King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 30:6 Mean?

“So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. from: Heb. from the hand”

Context

And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation. pleased: Heb. was right in the eyes of the king

So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done it of a long time in such sort as it was written.

So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. from: Heb. from the hand

And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.

Now be ye not stiffnecked , as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. be ye: Heb. harden not your necks yield: Heb. give the hand

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **The posts.**—The *runners— i.e.,* couriers (ᾰγγαροι). The Syriac uses the Latin word *Tabellarii,* “letter- carriers,” which the Arabic mistakes for “folk of Tiberias”! The soldiers of the body-guard seem to have acted as royal messengers. **From the king.**—*From the hand of the king.* **And according to the commandment.**—The construction appears to be: they went *with the letters* . . . *and according to the king’s order.* The LXX. and Vulg. omit *and,* but the Syriac has it. **And he will return.**—*That he may return unto the survivors that are left unto you from the hand of the hings of Assyria.* **Remnant.**—*Pĕlêtâh.*—That the word really means *survivors* appears from comparison of the Assyrian *balâtu,* “to be alive;” *bullŭtu, “*life.” **The kings of Assyria.**—See 2Chronicles 28:16; 2Chronicles 28:20. The words are a rhetorical reference to Tiglath-pileser’s invasion of the northern kingdom, and the depopulation of Galilee and Gilead. The chronicler’s language may have been influenced also by recollection of the last fatal inroad of Shalmaneser II., in the fourth year of Hezekiah (2Kings 18:9). (See 2Kings 15:29.)

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 30:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.