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2 Chronicles 15:6

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And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity.

And nation {H1471} was destroyed {H3807} of nation {H1471}, and city {H5892} of city {H5892}: for God {H430} did vex {H2000} them with all adversity {H6869}.

so that they were shattered to pieces, nation against nation and city against city, as God troubled them with every kind of distress.

Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God afflicted them with all kinds of adversity.

And they were broken in pieces, nation against nation, and city against city; for God did vex them with all adversity.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 15:6 describes a period of intense instability and conflict in the ancient Near East, specifically highlighting how divine intervention brought about this chaos. The verse states, "And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity."

Context of 2 Chronicles 15:6

This verse is found within the narrative of King Asa's reign over Judah. It immediately follows the powerful message delivered by the prophet Azariah, son of Oded, to King Asa and the people of Judah (see 2 Chronicles 15:1-7). Azariah's prophecy served as a direct call to repentance and a reminder of God's covenant principles: obedience brings blessing and peace, while disobedience leads to turmoil and judgment. The chaos described in verse 6 serves as a historical backdrop and a vivid illustration of the consequences of abandoning the Lord, as warned by Azariah. Earlier in Asa's reign, when Judah sought the Lord, they experienced peace and prosperity (2 Chronicles 14:7).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The primary message is that the widespread destruction and conflict ("nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city") were not random occurrences but a direct result of God's active involvement. It underscores the biblical principle that persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry lead to severe consequences, as seen in the broader history of Israel and Judah.
  • Instability as a Divine Tool: God used "all adversity" to "vex" or trouble the nations and cities. This suggests that periods of chaos and hardship can be sovereignly ordained by God to achieve His purposes, often to draw people back to Himself or to bring about justice.
  • The Sovereignty of God: This verse powerfully demonstrates God's ultimate control over human affairs and the rise and fall of nations. Even in what appears to be human conflict, God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events according to His will.

Linguistic Insights

The key Hebrew word translated as "vex" is hāmām (הָמַם). This word carries a stronger meaning than mere annoyance; it implies to confuse, disturb, throw into panic, rout, or bring to confusion. It suggests a divine discomfiture that leads to internal breakdown and mutual destruction. It's the same root used to describe God throwing the Egyptians into confusion at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:24) or vexing Israel's enemies in battle (Deuteronomy 2:15). This emphasizes the direct, powerful, and disruptive nature of God's judgment in this context.

Practical Application

For a contemporary audience, 2 Chronicles 15:6 offers several insights:

  • Spiritual State and Societal Well-being: The verse suggests a profound link between the spiritual condition of a people or nation and its societal stability. When people turn away from God, it can invite various forms of "adversity" and internal strife.
  • Understanding Adversity: While not all suffering is direct divine judgment, this verse reminds us that God can use challenging times, even widespread conflict, to achieve His purposes. It encourages a reflective posture during difficulties, asking what lessons God might be teaching or what changes He desires.
  • The Call to Seek God: The broader context of Azariah's message in 2 Chronicles 15 is a call to seek the Lord. This verse highlights the consequences of *not* seeking Him, thereby reinforcing the urgency and wisdom of turning to God in repentance and faith to find true peace and stability. This aligns with the promise that if God's people humble themselves and pray, He will heal their land.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Luke 21:22 (3 votes)

    For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

  • Luke 21:24 (3 votes)

    And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

  • Isaiah 10:6 (2 votes)

    I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

  • Amos 3:6 (2 votes)

    Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]?

  • Psalms 106:41 (2 votes)

    And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.

  • Mark 13:8 (2 votes)

    For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these [are] the beginnings of sorrows.