King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 16:3 Mean?

There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.

2 Chronicles 16:3 · KJV


Context

1

In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

2

Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, Damascus: Heb. Darmesek

3

There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.

4

And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. his: Heb. which were his

5

And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.

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 · 21 words
בְּרִֽיתְךָ֗1 of 21

There is a league

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

בֵּינִ֣י2 of 21
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵינֶ֔ךָ3 of 21
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵ֥ין4 of 21
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אָבִ֑יךָ5 of 21

and thy father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּבֵ֣ין6 of 21
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אָבִ֑יךָ7 of 21

and thy father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הִנֵּ֨ה8 of 21
H2009

lo!

שָׁלַ֤חְתִּֽי9 of 21

behold I have sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לְךָ֙10 of 21
H0
כֶּ֣סֶף11 of 21

thee silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְזָהָ֔ב12 of 21

and gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

לֵ֞ךְ13 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הָפֵ֣ר14 of 21

break

H6565

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

בְּרִֽיתְךָ֗15 of 21

There is a league

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֶת16 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בַּעְשָׁא֙17 of 21

with Baasha

H1201

basha, a king of israel

מֶ֣לֶךְ18 of 21

king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל19 of 21

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְיַֽעֲלֶ֖ה20 of 21

that he may depart

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מֵֽעָלָֽי׃21 of 21
H5921

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


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 16:3 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 16:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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