2 Chronicles 28:13

"You must not bring the captives here," they said, "for you are proposing to bring guilt upon us from the LORD and to add to our sins and our guilt. For our guilt is great, and fierce anger is upon Israel."

Study Bible

“You must not bring the captives here,” they said,
This phrase refers to the leaders of Ephraim addressing the returning Israelite army. The context is the aftermath of a battle where the Northern Kingdom of Israel had defeated Judah and taken captives. The leaders, recognizing the moral and spiritual implications, urge the army not to bring the captives into their territory. This reflects a moment of conscience and awareness of God's laws, which prohibited the mistreatment of fellow Israelites (Leviticus 25:39-43). It also shows a rare instance of compassion and adherence to divine principles during a period of widespread apostasy.

“for you are proposing to bring guilt upon us from the LORD”
The leaders acknowledge that their actions could incur divine wrath. In the Old Testament, guilt often refers to the state of being liable for punishment due to sin. The Israelites were aware that their actions were accountable to God, who had established a covenant with them. This reflects the understanding that sin has communal consequences, not just individual ones, as seen in other instances like Achan's sin in Joshua 7. The leaders' awareness of potential guilt indicates a recognition of the seriousness of violating God's commands.

“and to add to our sins and our guilt.”
This phrase highlights the cumulative nature of sin. The leaders recognize that their nation is already burdened with sin, and adding to it would exacerbate their situation. This reflects the biblical principle that sin has a compounding effect, leading to greater separation from God. The acknowledgment of existing sin suggests a consciousness of their spiritual state, which is crucial for repentance. It echoes the sentiments found in Isaiah 1:18, where God invites His people to reason together and find forgiveness.

“For our guilt is great,”
The leaders confess the magnitude of their guilt, indicating a deep awareness of their spiritual condition. This admission is significant because it shows a moment of humility and recognition of their need for divine mercy. The acknowledgment of great guilt is a step towards repentance, as seen in the prayers of confession in Nehemiah 9 and Daniel 9. It underscores the biblical theme that recognizing one's sinfulness is essential for seeking God's forgiveness and restoration.

“and fierce anger is upon Israel.”
This phrase refers to the divine judgment that Israel is experiencing due to their disobedience. The concept of God's anger is prevalent in the Old Testament, often depicted as a response to covenant unfaithfulness. The leaders' statement reflects an understanding that their current suffering is a result of divine displeasure. This aligns with the warnings given by prophets like Amos and Hosea, who spoke of God's impending judgment on Israel for their sins. The mention of fierce anger serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance to restore the relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ahaz
King of Judah, known for his idolatry and unfaithfulness to God, leading to Judah's defeat by Israel.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was under the rule of King Ahaz during this time.

3. Israel
The northern kingdom, which defeated Judah and took many captives.

4. Prophets of the LORD
They warned against bringing the captives to Israel, emphasizing the need for repentance and obedience to God.

5. Ephraimites
The people of the northern kingdom who were involved in the conflict and addressed by the prophets.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Sin leads to guilt and separation from God. Ahaz's unfaithfulness brought judgment upon Judah, reminding us of the importance of obedience.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets serve as God's messengers, calling people to repentance. We should heed godly counsel and warnings in our lives.

Repentance and Restoration
God desires repentance and offers restoration. Acknowledging our sins and turning back to God is crucial for spiritual renewal.

Community Responsibility
The actions of leaders affect the entire community. We must pray for and support godly leadership in our churches and nations.

God's Mercy and Justice
While God's justice demands accountability for sin, His mercy offers forgiveness to those who repent. We should seek His mercy daily.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Ahaz in 2 Chronicles 28 illustrate the consequences of turning away from God, and how can we apply this lesson in our personal lives?

2. In what ways do the prophets in 2 Chronicles 28 serve as examples for us in terms of speaking truth and calling others to repentance?

3. How can we ensure that we are responsive to God's warnings and corrections in our lives, as seen in the response of the Ephraimites?

4. What parallels can we draw between the situation in 2 Chronicles 28 and the teachings in Deuteronomy 28 regarding obedience and disobedience?

5. How does the concept of community responsibility in 2 Chronicles 28 challenge us to consider the impact of our actions on those around us, and how can we foster a culture of accountability and support?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
Discusses the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God, as seen in Ahaz's reign.

Isaiah 1
Calls for repentance and highlights the spiritual state of Judah, similar to the warnings given in 2 Chronicles 28.

Hosea 4
Speaks of Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting judgment, paralleling the situation in 2 Chronicles 28.

2 Kings 16
Provides a parallel account of Ahaz's reign and his idolatrous practices, offering additional context to the events in 2 Chronicles 28.

Proverbs 28:13
Emphasizes the importance of confessing and forsaking sin to receive mercy, relevant to the call for repentance in 2 Chronicles 28.