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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 36 verses 11–21
We have here an account of the destruction of the kingdom of Judah and the city of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans. Abraham, God's friend, was called out of that country, from Ur of the Chaldees, when God took him into covenant and communion with himself; and now his degenerate seed were carried into that country again, to signify that they had forfeited all that kindness wherewith they had been regarded for the father's sake, and the benefit of that covenant into which he was called; all was now undone again. Here we have,
I. The sins that brought this desolation.
1.Zedekiah, the king in whose days it came, brought it upon himself by his own folly; for he conducted himself very ill both towards God and towards the king of Babylon. (1.) If he had but made God his friend, that would have prevented the ruin. Jeremiah brought him messages from God, which, if he had given due regard to them, might have secured a lengthening of his tranquillity; but it is here charged upon him that he humbled not himself before Jeremiah, Ch2 36:12. It was expected that this mighty prince, high as he was, should humble himself before a poor prophet, when he spoke from the mouth of the Lord, should submit to his admonitions and be amended by them, to his counsels and be ruled by them, should lay himself under the commanding power of the word of God in his mouth; and, because he would not thus make himself a servant to God, he was made a slave to his enemies. God will find some way or other to humble those that will not humble themselves. Jeremiah, as a prophet, was set over the nations and kingdoms (Jer 1:10), and, as mean a figure as he made, whoever would not humble themselves before him found that it was at their peril. (2.) If he had but been true to his covenant with the king of Babylon, that would have prevented his ruin; but he rebelled against him, though he had sworn to be his faithful tributary, and perfidiously violated his engagements to him, Ch2 36:13. It was this that provoked the king of Babylon to deal so severely with him as he did. All nations looked upon an oath as a sacred thing, and on those that durst break through the obligations of it as the worst of men, abandoned of God and to be abhorred by all mankind. If therefore Zedekiah falsify his oath, when, lo, he has given his hand, he shall not escape, Eze 17:18. Though Nebuchadnezzar was a heathen, an enemy, yet if, having sworn to him, he be false to him, he shall know there is a God to whom vengeance belongs. The thing that ruined Zedekiah was not only that he turned not to the Lord God of Israel, but that he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart from turning to him, that is, he as obstinately resolved not to return to him, would not lay his neck under God's yoke nor his heart under the impressions of his word, and so, in effect, he would not be healed, he would not live.
2.The great sin that brought this destruction was idolatry. The priests and people went after the abominations of the heathen, forsook the pure worship of God for the lewd and filthy rites of the Pagan superstition, and so polluted the house of the Lord, Ch2 36:14. The priests, the chief of the priests, who should have opposed idolatry, were ring-leaders in it. That place is not far from ruin in which religion is already ruined.
3.The great aggravation of their sin, and that which filled the measure of it, was the abuse they gave to God's prophets, who were sent to call them to repentance, Ch2 36:15, Ch2 36:16. Here we have, (1.) God's tender compassion towards them in sending prophets to them. Because he was the God of their fathers, in covenant with them, and whom they worshipped (though this degenerate race forsook him), therefore he sent to them by his messengers, to convince them of their sin and warn them of the ruin they would bring upon themselves by it, rising up betimes and sending, which denotes not only that he did it with the greatest care and concern imaginable, as men rise betimes to set their servants to work when their heart is upon their business, but that, upon their first deviation from God to idols, if they took but one step that way, God immediately sent to them by his messengers to reprove them for it. He gave them early timely notice both of their duty and danger. Let this quicken us to seek God early, that he rises betimes to send to us. The prophets that were sent rose betimes to speak to them, were diligent and faithful in their office, lost no time, slipped no opportunity of dealing with them; and therefore God is said to rise betimes. The more pains ministers take in their work the more will the people have to answer for if it be all in vain. The reason given why God by his prophets did thus strive with them is because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling-place, and would by these means have prevented their ruin. Note, The methods God takes to reclaim sinners by his word, by ministers, by conscience, by providences, are all instances of his compassion towards them and his unwillingness that any should perish. (2.) Their base and disingenuous carriage towards God (Ch2 36:16): They mocked the messengers of God (which was a high affront to him that sent them), despised his word in their mouths, and not only so, but misused the prophets, treating them as their enemies. The ill usage they gave Jeremiah who lived at this time, and which we read much of in the book of his prophecy, is an instance of this. This was an evidence of an implacable enmity to God, and an invincible resolution to go on in their sins. This brought wrath upon them without remedy, for it was sinning against the remedy. Nothing is more provoking to God than abuses given to his faithful ministers; for what is done against them he takes as done against himself. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Persecution was the sin that brought upon Jerusalem its final destruction by the Romans. See Mat 23:34-37. Those that mock at God's faithful ministers, and do all they can to render them despicable or odious, that vex and misuse them, to discourage them and to keep others from hearkening to them, should be reminded that a wrong done to an ambassador is construed as done to the prince that sends him, and that the day is coming when they will find it would have been better for them if they had been thrown into the sea with a mill-stone about their necks; for hell is deeper and more dreadful.
