King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 15:2 Mean?

“And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. to meet: Heb. before Asa”

Context

And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. to meet: Heb. before Asa

Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.

But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **And he went out to meet.**—Literally, *before.* (1Chronicles 12:17; 2Chronicles 14:9.) Azariah met the king on his return from battle. **Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah.**—(Comp. Abijah’s speech, 2Chronicles 13:4 : “Hear ye me, Jeroboam, and all Israel!”) **The Lord is with you, while ye be with him.**—Or, *Jehovah was with you* (in the battle), *because ye were with him* (i.e., clung to him for help; see 2Chronicles 14:11). **And if ye seek him . . . forsake you.**—This generalises the preceding statement. It is a favourite formula with the chronicler. (See 1Chronicles 28:9; and for the last clause, 2Chronicles 12:5; 2Chronicles 24:20; comp. also Jeremiah 29:13-14.) **He will be found.**—Or, *is found.* **He will forsake.**—Or, *heforsaketh.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 15:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.