King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 11:13 Mean?

2 Chronicles 11:13 in the King James Version says “And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts. resorted: Heb. presente...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts. resorted: Heb. presented themselves to him”

2 Chronicles 11:13 · KJV

Context

11

And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine.

12

And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.

13

And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts. resorted: Heb. presented themselves to him

14

For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the LORD:

15

And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.

Read 2 Chronicles 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Initial faithfulness giving way to compromise. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙1 of 9

“And the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהַלְוִיִּ֔ם2 of 9

“and the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

אֲשֶׁ֖ר3 of 9
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּכָל4 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל5 of 9

“that were in all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הִֽתְיַצְּב֥וּ6 of 9

“resorted”

H3320

to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue

עָלָ֖יו7 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִכָּל8 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גְּבוּלָֽם׃9 of 9

“to him out of all their coasts”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 11:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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