II. The desolation itself, and some few of the particular so fit, which we had more largely Kg2 25:1. Multitudes were put to the sword, even in the house of their sanctuary (Ch2 36:17), whither they fled for refuge, hoping that the holiness of the place would be their protection. But how could they expect to find it so when they themselves had polluted it with their abominations? Ch2 36:14. Those that cast off the dominion of their religion forfeit all the benefit and comfort of it. The Chaldeans not only paid no reverence to the sanctuary, but showed no natural pity either to the tender sex or to venerable age. They forsook God, who had compassion on them (Ch2 36:15), and would have none of him; justly therefore are they given up into the hands of cruel men, for they had no compassion on young man or maiden. 2. All the remaining vessels of the temple, great and small, and all the treasures, sacred and secular, the treasures of God's house and of the king and his princes, were seized, and brought to Babylon, Ch2 36:18. 3. The temple was burnt, the walls of Jerusalem were demolished, the houses (called here the palaces, as Psa 48:3, so stately, rich, and sumptuous were they) laid in ashes, and all the furniture, called here the goodly vessels thereof, destroyed, Ch2 36:19. Let us see where what woeful havock sin makes, and, as we value the comfort and continuance of our estates, keep that worm from the root of them. 4. The remainder of the people that escaped the sword were carried captives to Babylon (Ch2 36:20), impoverished, enslaved, insulted, and exposed to all the miseries, not only of a strange and barbarous land, but of an enemy's land, where those that hated them bore rule over them. They were servants to those monarchs, and no doubt were ruled with rigour so long as that monarchy lasted. Now they sat down by the rivers of Babylon, with the streams of which they mingled their tears, Psa 137:1. And though there, it should seem, they were cured of idolatry, yet, as appears by the prophet Ezekiel, they were not cured of mocking the prophets. 5. The land lay desolate while they were captives in Babylon, Ch2 36:21. That fruitful land, the glory of all lands, was now turned into a desert, not tilled, nor husbanded. The pastures were not clothed as they used to be with flocks, nor the valleys with corn, but all lay neglected. Now this may be considered, (1.) As the just punishment of their former abuse of it. They had served Baal with its fruits; cursed therefore is the ground for their sakes. Now the land enjoyed her sabbaths; (Ch2 36:21), as God had threatened by Moses, Lev 26:34, and the reason there given (v. 35) is, "Because it did not rest on your sabbaths; you profaned the sabbath-day, did not observe the sabbatical year." They many a time ploughed and sowed their land in the seventh year, when it should have rested, and now it lay unploughed and unsown for ten times seven years. Note, God will be no loser in his glory at last by the disobedience of men: if the tribute be not paid, he will distrain and recover it, as he speaks, Hos 2:9. If they would not let the land rest, God would make it rest whether they would or no. Some think they had neglected the observance of seventy sabbatical years in all, and just so many, by way of reprisal, the land now enjoyed; or, if those that had been neglected were fewer, it was fit that the law should be satisfied with interest. We find that one of the quarrels God had with them at this time was for not observing another law which related to the seventh year, and that was the release of servants; see Jer 34:13, etc. (2.) Yet we may consider it as giving some encouragement to their hopes that they should, in due time, return to it again. Had others come and taken possession of it, they might have despaired of ever recovering it; but, while it lay desolate, it did, as it were, lie waiting for them again, and refuse to acknowledge any other owners.
