King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 25:19 Mean?

“Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?”

Context

Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.

And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle. thistle: or, furze bush, or, thorn a wild: Heb. a beast of the field

Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?

But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.

So Joash the king of Israel went up; and they saw one another in the face, both he and Amaziah king of Judah, at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **Thou sayest.**—Slightly altered from 2Kings 14:10. Thou sayest, or *thou thinkest,* is added here. The word in Hebrew meaning *Lo* (*hinnēh*) is perhaps a corruption of the word meaning *smiting* (*hakkēh*)* :*“Thou hast indeed smitten.” **To boast.**—To *get glory* (*hakbîd*)*.* Only so used here. Kings, “thine heart lifteth thee up. *Be honoured *(*i.e.,* enjoy thine honours), and abide at home” (*hikkā-bēd*)*.* The difference is one of points only, and may be due to a copyist.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 25:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.