King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 25:27 Mean?

2 Chronicles 25:27 in the King James Version says “Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; a...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there. from: Heb. from after made: Heb. conspired a conspiracy”

2 Chronicles 25:27 · KJV

Context

25

And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

26

Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?

27

Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there. from: Heb. from after made: Heb. conspired a conspiracy

28

And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah. Judah: that is, the city of David

Read 2 Chronicles 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.

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
וּמֵעֵ֗ת1 of 17

“Now after the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

אֲשֶׁר2 of 17
H834

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

סָ֤ר3 of 17

“did turn away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֲמַצְיָ֙הוּ֙4 of 17

“that Amaziah”

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

אַֽחֲרָיו֙5 of 17

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיִּקְשְׁר֨וּ7 of 17

“they made”

H7194

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

עָלָ֥יו8 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

קֶ֛שֶׁר9 of 17

“a conspiracy”

H7195

an (unlawful) alliance

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם10 of 17

“against him in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וַיָּ֣נָס11 of 17

“and he fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

לָכִ֔ישָׁה12 of 17

“to Lachish”

H3923

lakish, a place in palestine

וַיִּשְׁלְח֤וּ13 of 17

“but they sent”

H7971

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

אַֽחֲרָיו֙14 of 17

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לָכִ֔ישָׁה15 of 17

“to Lachish”

H3923

lakish, a place in palestine

וַיְמִיתֻ֖הוּ16 of 17

“him and slew”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

שָֽׁם׃17 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 25:27 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 25:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 15:2Joshua 10:312 Chronicles 24:252 Kings 14:19

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
LachishSettlement · Modern: Tell ed Duweir · 31.57°N, 34.85°E22 verses across 7 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 25 →

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