they have forsaken {H5800} me, and have burned incense {H6999}{H6999} unto other {H312} gods {H430}, that they might provoke me to anger {H3707} with all the works {H4639} of their hands {H3027}; therefore my wrath {H2534} shall be poured out {H5413} upon this place {H4725}, and shall not be quenched {H3518}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because they have abandoned me and offered to other gods, in order to provoke me with everything they do. Therefore my anger is poured out on this place and will not be quenched.'

Berean Standard Bible

because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. My wrath will be poured out upon this place and will not be quenched.’

American Standard Version

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore is my wrath poured out upon this place, and it shall not be quenched.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 34:25 delivers a severe prophetic message from Huldah to King Josiah's delegation, revealing God's unyielding judgment against Judah for its pervasive idolatry and abandonment of the covenant. Despite Josiah's personal repentance and reforms, the verse declares that divine wrath, provoked by generations of worshiping false gods and crafting idols, is irrevocably set to be "poured out upon this place" and "shall not be quenched," foreshadowing the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile as a direct consequence of the nation's profound spiritual apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Huldah's prophetic oracle delivered to King Josiah's delegation, which included Hilkiah the high priest and Shaphan the scribe, following the momentous discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple during its renovation ([2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")). Upon hearing the Law's covenant curses, Josiah tore his clothes in deep repentance ([2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Repentance")), recognizing the nation's profound and prolonged disobedience. He immediately sent officials to inquire of the Lord, leading them to Huldah, who confirms the certainty of judgment while also granting Josiah a reprieve due to his humility and responsiveness to God's word ([2 Chronicles 34:27-28](/2_chronicles/34-27 "2 Chronicles 34:27-28 - God's Mercy to Josiah")). Thus, 2 Chronicles 34:25 serves as the core pronouncement of the national judgment, framed by the preceding discovery and Josiah's subsequent personal deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in 2 Chronicles 34:25 addresses Judah's long history of religious syncretism and outright idolatry, particularly prevalent during the reigns of Manasseh and Amon, Josiah's predecessors ([2 Chronicles 33](/2_chronicles/33 "2 Chronicles 33 - Manasseh's Idolatry and Repentance")). Despite earlier reforms by kings like Hezekiah, the people consistently reverted to worshipping Baal, Asherah, and the host of heaven, often incorporating pagan rituals and child sacrifice, practices abhorrent to Yahweh. The "works of their hands" refers to the physical idols they crafted, emphasizing the tangible and deliberate nature of their rebellion against the covenant God of Israel. This widespread apostasy represented a direct violation of the foundational commands given at Sinai, particularly the prohibition against other gods and idolatry ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments")), and a breach of the covenant, which promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Covenant Curses")). Huldah's message underscores that Judah had reached a point of no return, having exhausted God's patience through generations of unfaithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in 2 Chronicles 34:25 is **Divine Judgment for Persistent Idolatry and Apostasy**. The verse explicitly links God's "wrath" to the nation's "forsaking" Him and "burning incense unto other gods," highlighting God's absolute intolerance for the worship of false deities and the breaking of covenant loyalty. This underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**, where Judah's actions are not merely neglect but active "provocation" of God's anger, leading to severe and irreversible consequences. The phrase "shall not be quenched" introduces the theme of **Irreversible Divine Decree**, signifying a judgment so certain and comprehensive that it cannot be averted or extinguished by human effort, foreshadowing the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile as a direct fulfillment of the covenant curses for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The passage also implicitly touches on the theme of **God's Holiness and Justice**, demonstrating that His nature demands a response to sin and rebellion, even from His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsaken (Hebrew, _ʿāzav_):** This verb signifies a deliberate abandonment, a turning away from, or a breaking of relationship. It implies more than passive drifting; it suggests an active renunciation of a previously held commitment or loyalty. In this context, Judah had consciously and repeatedly abandoned their covenant relationship with Yahweh, choosing instead to pursue foreign gods and practices. This deliberate act of "forsaking" underscores the gravity of their spiritual treason.
* **Provoke to anger (Hebrew, _kāʿas_):** This word conveys vexation, grief, indignation, and exasperation. It describes an active incitement of divine displeasure, not merely a passive state of God's anger. Judah's idolatrous actions were not just offensive but actively stirred God's emotions, highlighting the personal nature of their rebellion against their Creator and covenant partner. It speaks to the sustained and egregious nature of their sin that brought God to this point of righteous fury.
* **Quenched (Hebrew, _kāvāh_):** This verb literally means "to be extinguished" or "to be put out," typically referring to a fire. The negation "shall not be quenched" (לֹא תִכְבֶּה, _loʾ tikbeh_) powerfully conveys the irreversibility and unstoppable nature of the impending judgment. It signifies that God's wrath, once poured out, will consume its object entirely and cannot be appeased or stopped by any human intervention, akin to an unextinguishable fire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because they have forsaken me,"**: This clause establishes the foundational reason for God's impending judgment. It points to a deliberate and active abandonment of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, indicating a breach of the most fundamental relationship and loyalty. This spiritual treason is the root cause of their downfall.
* **"and have burned incense unto other gods,"**: This specifies the primary manifestation of their forsaking God – active idolatry. Burning incense was an act of worship and devotion, and directing it towards "other gods" (i.e., false deities) represented a direct violation of the First Commandment and a profound betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh. This wasn't merely neglect but overt, tangible acts of rebellion.
* **"that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands;"**: This clause clarifies the intent and consequence of their idolatry. Their actions were not accidental but a deliberate and sustained course of behavior ("all the works of their hands," referring to the idols they made and the rituals they performed) that actively incited God's righteous indignation. It emphasizes the cumulative effect of their rebellion on God's disposition.
* **"therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place,"**: This introduces the divine response to their provocation. "Therefore" marks the direct cause-and-effect relationship. God's "wrath" (אף, `ʾaph`, often meaning "nose" or "nostril," hence "anger" or "fury") is depicted as being "poured out," an image of overwhelming, inescapable deluge, signifying a comprehensive and forceful judgment upon "this place," referring specifically to Jerusalem and Judah.
* **"and shall not be quenched."**: This final clause underscores the irreversible and absolute nature of the judgment. Using the imagery of an unquenchable fire, it signifies that once God's wrath is unleashed, it cannot be extinguished, averted, or mitigated by human effort. It points to the certainty and finality of the coming destruction and exile.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity of God's message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the description of God being "provoked to anger" and His "wrath" being "poured out," attributing human emotions and actions to God to make His response comprehensible and impactful. The phrase "my wrath shall be poured out" uses a powerful **metaphor** or **imagery** of a deluge or overwhelming flood, conveying the unstoppable and destructive force of divine judgment. This is further amplified by the **metaphor** of an "unquenchable" fire, which evokes imagery of consuming, irreversible destruction, emphasizing the finality of the decree. The entire verse is structured as a clear **cause and effect** statement, beginning with "Because they have forsaken me... therefore my wrath shall be poured out," which highlights the direct correlation between Judah's actions and God's response. Finally, the phrase "all the works of their hands" serves as a form of **synecdoche** or **intensification**, representing the totality and pervasiveness of their idolatrous practices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 34:25 powerfully articulates the theological principle that God, as a holy and just sovereign, will not tolerate persistent rebellion and idolatry from His covenant people. It underscores the profound consequences of breaking faith with the one true God, demonstrating that spiritual apostasy leads inevitably to divine judgment. This verse serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His own holiness and His covenant demands, even when it means bringing severe discipline upon those He has chosen. The "unquenchable" nature of His wrath highlights the finality of His decree when a people have exhausted His patience through generations of unrepentant sin.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 7:20](/jeremiah/7-20 "Jeremiah 7:20 - God's Unquenchable Wrath on Judah")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer burn physical incense to carved idols, the core message of 2 Chronicles 34:25 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. God's nature as a holy and just God who demands exclusive devotion has not changed. Any person, pursuit, possession, or philosophy that takes precedence over God in our hearts and lives can become a modern-day "other god," subtly or overtly provoking spiritual distance and hindering our relationship with Him. This passage calls us to a rigorous self-examination, to identify and repent of any form of idolatry—whether it be the worship of success, comfort, self, or even good things elevated to ultimate things. It reminds us that persistent disobedience and unfaithfulness, even in our own lives, carry serious spiritual consequences, and that genuine repentance, as exemplified by King Josiah, is crucial for averting or mitigating divine displeasure and restoring fellowship with God. It challenges us to maintain a steadfast and undivided commitment to God alone, recognizing that true flourishing comes only from His exclusive worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other gods" might be subtly competing for my devotion and affections in my life today?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my exclusive allegiance to God, or reveal areas where I might be "burning incense" to something else?**
* **What are the potential "works of my hands" (my efforts, achievements, or creations) that I might be prioritizing over God?**
* **How does King Josiah's response to the Law challenge my own response to God's Word when it reveals my sin?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper, more exclusive devotion to God in my personal and communal life?**

