King James Version
What Does 2 Chronicles 15:19 Mean?
“And there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa.”
2 Chronicles 15:19 · KJV
Context
17
But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.
18
And he brought into the house of God the things that his father had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels.
19
And there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa.
This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing National spiritual renewal through decisive reform. 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.
This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing National spiritual renewal through decisive reform. 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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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.
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
- How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
- What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
- How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוּמִלְחָמָ֖ה1 of 9
“And there was no more war”
H4421a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
לֹ֣א2 of 9
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָיָ֑תָה3 of 9
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַ֛ד4 of 9
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
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 15:19 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 15:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge