2 Chronicles 36:13

And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.

And he also rebelled {H4775} against king {H4428} Nebuchadnezzar {H5019}, who had made him swear {H7650} by God {H430}: but he stiffened {H7185} his neck {H6203}, and hardened {H553} his heart {H3824} from turning {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

He also rebelled against King N'vukhadnetzar, who had made him swear loyalty to him by God; instead, he became stiffnecked and hardhearted, refusing to turn to ADONAI the God of Isra'el.

He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel.

And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart against turning unto Jehovah, the God of Israel.

2 Chronicles 36:13 describes a pivotal moment in the final days of the Kingdom of Judah before the Babylonian exile. It details the defiance of King Zedekiah against King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, an act of rebellion that sealed Judah's fate and brought about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.

Context

King Zedekiah, originally named Mattaniah, was appointed king of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar after the Babylonian king deposed Jehoiachin (Zedekiah's nephew) and carried him into exile. This verse highlights Zedekiah's breaking of a solemn oath of allegiance sworn "by God" to Nebuchadnezzar, making his rebellion not just a political act but a profound spiritual transgression. His decision to do evil in the sight of the Lord and resist divine warnings from prophets like Jeremiah led directly to the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Babylonian captivity.

Key Themes

  • Broken Covenant and Treachery: Zedekiah's oath was a sacred bond, especially because it was sworn "by God." Breaking it demonstrated a deep disrespect not only for Nebuchadnezzar but, more significantly, for the Lord God of Israel. This act of disloyalty had severe consequences for the nation.
  • Stubborn Disobedience: The phrases "stiffened his neck" and "hardened his heart" are powerful biblical idioms. "Stiffened his neck" refers to being stubborn and unyielding, like an ox refusing to be guided. "Hardened his heart" signifies a deliberate refusal to repent, listen to God's warnings, or respond to His grace. It indicates a deep-seated spiritual insensitivity and resistance to turning "unto the LORD God of Israel." This echoes the stubbornness seen in figures like Pharaoh in the book of Exodus.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: Zedekiah's persistent rebellion and refusal to turn to God ultimately led to the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, and the exile of the people, marking the end of Judah's monarchy. This verse underscores the severe consequences of rejecting God's will and covenant obligations.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "stiffened his neck" (qasha' 'oreph) literally means "hardened his neck" and is a common metaphor throughout the Old Testament for stubbornness and resistance to authority, particularly God's authority. Similarly, "hardened his heart" (hizzeq libbo or hizzeq lev) denotes a firm resolve not to yield or repent, a spiritual insensitivity that blocks out divine truth and guidance. These phrases emphasize Zedekiah's deliberate and internal choice to defy God.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today. It highlights:

  1. The Seriousness of Oaths and Commitments: Keeping one's word, especially when it involves God, is paramount (Numbers 30:2). Our integrity reflects our reverence for God.
  2. The Danger of a Hardened Heart: Persistent refusal to listen to God's word, repent of sin, or obey His commands leads to spiritual insensitivity and ultimately, separation from Him. We are exhorted not to harden our hearts when we hear His voice.
  3. God's Patience and Just Judgment: While God is patient and merciful, there are ultimately consequences for prolonged and deliberate rebellion against Him. The narrative of Judah's fall demonstrates that divine judgment eventually comes when repeated warnings are ignored.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:8

    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.

  • Ezekiel 17:11

    Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

  • Ezekiel 17:20

    And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me.

  • Exodus 9:17

    As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

  • Hebrews 3:13

    But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

  • 2 Kings 17:4

    And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as [he had done] year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison.

  • 2 Samuel 21:2

    And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites [were] not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)

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