2 Chronicles 25:8

But if thou wilt go, do [it], be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.

But if thou wilt go {H935}, do {H6213} it, be strong {H2388} for the battle {H4421}: God {H430} shall make thee fall {H3782} before {H6440} the enemy {H341}: for God {H430} hath {H3426} power {H3581} to help {H5826}, and to cast down {H3782}.

And if you do go, then no matter how fiercely you fight, God will cause you to fail before the enemy. For God has the power to help and to cause failure."

Even if you go and fight bravely in battle, God will make you stumble before the enemy, for God has power to help and power to overthrow.โ€

But if thou wilt go, do valiantly, be strong for the battle: God will cast thee down before the enemy; for God hath power to help, and to cast down.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 25:8 delivers a powerful and direct warning from an unnamed prophet to King Amaziah of Judah, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over the outcome of battles and human endeavors.

Context

King Amaziah had ascended the throne of Judah and initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, though not with a perfect heart (2 Chronicles 25:2). As he prepared for war against Edom, he hired 100,000 mighty men from Israel for 100 talents of silver to bolster his forces. A prophet, described as a "man of God," then approached Amaziah with a clear divine message: "O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel" (2 Chronicles 25:7). Amaziah's immediate concern was the significant financial loss of the 100 talents he had already paid. Verse 8 is the prophet's response to this dilemma, a stark warning against defying God's explicit instruction, even at a financial cost, promising divine judgment if he proceeds with the unauthorized alliance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Control: The verse powerfully asserts that God alone determines victory and defeat. Human strength, military alliances, or financial investments are secondary to His will. It underscores that no king is saved by the multitude of an host, but by God's decree.
  • Obedience over Expediency: Amaziah was tempted to prioritize his financial investment over divine counsel. The prophet's warning highlights the critical importance of immediate and complete obedience to God, regardless of perceived worldly losses or gains. Disobedience leads to inevitable failure.
  • God's Power to Help and Cast Down: The core message is encapsulated in the phrase, "for God hath power to help, and to cast down." This speaks to God's omnipotence and His active involvement in human affairs, whether bringing success or defeat. It serves as a reminder of His ultimate authority over all circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "God hath power to help, and to cast down" is a direct and forceful declaration. The Hebrew word for "power" (ื›ึผึนื—ึท - koach) denotes strength, ability, or might. The contrast between "help" (ืœึฐื”ึทืขึฒื–ึดื™ืจ - leha'azir, meaning to lend aid or support) and "cast down" (ืœึฐื”ึทื›ึฐืฉืึดื™ืœ - leha'khshil, meaning to cause to stumble, fall, or be overthrown) emphasizes the dual nature of God's sovereign hand: He can empower for victory or cause utter defeat. There's no middle ground when God's will is involved.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust God's Counsel Above All: When faced with difficult decisions, especially those involving significant personal or financial investment, we are called to prioritize God's word and guidance. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
  • Avoid Ungodly Alliances: Just as Amaziah was warned against an alliance with disobedient Israel, believers should be wary of partnerships or strategies that compromise their faith or align them with ungodly principles, even if they seem advantageous.
  • God's Sovereignty in All Outcomes: Recognize that God is ultimately in control of all circumstances, whether we perceive them as "good" or "bad." Our role is to be obedient, and His is to determine the outcome, knowing that all things work together for good to them that love God.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 14:11 (7 votes)

    And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, [it is] nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou [art] our God; let not man prevail against thee.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:6 (5 votes)

    And said, O LORD God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven? and rulest [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

  • Philippians 4:19 (4 votes)

    But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

  • Luke 18:29 (3 votes)

    And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

  • Luke 18:30 (3 votes)

    Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

  • Joel 3:9 (2 votes)

    ยถ Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

  • Joel 3:14 (2 votes)

    Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision.