2 Chronicles 7:22

KJV

And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be answered {H559}, Because they forsook {H5800} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1}, which brought them forth {H3318} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and laid hold {H2388} on other {H312} gods {H430}, and worshipped {H7812} them, and served {H5647} them: therefore hath he brought {H935} all this evil {H7451} upon them.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the answer will be, 'It's because they abandoned ADONAI the God of their ancestors, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and took hold of other gods, worshipping and serving them; this is why [ADONAI] brought all these calamities on them.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And others will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—because of this, He has brought all this disaster upon them.’”

American Standard Version

And they shall answer, Because they forsook Jehovah, the God of their fathers, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 7:22 provides a profound divine explanation for the future desolation of the land and the destruction of the Temple, serving as a solemn answer to a hypothetical question from future generations. It explicitly states that such calamity would befall Israel because they deliberately abandoned the LORD, the very God who delivered their ancestors from Egyptian bondage, and instead embraced, worshipped, and served foreign deities, thereby incurring the just consequences of their unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic conclusion of God's direct response to King Solomon following the dedication of the magnificent First Temple in Jerusalem. In [2 Chronicles 7:12-22](/2_chronicles/7-12 "2 Chronicles 7:12-22 - God's Appearance and Warning to Solomon"), God appears to Solomon at night, affirming His acceptance of the Temple and promising His presence. However, this divine encounter is not merely a blessing but also a conditional warning. While [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - The Promise of Repentance and Healing") offers a path to restoration through humility and repentance, the verses immediately preceding 2 Chronicles 7:22 ([2 Chronicles 7:19-21](/2_chronicles/7-19 "2 Chronicles 7:19-21 - Consequences of Disobedience")) detail the dire consequences of apostasy, specifically the tearing away of the kingdom and the destruction of the Temple. Verse 22 then provides the definitive, retrospective explanation for this future judgment, answering the implied question of "Why has the LORD done thus to this land and to this house?" that would be posed by passersby.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the zenith of Israelite power and piety under Solomon, immediately after the construction of the Temple, which symbolized God's dwelling among His people. However, the shadow of future disobedience already looms large. The phrase "brought them forth out of the land of Egypt" is a foundational historical and theological anchor for Israel, recalling the Exodus, the central act of divine salvation that established their identity as God's covenant people ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")). The covenant made at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai")) explicitly forbade the worship of other gods ([Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First and Second Commandments")), making idolatry the ultimate act of covenant infidelity. The historical trajectory of Israel, as recorded in Kings and Chronicles, is a tragic cycle of obedience and apostasy, with idolatry being the most persistent and destructive sin, ultimately leading to the divided kingdom and the eventual exiles. This verse, therefore, is a prophetic indictment of the very sin that would plague Israel for centuries.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several critical themes. Firstly, **Covenant Disobedience** is central, highlighting Israel's failure to uphold their obligations to the covenant established with the LORD, particularly their turning away from the God who had so faithfully delivered them. Secondly, **Idolatry** is presented as the primary manifestation of this disobedience, specifically "laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them," which directly violates the core tenets of the Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God")). Thirdly, the verse underscores **Divine Justice and Consequence**, demonstrating that God's actions are not arbitrary but are a righteous response to human sin. The "evil" brought upon them refers to calamity and judgment, not moral wickedness, serving as a just outcome for their rebellion. Finally, the explicit reminder that God "brought them forth out of the land of Egypt" emphasizes **God's Enduring Faithfulness and Israel's Ingratitude**, contrasting His steadfast love and powerful deliverance with their profound disloyalty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _`azav'_):** This verb implies a deliberate and active abandonment, a conscious turning away from a relationship or obligation. It's not passive neglect but a decisive act of leaving behind or giving up. In this context, it signifies Israel's intentional breaking of their covenant loyalty to the LORD, their "God of their fathers."
* **Laid hold on (Hebrew, _hecheziqu'_):** This phrase denotes seizing, grasping, or taking firm possession. It suggests an active and intentional adoption of foreign gods, indicating a willing embrace of idolatry rather than a passive or accidental falling into it. This action initiates the progression of full allegiance transfer.
* **Worshipped (Hebrew, _vayishtachavu'_):** This verb means "to bow down" or "to prostrate oneself," signifying an act of reverence, homage, or adoration. It describes the formal, ritualistic aspect of idolatry, where the people offered the respect and devotion due only to the LORD to false deities.
