2 Chronicles 34:25

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.

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}.

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.'

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.’

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

Context

This verse delivers a powerful message from the prophetess Huldah to King Josiah and his delegation, following the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple (2 Chronicles 34:14). Upon hearing the words of the Law and recognizing the nation's profound disobedience, Josiah tore his clothes in repentance and sent officials to inquire of the Lord. While Josiah himself was spared from experiencing the full brunt of the impending disaster due to his humility and reforms (2 Chronicles 34:27), Huldah's prophecy confirms that the kingdom of Judah, as a whole, would face severe judgment for its long history of apostasy and idolatry.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment for Idolatry: The primary reason for God's wrath is explicitly stated: "they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods." This highlights God's absolute intolerance for the worship of false deities, which directly violates the first commandments (Exodus 20:3-5). The "works of their hands" refers to the idols they crafted and worshipped, emphasizing the deliberate and tangible nature of their rebellion.
  • Consequences of Spiritual Apostasy: The verse underscores that turning away from God, especially after being in a covenant relationship with Him, brings severe consequences. Judah's actions were not merely neglect but active provocation, inciting God's anger. This serves as a stark warning about the spiritual dangers of unfaithfulness.
  • Unquenchable Wrath: The phrase "my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched" signifies the irreversible and comprehensive nature of the coming judgment. It implies a divine decree that cannot be averted or extinguished by human effort, foreshadowing the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. This judgment is a direct fulfillment of the curses outlined in the covenant for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15ff).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "forsaken" ('azab) implies a deliberate abandonment, a breaking of relationship. It's not merely a passive drifting away, but an active turning from God. The word for "provoke me to anger" (ka'as) suggests vexation, grief, and indignation, highlighting the emotional depth of God's response to their sustained rebellion. The phrase "shall not be quenched" (lo' tikbeh) uses imagery of an unextinguishable fire, powerfully conveying the certainty and intensity of the impending divine judgment.

Practical Application

While we no longer burn incense to physical idols, this verse remains profoundly relevant. It reminds us of God's unchanging nature as a holy and just God who demands exclusive devotion. Any person, pursuit, or possession that takes precedence over God in our lives can become a modern-day "other god" and provoke spiritual distance. The passage calls us to examine our own hearts for any form of idolatry and to maintain a steadfast commitment to God alone. It also highlights the serious consequences of persistent disobedience and the importance of genuine repentance, as demonstrated by King Josiah, to avert or mitigate divine displeasure.

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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

  • 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.
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