2 Chronicles 15:13

That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.

That whosoever would not seek {H1875} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} should be put to death {H4191}, whether {H4480} small {H6996} or great {H1419}, whether man {H376} or woman {H802}.

[they also agreed] that whoever refused to seek ADONAI the God of Isra'el should be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman.

And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman.

and that whosoever would not seek Jehovah, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 15:13

This verse is part of a significant spiritual revival during the reign of King Asa of Judah. After a great victory over the Cushites, the prophet Azariah, son of Oded, delivered a powerful message to Asa and the people, found in 2 Chronicles 15:1-7. This prophecy encouraged Asa to be strong and to continue his reforms, assuring him that God would be with those who sought Him. Inspired by this message, Asa undertook sweeping reforms, including removing idols, repairing the altar of the LORD, and gathering the people for a solemn covenant renewal. Verse 13 specifically details a severe stipulation of this renewed covenant, reflecting the absolute commitment required from the people of Israel to their God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant Loyalty and Enforcement: The verse underscores the absolute nature of the covenant between God and Israel. The penalty for not seeking the LORD—meaning apostasy, idolatry, or deliberate abandonment of God—was death. This was a measure to ensure the purity and faithfulness of the nation, as God's chosen people under a theocratic system. The people had just entered into a solemn covenant with the LORD.
  • Zeal for God's Purity: King Asa demonstrated remarkable zeal in purging idolatry from Judah. This drastic measure highlights his commitment to God's commands and his determination to eradicate anything that would lead the nation astray from true worship.
  • Consequences of Apostasy: In the Old Testament, particularly under the Mosaic Law, spiritual defection and idolatry were considered treason against the divine King. The penalty of death for those who would not "seek the LORD" (i.e., those who actively turned away or refused to worship Him) reflects the gravity of breaking this covenant. This is consistent with provisions found in the Mosaic Law concerning idolatry.
  • Universality of the Mandate: The phrase "whether small or great, whether man or woman" emphasizes that this decree applied to everyone in the kingdom, regardless of social status, age, or gender. No one was exempt from the requirement to be faithful to the LORD.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "seek the LORD" translates from the Hebrew verb darash (דָּרַשׁ), which means to "seek," "inquire," "consult," or "diligently search." In this context, it implies a wholehearted commitment to God, actively pursuing His will, worshipping Him, and remaining faithful to His covenant. It's not merely a passive acknowledgement but an active devotion. The severity of "put to death" (muwth, מוּת) underscores the finality and seriousness of the command, reflecting the theocratic nature of Israel where God's laws were civil laws with physical consequences.

Practical Application

While the literal penalty of death for not seeking God is not applicable in the New Covenant era for believers, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant:

  • Seriousness of Devotion: This verse reminds us of the absolute importance of our devotion to God. Just as God demanded exclusive worship from Israel, He still calls us to put Him first in our lives (Matthew 6:33).
  • The Call to Seek God: The command to "seek the LORD" is timeless. Believers are encouraged to diligently pursue God through prayer, study of His Word, and obedience. Psalm 105:4 encourages us to "seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore."
  • Consequences of Spiritual Apostasy: Though not physical death, turning away from God in the New Testament can lead to spiritual death, separation, and profound spiritual consequences (Hebrews 10:26-31 warns against willful sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth).
  • Leadership and Righteousness: King Asa's example highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide their people toward righteousness and to remove obstacles to true worship.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 22:20 (5 votes)

    He that sacrificeth unto [any] god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.

  • Deuteronomy 29:18 (3 votes)

    Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

  • 1 Kings 18:40 (3 votes)

    And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

  • Psalms 115:13 (3 votes)

    He will bless them that fear the LORD, [both] small and great.

  • Acts 26:22 (3 votes)

    Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

  • Deuteronomy 13:5 (3 votes)

    And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

  • Deuteronomy 13:15 (3 votes)

    Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that [is] therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.