King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 29:6 Mean?

“For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs. turned their: Heb. given the neck”

Context

And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street,

And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.

For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs. turned their: Heb. given the neck

Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel.

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

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Trespassed.**—*Dealt unfaithfully.* **Turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord.**—Comp. Jeremiah 2:27 : “They have turned their backs unto me, and not their faces.” (Comp. also Ezekiel 8:16.) **Turned their backs.**—Literally, *gave neck* (*nathan ‘ōreph*)*;* a phrase here used as equivalent to *turned neck* (*pānāh* ‘*ōreph*)*,* Jeremiah 2:27, *et al.* The ordinary meaning is “to put to flight,” as in Psalm 18:41. It is clear from the next verse that the description is meant to apply to Ahaz and his generation.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 29:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.