King James Version
What Does 2 Chronicles 24:19 Mean?
“Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.”
2 Chronicles 24:19 · KJV
Context
17
Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.
18
And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
19
Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.
20
And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you. came: Heb. clothed
21
And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGod's persistent grace despite rebellion: 'Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.' This summarizes a recurring pattern - God sending prophets to call people back despite repeated rejection. The prophets testified (Hebrew: 'ud - warn, exhort) against sin, seeking repentance. The people's refusal to 'give ear' (ha'azinu - listen/obey) demonstrates hardened hearts spurning grace. This pattern continued throughout Israel's history, showing God's persistent love and human stubbornness. Christ, the ultimate prophet (Hebrews 1:1-2), continues calling sinners to repentance, with similar mixed responses.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
After Jehoiada's death (c. 825 BCE), Joash abandoned the LORD despite earlier faithfulness. God's sending prophets demonstrated patience seeking restoration, though the people (including Joash) rejected them, leading to judgment. This warned that past faithfulness doesn't guarantee immunity from apostasy.
Reflection Questions
- How are you responding to God's 'prophetic voices' - Scripture, preaching, conviction - calling you to repent and return?
- What areas of hardened heart might be making you refuse to 'give ear' to God's warnings?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsבָּהֶם֙2 of 10
H0לַֽהֲשִׁיבָ֖ם4 of 10
“to them to bring them again”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יְהוָ֑ה6 of 10
“unto the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיָּעִ֥ידוּ7 of 10
“and they testified”
H5749to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
בָ֖ם8 of 10
H0וְלֹ֥א9 of 10
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֶֽאֱזִֽינוּ׃10 of 10
“against them but they would not give ear”
H238to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
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 24:19 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 24:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge