King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 36:15 Mean?

2 Chronicles 36:15 in the King James Version says “And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compass...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: by: Heb. by the hand of betimes: that is, continually and carefully”

2 Chronicles 36:15 · KJV

Context

13

And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.

14

Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.

15

And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: by: Heb. by the hand of betimes: that is, continually and carefully

16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. remedy: Heb. healing

17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand.

Read 2 Chronicles 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Chronicler's summary of Israel's rebellion and God's patience: 'And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place.' The phrase 'rising up betimes' (hashkem v'shaloch - rising early and sending) anthropomorphically depicts God's eager, persistent compassion. Despite constant prophetic warnings through multiple messengers, the people mocked and despised God's Word (36:16). This demonstrates that even abundant grace and patience can be spurned, leading ultimately to just judgment. Yet the motivation - compassion for people and His dwelling place - reveals God's heart even when exercising discipline.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This summarizes the prophetic ministry from the divided kingdom through Josiah (c. 930-609 BCE). Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Zephaniah, and others continually called for repentance, yet leadership and people persisted in idolatry, bringing inevitable exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to God's 'messengers' - Scripture, preaching, conviction - that call you to repentance?
  2. What does God's persistent compassion despite prolonged rebellion teach about His character and patience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְשָׁל֑וֹחַ1 of 15

“and sending”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוָה֩2 of 15

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֨י3 of 15

“God”

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

אֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֧ם4 of 15

“of their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם5 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּיַ֥ד6 of 15

“to them by”

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

מַלְאָכָ֖יו7 of 15

“his messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

הַשְׁכֵּ֣ם8 of 15

“rising up betimes”

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

וְשָׁל֑וֹחַ9 of 15

“and sending”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

כִּֽי10 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָמַ֥ל11 of 15

“because he had compassion”

H2550

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

עַל12 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַמּ֖וֹ13 of 15

“on his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְעַל14 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מְעוֹנֽוֹ׃15 of 15

“and on his dwelling”

H4583

an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)

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 36:15 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 36:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 7:13Jeremiah 35:15Jeremiah 25:3-4Jeremiah 44:4-5Luke 19:41-44Jeremiah 26:5

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