King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 25:10 Mean?

2 Chronicles 25:10 in the King James Version says “Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their ang...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger. home again: Heb. to their place in great: Heb. in heat of anger”

2 Chronicles 25:10 · KJV

Context

8

But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.

9

And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this. army: Heb. band

10

Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger. home again: Heb. to their place in great: Heb. in heat of anger

11

And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.

12

And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.

Read 2 Chronicles 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Half-hearted obedience and pride's consequences. 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
וַיַּבְדִּילֵ֣ם1 of 17

“separated”

H914

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

אֲמַצְיָ֗הוּ2 of 17

“Then Amaziah”

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

לְהַגְּדוּד֙3 of 17

“them to wit the army”

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּ֤א5 of 17

“that was come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלָיו֙6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֵֽאֶפְרַ֔יִם7 of 17

“to him out of Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לָלֶ֖כֶת8 of 17

“again”

H3212

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

לִמְקוֹמָ֖ם9 of 17

“home”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

וַיִּ֨חַר10 of 17

“kindled”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אָֽף׃11 of 17

“anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

מְאֹד֙12 of 17

“was greatly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

בִּֽיהוּדָ֔ה13 of 17

“against Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיָּשׁ֥וּבוּ14 of 17

“and they returned”

H7725

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

לִמְקוֹמָ֖ם15 of 17

“home”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

בָּֽחֳרִי16 of 17

“in great”

H2750

a burning (i.e., intense) anger

אָֽף׃17 of 17

“anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

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 25:10 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 25:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 12:242 Samuel 19:43Proverbs 29:22

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