2 Chronicles 7:19

But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

But if ye turn away {H7725}, and forsake {H5800} my statutes {H2708} and my commandments {H4687}, which I have set {H5414} before {H6440} you, and shall go {H1980} and serve {H5647} other {H312} gods {H430}, and worship {H7812} them;

But if you turn away and abandon my regulations and mitzvot which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, worshipping them;

But if you turn away and forsake the statutes and commandments I have set before you, and if you go off to serve and worship other gods,

But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

Commentary

2 Chronicles 7:19 (KJV) serves as a solemn warning from God to the people of Israel, delivered immediately after the dedication of the magnificent Temple built by King Solomon. This verse outlines the negative consequences that will follow if they turn away from their covenant relationship with Him.

Context of 2 Chronicles 7:19

This verse is part of God's direct response to Solomon's heartfelt prayer at the dedication of the Temple (2 Chronicles 6). While the preceding verses, particularly 2 Chronicles 7:14, offer a profound promise of restoration and healing upon repentance, verse 19 presents the stark alternative: the dire repercussions of disobedience. God had just filled the Temple with His glory, signifying His acceptance of the worship and His presence among His people. However, this divine presence was conditional upon Israel's continued faithfulness to His covenant, which was established at Mount Sinai.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant Fidelity and Warning: The core message is a reminder of the conditional nature of the covenant between God and Israel. God's blessings and presence were contingent upon their obedience. This verse highlights God's justice and His commitment to His own standards, even with His chosen people.
  • The Sin of Idolatry: The primary transgression warned against is "serving other gods, and worship them." This was the most severe violation of the Mosaic Law, directly contravening the first two commandments given in Exodus 20:3-5. The ancient Israelites were constantly tempted by the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations, making this a perennial spiritual danger.
  • Deliberate Disobedience: The phrases "turn away" and "forsake my statutes and my commandments" emphasize a conscious, deliberate departure from God's revealed will. It's not an accidental stumble but a willful turning from the path God has set before them.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "turn away" is sur (סוּר), which implies a conscious departure or deviation from a prescribed path. "Forsake" comes from 'azab (עָזַב), meaning to abandon or leave behind, suggesting a rejection of what was once embraced. The "statutes" (chuqqah) refer to God's fixed ordinances or decrees, while "commandments" (mitzvah) are His specific instructions. Together, they encompass the full breadth of God's divine law. "Serve other gods" (עָבַד אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים) is a strong phrase, indicating active worship and devotion directed away from the one true God.

Practical Application and Reflection

While this warning was given to ancient Israel, its spiritual principles resonate deeply for believers today. The call for spiritual faithfulness remains paramount. For us, "serving other gods" may not involve physical idols but rather anything that takes precedence over God in our lives—be it wealth, career, relationships, power, or personal ambition. This verse reminds us that God's blessings are often tied to our obedience and devotion to Him. Just as God set His "statutes and commandments" before Israel, He has given us His Word as guidance for living a life pleasing to Him. The consequences of spiritual drift and prioritizing worldly desires over God's will are a timeless reminder of the importance of keeping Him first, as echoed in the New Testament's warnings against covetousness being idolatry (Colossians 3:5) and the need to worship God alone (Matthew 4:10).

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 28:15 (6 votes)

    ¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

  • Leviticus 26:14 (6 votes)

    ¶ But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;

  • Leviticus 26:33 (3 votes)

    And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

  • Leviticus 26:46 (3 votes)

    These [are] the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.

  • Deuteronomy 4:23 (2 votes)

    Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, [or] the likeness of any [thing], which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.

  • Deuteronomy 4:27 (2 votes)

    And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

  • 1 Kings 11:4 (2 votes)

    For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, [that] his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as [was] the heart of David his father.