King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 29:12 Mean?

“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:”

2 Chronicles 29:12 · KJV

Context

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:

13

And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:

14

And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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.

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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 · 28 words
וַיָּקֻ֣מוּ1 of 28

“arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הַ֠לְוִיִּם2 of 28

“Then the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

מַ֣חַת3 of 28

“Mahath”

H4287

machath, the name of two israelites

בֶּן4 of 28

“and of the sons”

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

עֲמָשַׂ֞י5 of 28

“of Amasai”

H6022

amasai, the name of three israelites

וְיוֹאֵ֣ל6 of 28

“and Joel”

H3100

joel, the name of twelve israelites

בֶּן7 of 28

“and of the sons”

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

וַֽעֲזַרְיָ֖הוּ8 of 28

“and Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites

מִן9 of 28
H4480

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

בֶּן10 of 28

“and of the sons”

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

הַקְּהָתִי֒11 of 28

“of the Kohathites”

H6956

a kohathite (collectively) or descendants of kehath

וּמִן12 of 28
H4480

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

בֶּן13 of 28

“and of the sons”

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

מְרָרִ֔י14 of 28

“of Merari”

H4847

merari, an israelite

קִ֚ישׁ15 of 28

“Kish”

H7027

kish, the name of five israelites

בֶּן16 of 28

“and of the sons”

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

עַבְדִּ֔י17 of 28

“of Abdi”

H5660

abdi, the name of two israelites

וַֽעֲזַרְיָ֖הוּ18 of 28

“and Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites

בֶּן19 of 28

“and of the sons”

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

יְהַלֶּלְאֵ֑ל20 of 28

“of Jehalelel”

H3094

jehallelel, the name of two israelites

וּמִן21 of 28
H4480

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

הַגֵּ֣רְשֻׁנִּ֔י22 of 28

“and of the Gershonites”

H1649

a gereshonite or descendant of gereshon

יוֹאָֽח׃23 of 28

“Joah”

H3098

joach, the name of four israelites

בֶּן24 of 28

“and of the sons”

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

זִמָּ֔ה25 of 28

“of Zimmah”

H2155

zimmah, the name of two israelites

וְעֵ֖דֶן26 of 28

“and Eden”

H5731

eden, the region of adam's home

בֶּן27 of 28

“and of the sons”

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

יוֹאָֽח׃28 of 28

“Joah”

H3098

joach, the name of four israelites

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 29:12 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 29:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 15:5-71 Chronicles 6:16-21Exodus 6:16-251 Chronicles 6:44Numbers 3:19-20Numbers 4:2-20

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