King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 28:19 Mean?

2 Chronicles 28:19 in the King James Version says “For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against th...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.”

2 Chronicles 28:19 · KJV

Context

17

For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives. captives: Heb. a captivity

18

The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.

19

For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.

20

And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.

21

For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.

Read 2 Chronicles 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Total rejection of God bringing catastrophic judgment. 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
כִּֽי1 of 15
H3588

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

הִכְנִ֤יעַ2 of 15

“brought”

H3665

properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish

בַּֽיהוָֽה׃3 of 15

“For the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת4 of 15
H853

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

בִּֽיהוּדָ֔ה5 of 15

“Judah”

H3063

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

בַּֽעֲב֖וּר6 of 15
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

אָחָ֣ז7 of 15

“because of Ahaz”

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

מֶֽלֶךְ8 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל9 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּ֤י10 of 15
H3588

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

הִפְרִ֙יעַ֙11 of 15

“for he made”

H6544

to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin

בִּֽיהוּדָ֔ה12 of 15

“Judah”

H3063

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

וּמָע֥וֹל13 of 15

“and transgressed”

H4603

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

מַ֖עַל14 of 15

“sore”

H4604

treachery, i.e., sin

בַּֽיהוָֽה׃15 of 15

“For the LORD”

H3068

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

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 28:19 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 28:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 21:2Job 40:121 Samuel 2:7Revelation 3:17-18Proverbs 29:23Hosea 5:11

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