King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 29:10 Mean?

2 Chronicles 29:10 in the King James Version says “Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.”

2 Chronicles 29:10 · KJV

Context

8

Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble , to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes. trouble: Heb. commotion

9

For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this.

10

Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.

11

My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense. be not: or, be not now deceived burn: or, offer sacrifice

12

Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:

Read 2 Chronicles 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Comprehensive restoration of worship beginning immediately. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 12 words
עַתָּה֙1 of 12
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

עִם2 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לְבָבִ֔י3 of 12

“Now it is in mine heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

לִכְר֣וֹת4 of 12

“to make”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

בְּרִ֔ית5 of 12

“a covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

לַֽיהוָ֖ה6 of 12

“with the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י7 of 12

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל8 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וְיָשֹׁ֥ב9 of 12

“may turn away”

H7725

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

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ10 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

חֲר֥וֹן11 of 12

“that his fierce”

H2740

a burning of anger

אַפּֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“wrath”

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 29:10 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 29:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 50:52 Chronicles 23:16Ezra 10:32 Kings 23:262 Corinthians 8:52 Kings 23:3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 29 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes