2 Chronicles 28:7

And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah [that was] next to the king.

And Zichri {H2147}, a mighty man {H1368} of Ephraim {H669}, slew {H2026} Maaseiah {H4641} the king's {H4428} son {H1121}, and Azrikam {H5840} the governor {H5057} of the house {H1004}, and Elkanah {H511} that was next {H4932} to the king {H4428}.

And Zikhri, a champion from Efrayim, killed Ma'aseiyah the king's son, 'Azrikam the administrator of the household and Elkanah, who was second only to the king.

Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the son of the king, Azrikam the governor of the palace, and Elkanah the second to the king.

And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king’s son, and Azrikam the ruler of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 28:7 recounts a pivotal and tragic event during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, highlighting the severe consequences of his apostasy and the divine judgment that followed. The verse details the high-profile casualties inflicted upon Judah by Zichri, an Ephraimite warrior, during a devastating invasion by the northern kingdom of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of King Ahaz's exceptionally wicked reign in Judah (2 Chronicles 28:1-5). Ahaz notoriously abandoned the worship of the Lord, sacrificing his own children to pagan gods and promoting widespread idolatry throughout the kingdom. As a result of this profound spiritual rebellion, God allowed Judah to be severely afflicted by its neighbors, specifically by the kings of Syria and Israel (Ephraim). The invasion described here was a major component of this divine chastisement, intended to bring Judah to repentance, though Ahaz remained unyielding.

Key Figures and Their Significance

  • Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim: Zichri was evidently a formidable military leader or warrior from the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). The phrase "mighty man" (Hebrew: gibbor) denotes a valiant or powerful individual, underscoring the strength and effectiveness of the attacking forces in executing God's judgment.
  • Maaseiah the king's son: The death of Ahaz's own son was a direct and deeply humiliating blow to the royal family and the Davidic line. It signified the extent of Judah's defeat and the personal suffering inflicted upon the king.
  • Azrikam the governor of the house: This individual held a position of immense authority, likely the chief steward or palace administrator. The "governor of the house" managed the royal household and was second only to the king in administrative power. His death indicates the dismantling of the kingdom's administrative structure.
  • Elkanah that was next to the king: This title suggests a chief advisor, a close confidant, or perhaps the king's second-in-command in military or political affairs. His demise further underscores the severity of the defeat, as key pillars of the kingdom were utterly destroyed.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment for Apostasy: The primary theme is the direct and severe judgment of God upon Judah due to King Ahaz's flagrant idolatry and spiritual disobedience. The loss of high-ranking officials and even the king's son demonstrates the seriousness with which God views unfaithfulness, as also seen in the curses for disobedience outlined in Deuteronomy.
  • Consequences of Sin: The verse vividly illustrates that sin, especially national apostasy, carries dire consequences, leading to military defeat, loss of life, and national humiliation. This serves as a stark historical warning.
  • Severity of the Defeat: The specific mention of such prominent figures among the slain emphasizes the completeness and devastating nature of the Israelite victory over Judah. It was not a minor skirmish but a catastrophic event for the southern kingdom.

Practical Application

While detailing a historical event, 2 Chronicles 28:7 offers timeless principles. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual fidelity and the dangers of compromising one's faith with worldly practices or idolatry. The consequences for King Ahaz and Judah underscore that a nation's or an individual's spiritual health profoundly impacts their well-being. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our devotion to God and to recognize that true security comes from obedience to His commands, rather than from worldly alliances or idols, a principle echoed in Proverbs 14:34, which states that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach.

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Cross-References

  • Esther 10:3 (2 votes)

    For Mordecai the Jew [was] next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

  • Genesis 43:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.

  • Genesis 41:43 (2 votes)

    And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him [ruler] over all the land of Egypt.

  • Genesis 43:12 (2 votes)

    And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry [it] again in your hand; peradventure it [was] an oversight: