King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 16:10 Mean?

2 Chronicles 16:10 in the King James Version says “Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. An...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time. oppressed: Heb. crushed”

2 Chronicles 16:10 · KJV

Context

8

Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. a huge: Heb. in abundance

9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. to shew: or, strongly to hold with them, etc

10

Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time. oppressed: Heb. crushed

11

And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

12

And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.

Read 2 Chronicles 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Human alliances replacing trust in God. 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 · 18 words
וַיִּכְעַ֨ס1 of 18

“was wroth”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

אָסָ֛א2 of 18

“Then Asa”

H609

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

אֶל3 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽרֹאֶ֗ה4 of 18

“with the seer”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֙הוּ֙5 of 18

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בֵּ֣ית6 of 18

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַמַּהְפֶּ֔כֶת7 of 18

“him in a prison”

H4115

a wrench, i.e., the stocks

כִּֽי8 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְזַ֥עַף9 of 18

“for he was in a rage”

H2197

anger

עִמּ֖וֹ10 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עַל11 of 18
H5921

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

זֹ֑את12 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וַיְרַצֵּ֥ץ13 of 18

“oppressed”

H7533

to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively

אָסָ֛א14 of 18

“Then Asa”

H609

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

מִן15 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָעָ֖ם16 of 18

“some of the people”

H5971

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

בָּעֵ֥ת17 of 18

“the same time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִֽיא׃18 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 16:10 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 16:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 18:262 Samuel 11:4Proverbs 9:7-9Matthew 14:3-4Psalms 141:5Jeremiah 20:2

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