### FAQ
**What does "provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands" mean?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the deliberate and sustained actions of the people of Judah that incited God's righteous indignation. "Works of their hands" specifically points to the idols they crafted and worshipped, as well as the pagan altars, Asherah poles, and other physical manifestations of their idolatrous practices. These were not accidental transgressions but tangible, intentional acts of rebellion against God's covenant commands. Their persistent engagement in such practices, despite prophetic warnings, was a direct affront to God's holiness and faithfulness, actively stirring His anger and grief. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their idolatry, involving every aspect of their worship and daily life that was directed away from Yahweh.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 34:25 speaks of God's unquenchable wrath poured out upon Judah for their idolatry, the ultimate fulfillment and resolution of divine wrath are found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament judgments, like the one pronounced by Huldah, foreshadow the righteous judgment of God against all sin and ungodliness, a judgment that would otherwise fall upon humanity. However, in the New Testament, we learn that God's wrath is not merely an Old Testament concept but is continually revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed")). The good news of the Gospel is that God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided a means for this wrath to be satisfied not by our destruction, but through the atoning sacrifice of His Son. Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), took upon Himself the full outpouring of God's righteous wrath against sin on the cross ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as a Propitiation")). For those who believe in Him, the "unquenchable" fire of God's wrath, which justly falls on those who do not obey the Son ([John 3:36](/john/3-36 "John 3:36 - Wrath of God Remains")), has been fully absorbed by Christ. Thus, believers are not appointed to wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ ([1 Thessalonians 5:9](/1_thessalonians/5-9 "1 Thessalonians 5:9 - Not Appointed to Wrath")), finding refuge and reconciliation in Him who became our propitiation.

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

Jeremiah 7:20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.

Nahum 1:6

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Jeremiah 15:1

¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.

Jeremiah 15:4

And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for [that] which he did in Jerusalem.

Lamentations 4:11

The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.

Revelation 14:10

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Revelation 14:11

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.