2 Chronicles 28:17

The Edomites had again come and attacked Judah and carried away captives.

Study Bible

The Edomites
The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, and thus had a long-standing, complex relationship with the Israelites. Historically, the Edomites lived in the region south of the Dead Sea, known as Edom. Their frequent conflicts with Israel and Judah are well-documented throughout the Old Testament. The Hebrew root for Edom is "אֱדוֹם" (Edom), which means "red," possibly referring to the red sandstone of their territory or Esau's red complexion. This enmity between Edom and Israel is a recurring theme, symbolizing the broader spiritual conflict between the flesh (Esau) and the spirit (Jacob).

had again come
This phrase indicates a repeated action, suggesting that the Edomites' aggression was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of hostility. The Hebrew verb used here implies a return or recurrence, highlighting the persistent threat that the Edomites posed to Judah. This repetition underscores the cyclical nature of sin and conflict in the biblical narrative, reminding believers of the need for vigilance and reliance on God for protection and deliverance.

and attacked Judah
Judah, the southern kingdom, was often under threat from surrounding nations due to its strategic location. The Hebrew word for "attacked" conveys a sense of violence and aggression, reflecting the physical and spiritual battles that God's people faced. This attack on Judah can be seen as a consequence of King Ahaz's unfaithfulness, as earlier in the chapter, he is described as having led Judah into idolatry. Theologically, this serves as a reminder of the protective hand of God being lifted when His people turn away from Him.

and carried away captives
The taking of captives was a common practice in ancient warfare, serving both as a means of weakening the enemy and as a source of labor or ransom. The Hebrew term for "captives" suggests those who are taken by force, highlighting the suffering and loss experienced by the people of Judah. This phrase not only reflects the physical reality of the time but also serves as a metaphor for spiritual captivity, where sin leads to bondage. It calls believers to seek freedom in Christ, who came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Edomites
Descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, who often had hostile relations with Israel and Judah. Their attack on Judah is a continuation of this historical enmity.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. During the time of 2 Chronicles 28, it was under the rule of King Ahaz, who led the nation into idolatry and away from God.

3. King Ahaz
The king of Judah at the time, known for his unfaithfulness to God. His reign was marked by idolatry and alliances with foreign powers, which led to Judah's vulnerability to attacks.

4. Captives
The people of Judah who were taken by the Edomites during their attack. This reflects the consequences of Judah's spiritual and political failures.

5. Attack
The military action taken by the Edomites against Judah, which resulted in the capture of its people. This event is a direct consequence of Judah's disobedience to God.

Teaching Points

Consequences of Disobedience
Judah's suffering at the hands of the Edomites is a direct result of their disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.

The Danger of Idolatry
King Ahaz's idolatry led to spiritual and political weakness. