King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 36:19 Mean?

2 Chronicles 36:19 in the King James Version says “And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.”

2 Chronicles 36:19 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all these he brought to Babylon.

19

And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.

20

And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: them: Heb. the remainder from the sword

21

To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

Read 2 Chronicles 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Persistent rebellion bringing covenant curses; hope of restoration. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 16 words
שָֽׂרְפ֣וּ1 of 16

“And they burnt”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

אֶת2 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֵּ֣ית3 of 16

“the house”

H1004

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים4 of 16

“of 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

וַֽיְנַתְּצ֔וּ5 of 16

“and brake down”

H5422

to tear down

אֵ֖ת6 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חוֹמַ֣ת7 of 16

“the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם8 of 16

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְכָל9 of 16
H3605

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

אַרְמְנוֹתֶ֙יהָ֙10 of 16

“all the palaces”

H759

a citadel (from its height)

שָֽׂרְפ֣וּ11 of 16

“And they burnt”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָאֵ֔שׁ12 of 16

“thereof with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְכָל13 of 16
H3605

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

כְּלֵ֥י14 of 16

“vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

מַֽחֲמַדֶּ֖יהָ15 of 16

“all the goodly”

H4261

delightful; hence, a delight, i.e., object of affection or desire

לְהַשְׁחִֽית׃16 of 16

“and destroyed”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

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 36:19 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 36:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 79:1Jeremiah 52:13-15Jeremiah 7:14Psalms 79:72 Kings 25:9-11Isaiah 64:10-11

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 36 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 36 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes