2 Chronicles 15:2

So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

Study Bible

So he went out to meet Asa and said to him,
This phrase refers to the prophet Azariah, son of Oded, who went to meet King Asa. Asa was the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, ruling after his father Abijah. The context here is a period of religious reform and military success for Asa, following a victory over the Cushites. Prophets in ancient Israel often served as God's messengers, delivering divine guidance and warnings to the kings and the people.

“Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin.
Azariah addresses not only King Asa but also the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, which composed the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This indicates that the message is not just for the king but for the entire nation. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin were the primary constituents of the Southern Kingdom after the division of Israel following Solomon's reign. The call to "listen" emphasizes the importance and urgency of the message.

The LORD is with you when you are with Him.
This statement underscores the conditional nature of God's presence and favor. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience and faithfulness to God result in His presence and blessing. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Deuteronomy 28, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience. It highlights the reciprocal relationship expected between God and His people.

If you seek Him, He will be found by you,
This promise assures that God is accessible and willing to reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him. It aligns with other biblical passages, such as Jeremiah 29:13, which states, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." This reflects the idea that God desires a relationship with His people and is responsive to their pursuit of Him.

but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.
This warning serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It reflects the covenantal curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26, where disobedience leads to God's withdrawal and the nation's downfall. Historically, this principle is evident in the eventual exile of both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms due to their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of abiding in Christ, as seen in John 15:6, where separation from Him leads to spiritual barrenness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Azariah son of Oded
A prophet who delivers God's message to King Asa and the people of Judah and Benjamin.

2. Asa
The King of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to lead the nation back to the worship of Yahweh.

3. Judah and Benjamin
The two tribes that made up the southern kingdom of Israel, over which Asa reigned.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who promises His presence and support to those who seek Him.

5. The Covenant
The underlying theme of the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing mutual faithfulness.

Teaching Points

The Conditional Presence of God
God's presence and support are conditional upon our active pursuit and faithfulness to Him. This calls for a personal and communal commitment to seek God earnestly.

The Importance of Seeking God
Seeking God is not a passive activity but requires intentionality and dedication. It involves prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to His commands.

The Consequences of Forsaking God
Turning away from God leads to a withdrawal of His presence and blessings. This serves as a warning to remain steadfast in faith.

The Role of Prophets and Leaders
God uses leaders and prophets to guide His people back to Him. We should be open to receiving and acting upon godly counsel.

Covenant Relationship
Our relationship with God is based on a covenant that requires mutual faithfulness. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of our commitment to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the message of Azariah to Asa challenge us in our personal walk with God today?

2. In what ways can we actively seek God in our daily lives, and what changes might this require?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How does this passage encourage you to return to Him?

4. How can we, as a community of believers, support each other in seeking God and remaining faithful to Him?

5. What role do spiritual leaders play in guiding us back to God, and how can we discern true prophetic voices today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:29
This verse emphasizes seeking the Lord with all your heart and soul, promising that He will be found by those who earnestly seek Him.

James 4:8
This New Testament verse echoes the promise that drawing near to God will result in Him drawing near to us.

Jeremiah 29:13
Reinforces the idea that seeking God wholeheartedly leads to finding Him.

Matthew 7:7-8
Jesus teaches about the importance of asking, seeking, and knocking, with the assurance of receiving, finding, and having doors opened.

Hebrews 11:6
Highlights that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him, emphasizing faith as a key component.