King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 34:25 Mean?

2 Chronicles 34:25 in the King James Version says “Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.

2 Chronicles 34:25 · KJV


Context

23

And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me,

24

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah:

25

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.

26

And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard;

27

Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God's Word driving comprehensive spiritual renewal. 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 · 17 words
תַּ֣חַת׀1 of 17
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עֲזָב֗וּנִי3 of 17

Because they have forsaken

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וַֽיְקַטְּירוּ֙4 of 17

me and have burned incense

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים5 of 17

gods

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

אֲחֵרִ֔ים6 of 17

unto other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

לְמַ֙עַן֙7 of 17
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הַכְעִיסֵ֔נִי8 of 17

that they might provoke me to anger

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

בְּכֹ֖ל9 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣י10 of 17

with all the works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יְדֵיהֶ֑ם11 of 17

of their hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְתִתַּ֧ךְ12 of 17

shall be poured out

H5413

to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify

חֲמָתִ֛י13 of 17

therefore my wrath

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

בַּמָּק֥וֹם14 of 17

upon this place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּ֖ה15 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְלֹ֥א16 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִכְבֶּֽה׃17 of 17

and shall not be quenched

H3518

to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)


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 34:25 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 34:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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