2 Chronicles 15:13

And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman.

Study Bible

And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel
This phrase emphasizes the exclusivity and seriousness of worshiping Yahweh, the God of Israel. In the context of 2 Chronicles 15, King Asa is leading a religious reform in Judah, urging the people to return to the covenantal faithfulness to God. The call to seek the LORD is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with repentance and turning away from idolatry (Deuteronomy 4:29, Isaiah 55:6). The phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where seeking God is synonymous with obedience and loyalty to His commandments.

would be put to death
The severity of this consequence reflects the theocratic nature of ancient Israel, where religious apostasy was not only a spiritual issue but also a legal one. The death penalty for not seeking the LORD highlights the importance of communal purity and the dangers of idolatry, which could lead the nation away from God's protection and blessings. This echoes the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where disobedience to God's laws would result in severe punishment. It also serves as a stark reminder of the holiness and justice of God, who demands exclusive worship.

whether young or old, man or woman
This phrase indicates the universal application of the command to seek the LORD, showing that no one is exempt from the covenant obligations, regardless of age or gender. It reflects the communal responsibility of the Israelites to uphold the covenant and maintain the purity of worship. This inclusivity is seen throughout the Old Testament, where entire communities are called to repentance and renewal (Joel 2:15-16). It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that salvation and the call to follow God are available to all people, transcending social and cultural boundaries (Galatians 3:28).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asa
- King of Judah who led a religious reform and sought to return the people to the worship of Yahweh.

2. Azariah son of Oded
- A prophet who encouraged Asa and the people of Judah to seek the Lord wholeheartedly.

3. Judah
- The southern kingdom of Israel, where Asa reigned and implemented his reforms.

4. Covenant Renewal
- The event where the people of Judah renewed their covenant with God, committing to seek Him earnestly.

5. The God of Israel
- Yahweh, the one true God whom the people of Judah were commanded to seek.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Seeking God
The command in 2 Chronicles 15:13 underscores the seriousness with which God views our pursuit of Him. It is not a casual endeavor but a life-or-death commitment.

Covenant Faithfulness
The renewal of the covenant by Asa and the people of Judah serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to our commitments to God. Our relationship with Him should be marked by sincerity and dedication.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Asa's leadership was crucial in guiding the nation back to God. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to encourage and facilitate spiritual growth and renewal within their communities.

Inclusivity in Seeking God
The verse mentions "young or old, man or woman," indicating that seeking God is a universal call. No one is exempt from the responsibility to pursue a relationship with the Lord.

The Consequences of Neglecting God
The severe consequence of death for not seeking God serves as a stark warning about the spiritual death that results from turning away from Him. It calls us to examine our lives and ensure we are actively pursuing God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Asa's reforms help us understand the severity of the command in 2 Chronicles 15:13?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking God wholeheartedly in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of covenant renewal in this passage relate to our commitment to God today?

4. What role do leaders play in encouraging others to seek God, and how can we support them in this task?

5. How can we ensure that our pursuit of God includes all aspects of our lives, regardless of age or gender, as indicated in the verse?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13:6-10
This passage outlines the seriousness of idolatry and the command to put to death those who lead others away from God, highlighting the severity of not seeking the Lord.

Joshua 24:14-15
Joshua's call to the Israelites to choose whom they will serve, emphasizing the importance of seeking and serving the Lord alone.

Matthew 22:37-38
Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment, which is to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and mind, aligning with the call to seek God wholeheartedly.