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SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 36:16 encapsulates the tragic climax of Judah's spiritual decline, portraying the people's persistent and escalating rejection of God's divine warnings delivered through His messengers and prophets. Despite God's enduring patience and compassionate appeals, their mockery, contempt, and abuse of His word reached a critical point, culminating in the inevitable outpouring of divine wrath and the irreversible judgment of the Babylonian exile, signifying a state where no human or divine remedy remained for their spiritual malady.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its somber message. Climax is evident in the escalating sequence of rejection: mocking messengers, despising words, and misusing prophets, leading to the ultimate climax of God's wrath and the "no remedy" state. This progression creates a sense of inevitability and finality. Parallelism is subtly used in the repetitive nature of their actions against God's representatives and His word, emphasizing the systemic nature of their rebellion. The phrase "wrath of the LORD" is a potent example of anthropomorphism, attributing human emotion (anger) to God to convey the intensity of His righteous judgment against sin. Finally, the stark declaration "no remedy" functions as a powerful hyperbole or metaphor, vividly depicting the incurable spiritual sickness of the nation, implying that their condition was beyond any form of healing or restoration, thus justifying the severe and final judgment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 36:16 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine patience, human responsibility, and the consequences of persistent sin. It underscores that while God is infinitely merciful and slow to anger, His justice is equally true. The verse highlights the perilous trajectory of a people who systematically reject divine revelation and prophetic warnings, demonstrating that there is a point at which God's long-suffering gives way to righteous judgment. This is not an arbitrary act but a necessary response to a hardened heart that has exhausted all opportunities for repentance, leading to an irreversible state of spiritual decay. It serves as a stark reminder that grace, though abundant, is not infinite in the face of deliberate and unrepentant rebellion.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling reality presented in 2 Chronicles 36:16 offers a timeless warning for individuals and communities today. It compels us to seriously consider our posture towards God's word and His messengers. Are we actively listening to, valuing, and obeying the truths revealed in Scripture and through faithful teaching, or are we, like ancient Judah, subtly or overtly mocking, despising, or misusing them? This verse calls for profound self-examination, urging us to recognize that persistent disregard for divine truth can lead to a hardening of the heart, diminishing our capacity for repentance and ultimately inviting severe consequences. While God's grace is boundless, His patience is not without limits in the face of deliberate and unrepentant rebellion. We are exhorted to seize every opportunity for repentance and spiritual renewal, understanding that the path of persistent disobedience can lead to a point of "no remedy," where the consequences become irreversible.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "no remedy" truly mean in this context?
Answer: The phrase "no remedy" (Hebrew: 'ein marpêʼ) literally translates to "no healing" or "no cure." In the context of 2 Chronicles 36:16, it signifies that Judah's spiritual and moral sickness had become so pervasive and deeply entrenched that it was beyond any possibility of recovery or restoration. God had exhausted all means of warning, pleading, and offering grace through His prophets, but the people's hearts remained hardened. Therefore, "no remedy" indicates that the nation had reached an irreversible state of spiritual decay, making the severe judgment of the Babylonian exile the only remaining course of action. It's a powerful statement about the finality of divine judgment when persistent, unrepentant sin reaches its climax.
Did God simply give up on His people?
Answer: No, the verse does not imply that God "gave up" in a capricious or abandoning sense. Rather, it highlights the culmination of God's long-suffering patience in the face of persistent, deliberate, and escalating rebellion by His people. 2 Chronicles 36:15 explicitly states that God "had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place" and "sent messengers to them again and again." This demonstrates His persistent desire for their repentance and restoration. However, the people's active mockery, despising of His words, and misuse of His prophets (as described in verse 16) indicate that they had effectively given up on God and His covenant. The "wrath of the LORD" arising and the state of "no remedy" are not arbitrary acts of abandonment but the just and inevitable consequences of their unyielding rejection of divine grace and warnings, demonstrating God's holiness and justice alongside His mercy.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 36:16 depicts the tragic culmination of Israel's rebellion and the dire consequences of rejecting God's messengers, it also subtly points forward to the ultimate, perfect Messenger and the final, complete remedy found in Jesus Christ. The prophets whom Judah mocked and misused were merely shadows of the ultimate Prophet and Word of God. In the fullness of time, God sent His own Son, Jesus, who is the very embodiment of God's Word (John 1:1). Just as Judah rejected the prophets, many in Jesus's day rejected Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!, even crucifying Him. However, unlike the "no remedy" situation for Judah, Christ's sacrifice on the cross provides the ultimate and eternal remedy for the spiritual sickness of humanity. His shed blood offers complete healing and forgiveness for all who believe, ensuring that for those who turn to Him, there is always a way back to God, a "remedy" that triumphs over sin and death (Hebrews 9:12). Thus, the judgment on Judah serves as a profound warning, yet it simultaneously magnifies the boundless grace and perfect provision found in Christ, who ensures that for the repentant heart, there is always a way, always a cure, always hope, fulfilling God's ultimate plan for redemption (Romans 5:8).