2 Chronicles 7:19

KJV

But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

KJV (with Strong's)

But if ye turn away {H7725}, and forsake {H5800} my statutes {H2708} and my commandments {H4687}, which I have set {H5414} before {H6440} you, and shall go {H1980} and serve {H5647} other {H312} gods {H430}, and worship {H7812} them;

Complete Jewish Bible

But if you turn away and abandon my regulations and mitzvot which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, worshipping them;

Berean Standard Bible

But if you turn away and forsake the statutes and commandments I have set before you, and if you go off to serve and worship other gods,

American Standard Version

But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the glorious dedication of the Temple, 2 Chronicles 7:19 presents a solemn divine warning to Israel, outlining the dire consequences of future disobedience. This verse serves as a stark conditional statement, emphasizing that if the people of God deliberately abandon His covenant laws and turn to the worship of other deities, their privileged relationship and the blessings associated with it will be forfeited. It underscores the critical importance of covenant fidelity and warns against the foundational sin of idolatry, which was a constant temptation for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of God's direct response to King Solomon's magnificent prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). The immediate preceding verses, particularly [2 Chronicles 7:11-18](/2_chronicles/7-11 "2 Chronicles 7:11-18 - God's Response to Solomon"), detail God's acceptance of the Temple and His promises of blessing, presence, and healing if His people remain faithful and humble themselves. Verse 19, however, pivots sharply, introducing the negative corollary to these promises. It forms a crucial part of a divine "if-then" structure, where God explicitly lays out both the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, mirroring the covenantal framework established much earlier. This conditional warning serves as a powerful reminder that God's presence and favor, though freely given, are maintained within the parameters of His covenant relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The warning in [2 Chronicles 7:19](/2_chronicles/7-19 "2 Chronicles 7:19 - Warning Against Disobedience") resonates deeply with the historical realities and cultural temptations faced by ancient Israel. Having recently settled in the Promised Land, they were surrounded by nations that practiced polytheism and various forms of idolatry, often involving fertility cults and child sacrifice. The construction of the Temple by Solomon marked a peak in Israel's national and spiritual life, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. However, the historical narrative of Israel, particularly as recounted in the books of Kings and Chronicles, is replete with instances of turning away from God to worship foreign deities. This verse anticipates and addresses this recurring national sin, which ultimately led to the divided kingdom, exile, and the destruction of the very Temple being dedicated. The covenant established at Mount Sinai, with its explicit prohibition against idolatry in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments"), forms the foundational backdrop against which this warning is given.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme in [2 Chronicles 7:19](/2_chronicles/7-19 "2 Chronicles 7:19 - Warning Against Disobedience") is the **conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant** and the absolute necessity of **covenant fidelity**. God's blessings and His continued presence in the Temple were not guaranteed irrespective of Israel's behavior; they were contingent upon their obedience to His laws. This verse highlights the severe consequences of **idolatry**, which is presented as the ultimate breach of the covenant, directly violating the first commandment. It underscores God's **holiness and justice**, demonstrating that while He is merciful, He also holds His people accountable to the standards He has set. Furthermore, the phrasing "turn away, and forsake" emphasizes **deliberate disobedience**—a conscious choice to depart from God's path, rather than an accidental stumble. This theme of choice and consequence is pervasive throughout the Deuteronomistic history, particularly in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), where a comprehensive list of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience is laid out.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn away (Hebrew, _sûr'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate departure, a turning aside from a path or direction. In a spiritual context, it implies a conscious deviation from God's way, a willful abandonment of the covenant relationship. It is not an accidental straying but a decisive reorientation of one's allegiance.
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _'āzab'_):** This word carries a strong connotation of abandonment, desertion, or leaving something behind. When applied to God's statutes and commandments, it suggests a rejection of what was once embraced, a conscious decision to no longer adhere to divine instructions, indicating a profound breach of trust and commitment.
* **Statutes (Hebrew, _ḥuqqâ'_):** Refers to God's fixed ordinances, decrees, or prescribed laws. These are often seen as unchangeable, foundational principles that govern the covenant relationship. They represent the established framework of divine expectations.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _miṣwâ'_):** Denotes specific instructions, precepts, or mandates given by God. While "statutes" might refer to broader principles, "commandments" often point to concrete actions or prohibitions, encompassing the detailed requirements of the Mosaic Law. Together, "statutes and commandments" represent the full scope of God's revealed will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if ye turn away,"**: This opening phrase introduces a strong conditional clause, setting up a sharp contrast to the preceding promises of blessing. "Turn away" implies a deliberate act of spiritual apostasy, a conscious decision to deviate from the path of faithfulness to God. It highlights the human capacity for choice and the potential for a fundamental shift in allegiance.
* **"and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you,"**: This clause elaborates on the nature of the "turning away." It's not merely a passive drifting but an active "forsaking" or abandoning of God's revealed will. The phrase "which I have set before you" underscores the clarity and accessibility of God's law; Israel had no excuse for ignorance, as the commandments were plainly given and known. This emphasizes the willful nature of their potential disobedience.
* **"and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;"**: This final clause specifies the ultimate transgression: idolatry. "Serving other gods" implies active devotion, allegiance, and obedience to false deities, while "worship them" refers to the ritualistic acts of reverence and adoration directed away from the one true God. This was the most egregious violation of the Mosaic Covenant, directly challenging God's unique sovereignty and demanding exclusive worship. It reveals the root of their turning away: a misplaced devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its solemn warning. The most prominent is the **Conditional Clause**, signaled by "But if," which establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's actions and God's response. This structure is foundational to covenant theology, emphasizing that blessings are contingent upon obedience and curses upon disobedience. There is also significant **Parallelism** at play: "turn away" and "forsake my statutes and my commandments" are synonymous phrases that reinforce the deliberate nature of the defection from God's law. Similarly, "serve other gods" and "worship them" are parallel expressions that underscore the comprehensive nature of idolatry, encompassing both allegiance and ritualistic devotion. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Antithesis** to the promises of blessing and presence in the preceding verses, presenting the stark alternative of divine judgment. The use of covenantal terms like "statutes" and "commandments" also serves as an **Allusion** to the foundational Mosaic Law, reminding the audience of their historical and theological obligations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 7:19 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's covenant with Israel and the critical importance of exclusive devotion. It underscores that God's blessings, though gracious, are not unconditional in the context of the Mosaic covenant; they are inextricably linked to Israel's faithfulness. The verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to His own holiness and justice, demonstrating that He will not tolerate the ultimate affront of idolatry. This warning is not merely punitive but pedagogical, designed to call Israel to repentance and remind them of the true source of their national security and well-being. It reveals that the heart of disobedience is often a misplaced worship, where created things or false gods usurp the rightful place of the Creator.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Joshua 24:20](/joshua/24-20 "Joshua 24:20 - Consequences of Forsaking God")
* [Jeremiah 7:23-24](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-24 - Obedience and Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 2 Chronicles 7:19 was originally addressed to ancient Israel, its spiritual principles resonate deeply with believers today. The warning against "turning away" and "forsaking" God's commands remains profoundly relevant, reminding us that spiritual drift is often a conscious choice, a gradual or sudden reorientation of our hearts away from God. For us, "serving other gods" may not involve bowing to physical idols, but rather allowing anything—be it wealth, career, relationships, comfort, or personal ambition—to take precedence over our devotion to the one true God. This verse calls us to a rigorous self-examination: What are we prioritizing? What consumes our thoughts, time, and energy? It serves as a stark reminder that true blessing and intimacy with God are contingent upon our unwavering faithfulness and exclusive worship of Him. Our obedience is not a means to earn salvation, but a demonstration of our love and allegiance to the God who has already saved us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be "turning away" or "forsaking" God's principles in my daily life?**
* **What "other gods" (e.g., material possessions, social status, personal comfort) might be competing for my ultimate allegiance and worship?**
* **How does my understanding of God's holiness and justice, as revealed in this verse, impact my commitment to obedience?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my life reflects an exclusive devotion to God's statutes and commandments?**