* **Served (Hebrew, _vaya'avdum'_):** This word implies active labor, service, or devotion. It goes beyond mere ritual worship to encompass a life of submission and allegiance to the false gods. This progression—from "laying hold" (adoption) to "worshipping" (reverence) to "serving" (active devotion)—illustrates the complete and profound transfer of loyalty from the true God to idols.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** In this context, "evil" does not refer to moral wickedness but to calamity, disaster, misfortune, or judgment. It denotes the devastating consequences that God brings upon His people as a result of their covenant infidelity, such as famine, war, exile, and the destruction of the Temple and land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be answered":** This opening phrase establishes the verse as a divine explanation, a definitive response to a future, implied question from those witnessing the desolation of the land and the Temple. It underscores the certainty and clarity of God's judgment.
* **"Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers":** This identifies the root cause of the calamity: a deliberate and active abandonment of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, the God who had historically revealed Himself to their ancestors and established a unique bond with Israel.
* **"which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt":** This clause serves as a powerful reminder of God's foundational act of salvation and deliverance for Israel. It highlights the profound ingratitude and rebellion inherent in forsaking the very God who had performed such a mighty and redemptive work on their behalf.
* **"and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them":** This specifies the primary manifestation of their forsaking the LORD. It details a progression of idolatry: first, actively adopting or embracing false deities; second, offering them ritualistic homage and adoration; and third, dedicating their lives and service to these idols, thereby transferring their ultimate allegiance.
* **"therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them":** This is the consequence clause, directly linking the divine judgment ("all this evil" or calamity) to Israel's idolatrous apostasy. It asserts God's righteous justice, demonstrating that the future suffering of the nation is a direct and deserved outcome of their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Cause and Effect** is the most prominent, explicitly linking Israel's forsaking of the LORD and their idolatry ("Because they...") to the resulting divine judgment ("therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them"). This structure provides a clear theological framework for understanding suffering. There is an implied **Rhetorical Question** that the verse answers: "Why has this happened?" The answer is provided with solemn clarity. The phrase "which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt" functions as a powerful **Allusion** to Israel's foundational deliverance, creating a stark **Antithesis** between God's unwavering faithfulness and Israel's profound ingratitude and disloyalty. The detailed progression of idolatry—"laid hold on... worshipped... served"—is a form of **Climax** or escalation, showing the deepening commitment to false gods. Finally, the verse serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the historical events that would indeed lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, providing a divine commentary on future national tragedy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 7:22 is a profound theological statement on the nature of covenant, sin, and divine justice. It underscores the absolute necessity of exclusive devotion to God, warning that any deviation, particularly through idolatry, carries severe consequences. This verse resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness contrasted with human unfaithfulness. It teaches that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is a just response to the breaking of sacred vows and the rejection of His supreme authority and love. The "evil" brought upon them is a manifestation of God's holiness, which cannot tolerate persistent rebellion, especially from a people He has uniquely chosen and redeemed. It highlights the principle that true security and blessing are found only in unwavering loyalty to the LORD.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [Romans 1:21](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21-25 - The Exchange of God's Glory for Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient explanation for Israel's downfall carries timeless relevance for individuals and communities today. It serves as a stark reminder that our relationship with God is paramount, and any deviation from exclusive devotion to Him will inevitably lead to spiritual "calamity." Modern idolatry may not involve physical statues, but it manifests in anything that usurps God's rightful place in our hearts and lives—be it wealth, power, reputation, comfort, self-reliance, or even good causes that become ultimate concerns. The verse calls us to a radical self-examination, prompting us to identify and dismantle any "other gods" we might be serving, consciously or unconsciously. Just as God's deliverance from Egypt was a foundational act for Israel, so too is Christ's redemption a foundational act for believers; remembering His saving work should cultivate profound gratitude and inspire steadfast loyalty, guarding us against the subtle temptations to forsake Him for lesser loyalties. Our spiritual well-being and flourishing are inextricably linked to our faithfulness to the one true God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other gods" might be subtly competing for my ultimate loyalty and devotion in today's world?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance in my life strengthen my resolve to remain faithful to Him?**
* **In what ways might I be "serving" something or someone other than God, even unintentionally?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my heart remains exclusively devoted to the LORD?**

