King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 13:7 Mean?

2 Chronicles 13:7 in the King James Version says “And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted , and could not withstand them.”

2 Chronicles 13:7 · KJV

Context

5

Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?

6

Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord.

7

And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted , and could not withstand them.

8

And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods.

9

Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods. to consecrate: Heb. to fill his hand

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Covenant faithfulness brings victory despite odds. 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 · 19 words
וַיִּקָּֽבְצ֣וּ1 of 19

“And there are gathered”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

עָלָ֗יו2 of 19
H5921

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

אֲנָשִׁ֤ים3 of 19

“men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

רֵקִים֙4 of 19

“unto him vain”

H7386

empty; figuratively, worthless

בֶּן5 of 19

“the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְלִיַּ֔עַל6 of 19

“of Belial”

H1100

without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness

וַיִּֽתְאַמְּצ֖וּ7 of 19

“and have strengthened”

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

עַל8 of 19
H5921

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

וּרְחַבְעָ֗ם9 of 19

“themselves against Rehoboam”

H7346

rechabam, an israelite king

בֶּן10 of 19

“the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה11 of 19

“of Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וּרְחַבְעָ֗ם12 of 19

“themselves against Rehoboam”

H7346

rechabam, an israelite king

הָ֤יָֽה13 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נַ֙עַר֙14 of 19

“was young”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וְרַךְ15 of 19

“and tenderhearted”

H7390

tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak

לֵבָ֔ב16 of 19
H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וְלֹ֥א17 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִתְחַזַּ֖ק18 of 19

“and could not withstand”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃19 of 19

“them”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 13:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 12:13Judges 9:4Job 30:8Titus 1:10Hebrews 5:121 Samuel 22:2

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