2 Chronicles 30:7

And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, [who] therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.

And be not ye like your fathers {H1}, and like your brethren {H251}, which trespassed {H4603} against the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1}, who therefore gave them up {H5414} to desolation {H8047}, as ye see {H7200}.

Don't be like your ancestors, or like your kinsmen who sinned against ADONAI the God of their ancestors, with the result that he allowed them to become an object of horror, as you see.

Do not be like your fathers and brothers who were unfaithful to the LORD, the God of their fathers, so that He made them an object of horror, as you can see.

And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, who trespassed against Jehovah, the God of their fathers, so that he gave them up to desolation, as ye see.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 30:7 delivers a powerful warning and call to repentance from King Hezekiah to the people of Israel, urging them not to repeat the devastating mistakes of their ancestors.

Context

This verse is part of King Hezekiah's fervent appeal to the scattered tribes of Israel and Judah to return to Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover, an observance that had long been neglected. Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah, initiated widespread reforms to restore proper worship of the LORD after the idolatry prevalent during the reigns of his predecessors. His invitation in 2 Chronicles 30:1 was unprecedented, extending even to the northern kingdom of Israel, which had largely fallen to the Assyrian empire and suffered severe desolation due to their unfaithfulness. Hezekiah's message here serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of their fathers' and brethren's disobedience, which led to their present plight.

Key Themes

  • Learning from History: The verse explicitly warns against repeating the "trespasses" of previous generations. It underscores the importance of reflecting on the past to avoid future errors, especially concerning one's relationship with God.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Hezekiah highlights that the "desolation" experienced by their fathers and brethren was was a direct result of their unfaithfulness to the LORD. This serves as a strong deterrent, illustrating God's consistent judgment against sin and idolatry, as seen in the Assyrian captivity of the northern kingdom.
  • Call to Repentance: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the warning implies a profound call for repentance and a return to the covenant. Hezekiah's entire Passover initiative was an invitation for the people to reconcile with God and experience His mercy, echoing themes found in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
  • Divine Justice: The phrase "who therefore gave them up to desolation" emphasizes that God's actions were just responses to their continued rebellion. It affirms God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, which included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the term "trespassed," which in Hebrew is ma'al (מגל). This word signifies more than just a general sin; it denotes an act of unfaithfulness or treachery, often in the context of a covenant relationship or a breach of trust. It implies a deliberate violation against God. The consequence, "desolation" (Hebrew: shammah, Χ©ΧžΧ”), vividly describes the state of ruin, waste, and astonishment that resulted from their unfaithfulness, a condition they could "see" with their own eyes.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. We are called to learn from the spiritual failures of those who came before us, whether in biblical history or our own family lines. It stresses that disobedience to God has real and often visible consequences, not just for individuals but for communities. Conversely, it implicitly encourages seeking God's will and living in obedience, knowing that God's grace is available to those who genuinely turn from their wicked ways and return to Him. The call to repentance and renewal is always open, offering hope for restoration.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 29:8 (4 votes)

    Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.

  • Ezekiel 20:13 (2 votes)

    But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.

  • Ezekiel 20:18 (2 votes)

    But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:

  • Zechariah 1:3 (2 votes)

    Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Zechariah 1:4 (2 votes)

    Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and [from] your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.