### FAQ
**What does "evil" mean in this verse, and does it imply God is the author of moral evil?**

Answer: In 2 Chronicles 7:22, the word "evil" (Hebrew: רָעָה, _ra'ah_) refers to calamity, disaster, misfortune, or judgment, not moral wickedness. It denotes the devastating consequences that God brings upon His people as a result of their covenant infidelity. God is never the author of moral evil; rather, He is perfectly holy and just. When the text states "therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them," it means God is the righteous agent who brings about the deserved consequences (calamity, destruction, exile) for Israel's persistent sin of forsaking Him and embracing idolatry. This is consistent with the biblical understanding of God's justice, where He allows or directly orchestrates the natural and supernatural consequences of rebellion, as seen in the warnings of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**How is "forsaking the LORD" different from simply forgetting Him?**

Answer: "Forsaking the LORD" (Hebrew: _`azav'_) implies a deliberate and active abandonment, a conscious turning away from a relationship or obligation, rather than passive forgetfulness. While forgetting God might be a symptom, forsaking Him is the deeper, intentional act of severing loyalty and allegiance. It involves a willful choice to disregard His commands, reject His authority, and pursue other objects of worship or trust. This is explicitly detailed in the verse by the subsequent actions: "laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them." This progression shows a conscious transfer of devotion, which is far more severe than mere forgetfulness. It's a breach of covenant, a spiritual divorce, as often depicted in prophetic books like [Hosea](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - God's Unfaithful Bride").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 7:22, with its stark declaration of judgment for covenant infidelity and idolatry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, the "evil" (calamity) brought upon Israel for their sin foreshadows the ultimate judgment for sin that all humanity deserves. Yet, in Christ, we see the Lamb of God who bore the full weight of this "evil" on the cross, taking upon Himself the just wrath and consequences for our forsaking of God and our idolatry ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice"); [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Second, Israel's failure to maintain their covenant with God, despite His deliverance from Egypt, points to the need for a new and better covenant. Jesus Christ inaugurates this New Covenant, not based on human obedience to the law, but on His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")). He is the true Israel, the perfectly obedient Son who never forsook the Father. Third, while Israel "laid hold on other gods," Christ calls us to lay hold of Him alone as the sole object of our faith, worship, and service ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"); [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")). He delivers us not from physical Egypt, but from the bondage of sin and death, offering true spiritual freedom and eternal life to all who believe ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). Thus, the judgment warned of in 2 Chronicles 7:22 highlights the desperate need for a Savior, and Christ emerges as the one who perfectly fulfills God's righteous demands and provides the ultimate deliverance from the "evil" of sin's consequences.

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

Daniel 9:12

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 36:17

Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman.

Ezekiel 36:20

And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These [are] the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land.

Judges 2:12

And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that [were] round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.

Judges 2:13

And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.

Lamentations 4:13

¶ For the sins of her prophets, [and] the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her,

Lamentations 4:15

They cried unto them, Depart ye; [it is] unclean; depart, depart, touch not: when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn [there].