King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 13:9 Mean?

2 Chronicles 13:9 in the King James Version says “Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the ma... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 13:9 · KJV


Context

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

10

But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business:

11

And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also set they in order upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 27 words
לְלֹ֥א1 of 27

of them that are no

H3808

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

הִדַּחְתֶּם֙2 of 27

Have ye not cast out

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

אֶת3 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כֹהֵ֖ן4 of 27

the priests

H3548

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

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת6 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֶּן7 of 27

himself with a young

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

אַֽהֲרֹ֖ן8 of 27

of Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְהַלְוִיִּ֑ם9 of 27

and the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וַתַּֽעֲשׂ֨וּ10 of 27

and have made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָכֶ֤ם11 of 27
H0
כֹהֵ֖ן12 of 27

the priests

H3548

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

כְּעַמֵּ֣י13 of 27

after the manner of the nations

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָֽאֲרָצ֔וֹת14 of 27

of other lands

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כָּל15 of 27
H3605

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

הַבָּ֗א16 of 27

so that whosoever cometh

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְמַלֵּ֨א17 of 27

to consecrate

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

יָד֜וֹ18 of 27
H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בְּפַ֤ר19 of 27

bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

בֶּן20 of 27

himself with a young

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

בָּקָר֙21 of 27
H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וְאֵילִ֣ם22 of 27

rams

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

שִׁבְעָ֔ה23 of 27

and seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

וְהָיָ֥ה24 of 27
H1961

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

כֹהֵ֖ן25 of 27

the priests

H3548

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

לְלֹ֥א26 of 27

of them that are no

H3808

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

אֱלֹהִֽים׃27 of 27

gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of


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 13:9 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 13:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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