King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 28:7 Mean?

2 Chronicles 28:7 in the King James Version says “And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah th...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king. next: Heb. the second to the king”

2 Chronicles 28:7 · KJV

Context

5

Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter. Damascus: Heb. Darmesek

6

For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. valiant: Heb. sons of valour

7

And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king. next: Heb. the second to the king

8

And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.

9

But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.

Read 2 Chronicles 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.

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 · 16 words
וַֽיַּהֲרֹ֞ג1 of 16

“slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

זִכְרִ֣י׀2 of 16

“And Zichri”

H2147

zicri, the name of twelve israelites

גִּבּ֣וֹר3 of 16

“a mighty man”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

אֶפְרַ֗יִם4 of 16

“of Ephraim”

H669

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

אֶת5 of 16
H853

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

מַֽעֲשֵׂיָ֙הוּ֙6 of 16

“Maaseiah”

H4641

maasejah, the name of sixteen israelites

בֶּן7 of 16

“son”

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃8 of 16

“the king's”

H4428

a king

וְאֶת9 of 16
H853

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

עַזְרִיקָ֖ם10 of 16

“and Azrikam”

H5840

azrikam, the name of four israelites

נְגִ֣יד11 of 16

“the governor”

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

הַבָּ֑יִת12 of 16

“of the house”

H1004

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

וְאֶת13 of 16
H853

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

אֶלְקָנָ֖ה14 of 16

“and Elkanah”

H511

elkanah, the name of several israelites

מִשְׁנֵ֥ה15 of 16

“that was next”

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃16 of 16

“the king's”

H4428

a king

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 28:7 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 28:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 10:3Genesis 43:15Genesis 41:43Genesis 43:12

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