2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

But they mocked {H3931} the messengers {H4397} of God {H430}, and despised {H959} his words {H1697}, and misused {H8591} his prophets {H5030}, until the wrath {H2534} of the LORD {H3068} arose {H5927} against his people {H5971}, till there was no remedy {H4832}.

But they ridiculed God's messengers, treating his words with contempt and scoffing at his prophets, until the anger of ADONAI rose up against his people to the extent that there was no longer any remedy.

But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.

but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and scoffed at his prophets, until the wrath of Jehovah arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 36:16

This verse marks a tragic culmination in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, immediately preceding its fall and the Babylonian exile. The book of 2 Chronicles concludes by detailing the unfaithfulness of Judah's kings and people, despite God's persistent warnings. The preceding verse, 2 Chronicles 36:15, highlights God's immense compassion and His continuous effort to send messengers and prophets to His people, urging them to turn from their wicked ways. However, the people's response, as described in verse 16, was one of escalating rejection and contempt.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persistent Rebellion and Disobedience: The verse vividly portrays the people's profound spiritual rebellion. They didn't just ignore God's messages; they actively "mocked the messengers," "despised His words," and "misused His prophets." This indicates a deep-seated contempt for divine authority and truth.
  • God's Patient Warning: Implicit in the verse is the long period of divine patience. God sent multiple messengers over many years, demonstrating His desire for His people's repentance and restoration, not their destruction. This patience is a hallmark of God's character throughout Scripture (Psalm 103:8).
  • Inevitable Divine Judgment: The phrase "until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people" signifies the inevitable consequence of persistent, unrepentant sin. God's justice demands a response to such flagrant rejection of His grace and warnings.
  • The Point of No Return: The chilling conclusion, "till there was no remedy," emphasizes the finality of God's judgment when His patience is exhausted. It suggests that the nation had reached a spiritual state where repentance was no longer possible, or perhaps, no longer desired, making divine intervention through judgment the only remaining course of action.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translation captures the strong Hebrew terms used:

  • "Mocked" (Hebrew: לָעַג, la'ag): This verb implies derision, scoffing, and ridiculing. It's more than just ignoring; it's active contempt and scorn shown towards the divine message and its bearers.
  • "Despised" (Hebrew: בָּזָה, bazah): This means to hold in contempt, to scorn, to disdain, or to treat as worthless. It shows a profound disregard for God's very words.
  • "Misused" (Hebrew: תַּעְתֵּעַ, ta'te'a): This word can mean to mock, deceive, or trifle with. Here, it conveys how the people mistreated, abused, or made sport of the prophets, going beyond mere rejection.
  • "No remedy" (Hebrew: אֵין מַרְפֵּא, ein marpe): Literally "no healing" or "no cure." This powerful phrase conveys the incurable nature of their spiritual sickness and the irreversible state of their national decline, leading directly to the Babylonian captivity.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 36:16 serves as a powerful warning for all generations.

  1. Heed God's Warnings: The verse underscores the critical importance of listening to and obeying God's word, whether it comes through Scripture, faithful preaching, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Persistent disregard for truth can lead to a hardening of the heart.
  2. God's Patience Has Limits: While God is infinitely patient and merciful (2 Peter 3:9), this verse reminds us that His patience is not eternal in the face of deliberate and continued rebellion. There can be a point where judgment becomes inevitable.
  3. The Seriousness of Rejection: Mocking divine messengers and despising God's words are not trivial offenses. They demonstrate a profound spiritual sickness that, if left unaddressed, leads to dire consequences.
  4. Opportunity for Repentance: The lesson from Judah's downfall is to seek God while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6). As long as there is breath, there is an opportunity to repent and turn back to God before a "no remedy" situation is reached personally or nationally.

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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 5:12 (8 votes)

    They have belied the LORD, and said, [It is] not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine:

  • Jeremiah 5:13 (8 votes)

    And the prophets shall become wind, and the word [is] not in them: thus shall it be done unto them.

  • Luke 22:63 (5 votes)

    ¶ And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote [him].

  • Luke 22:64 (5 votes)

    And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

  • 2 Chronicles 30:10 (5 votes)

    So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.

  • Psalms 74:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Maschil of Asaph. O God, why hast thou cast [us] off for ever? [why] doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?

  • Jeremiah 32:3 (4 votes)

    For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;