King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 24:19 Mean?

2 Chronicles 24:19 in the King James Version says “Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not giv...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 · King James Version

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.

Read 2 Chronicles 24 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
God'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

  1. How are you responding to God's 'prophetic voices' - Scripture, preaching, conviction - calling you to repent and return?
  2. What areas of hardened heart might be making you refuse to 'give ear' to God's warnings?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח1 of 10

“Yet he sent”

H7971

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

בָּהֶם֙2 of 10
H0
נְבִאִ֔ים3 of 10

“prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

לַֽהֲשִׁיבָ֖ם4 of 10

“to them to bring them again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל5 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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”

H5749

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

בָ֖ם8 of 10
H0
וְלֹ֥א9 of 10
H3808

not (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”

H238

to 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

Jeremiah 44:4-5Jeremiah 26:5Isaiah 55:3Luke 20:9-15Matthew 13:9Matthew 13:15-16

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 24 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes