King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 24:7 Mean?

2 Chronicles 24:7 in the King James Version says “For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the ho...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim.”

2 Chronicles 24:7 · KJV

Context

5

And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.

6

And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?

7

For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim.

8

And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD.

9

And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the LORD the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness. a proclamation: Heb. a voice

Read 2 Chronicles 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Initial faithfulness deteriorating after mentor's death. 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 · 15 words
כִּ֤י1 of 15
H3588

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

עֲתַלְיָ֙הוּ֙2 of 15

“of Athaliah”

H6271

athaljah, the name of an israelitess and two israelites

הַמִּרְשַׁ֔עַת3 of 15

“that wicked”

H4849

a female wicked doer

בָּנֶ֥יהָ4 of 15

“For the sons”

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

פָֽרְצ֖וּ5 of 15

“woman had broken up”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

אֶת6 of 15
H853

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

בֵית7 of 15

“of the house”

H1004

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים8 of 15

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְגַם֙9 of 15
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

כָּל10 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

קָדְשֵׁ֣י11 of 15

“and also all the dedicated things”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

בֵית12 of 15

“of the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֔ה13 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

עָשׂ֖וּ14 of 15

“did they bestow”

H6213

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

לַבְּעָלִֽים׃15 of 15

“upon Baalim”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

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 24:7 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 24:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 21:17Daniel 5:2-4Esther 7:6Ezekiel 16:17-21Hosea 2:13Deuteronomy 32:15-17

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

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