King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 18:10 Mean?

2 Chronicles 18:10 in the King James Version says “And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed. they: Heb. thou consume them”

2 Chronicles 18:10 · KJV

Context

8

And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla. officers: or, eunuchs Fetch: Heb. Hasten

9

And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. void: or, floor

10

And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed. they: Heb. thou consume them

11

And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead , and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

12

And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good. with: Heb. with one mouth

Read 2 Chronicles 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Danger of ungodly partnerships despite personal faithfulness. 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 · 17 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ1 of 17

“had made”

H6213

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

ל֛וֹ2 of 17
H0
צִדְקִיָּ֥הוּ3 of 17

“And Zedekiah”

H6667

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

בֶֽן4 of 17

“the son”

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

כְּנַעֲנָ֖ה5 of 17

“of Chenaanah”

H3668

kenaanah, the name of two israelites

קַרְנֵ֣י6 of 17

“him horns”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

בַרְזֶ֣ל7 of 17

“of iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

אָמַ֣ר8 of 17

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה9 of 17
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר10 of 17

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה11 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּאֵ֛לֶּה12 of 17
H428

these or those

תְּנַגַּ֥ח13 of 17

“With these thou shalt push”

H5055

to butt with the horns; figuratively, to war against

אֶת14 of 17
H853

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

אֲרָ֖ם15 of 17

“Syria”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

עַד16 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

כַּלּוֹתָֽם׃17 of 17

“until they be consumed”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

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 18:10 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 18:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 28:2-3Ezekiel 13:7Jeremiah 23:21Jeremiah 28:10-14Ezekiel 22:282 Timothy 3:8

Places in This Verse

Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 18 →

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