King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 34:6 Mean?

2 Chronicles 34:6 in the King James Version says “And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about. m...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about. mattocks: or, mauls”

2 Chronicles 34:6 · KJV

Context

4

And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. the images: or, the sun images graves: Heb. face of the graves

5

And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

6

And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about. mattocks: or, mauls

7

And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem. into: Heb. to make powder

8

Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.

Read 2 Chronicles 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about.

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 · 9 words
וּבְעָרֵ֨י1 of 9

“And so did he in the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מְנַשֶּׁ֧ה2 of 9

“of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְאֶפְרַ֛יִם3 of 9

“and Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְשִׁמְע֖וֹן4 of 9

“and Simeon”

H8095

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

וְעַד5 of 9
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

נַפְתָּלִ֑י6 of 9

“even unto Naphtali”

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בְּהַרְ7 of 9

“with their mattocks”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

בֹתֵיהֶ֖ם8 of 9
H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

סָבִֽיב׃9 of 9

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 34:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 34:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 25:18Isaiah 7:252 Chronicles 30:10-112 Chronicles 30:11 Samuel 13:20-212 Chronicles 31:1

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