### FAQ
**What does "statutes and commandments" refer to in this context?**

Answer: In 2 Chronicles 7:19, "statutes and commandments" refers to the entire body of divine law given to Israel through Moses, often called the Mosaic Law or the Torah. "Statutes" (Hebrew: *ḥuqqâ*) typically refers to God's fixed decrees or ordinances, which are often seen as unchangeable and foundational principles. "Commandments" (Hebrew: *miṣwâ*) refers to specific instructions or precepts, often detailing particular actions or prohibitions. Together, they encompass the full scope of God's revealed will and the terms of the covenant He established with Israel at Mount Sinai, as detailed in books like [Exodus](/exodus/ "The Book of Exodus") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/ "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 7:19 delivers a stern warning under the Old Covenant, it points forward to the ultimate fulfillment and transformation found in Christ. Israel's repeated failure to keep God's statutes and commandments, culminating in their idolatry and exile, highlighted humanity's inability to perfectly uphold the law. Jesus, however, perfectly fulfilled the law, not turning away or forsaking any of God's commands, thus becoming the righteous one through whom God's promises could be fully realized ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, the warning against serving "other gods" finds its ultimate answer in Christ, who is the one true God worthy of all worship and devotion ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")). In the New Covenant established through His blood, believers are not left to their own strength to obey. Instead, the Holy Spirit is given to empower them to walk in God's statutes and commandments, writing the law on their hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"), [Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - God's Spirit in Us")). The Temple, which was the conditional dwelling place of God's glory, is ultimately superseded by Christ Himself, who is the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple")), and by the church, which is His body and the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Thus, the warning against turning away from God's commands transforms into an invitation to abide in Christ, the source of all life and obedience ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")), and to worship Him alone, free from the bondage of idolatry ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Idolatry is Covetousness")).

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

Deuteronomy 28:15

¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

Leviticus 26:14

¶ But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;

Leviticus 26:33

And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

Leviticus 26:46

These [are] the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.

Deuteronomy 4:23

Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, [or] the likeness of any [thing], which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.

Deuteronomy 4:27

And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

1 Kings 11:4

For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, [that] his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as [was] the heart of David his father.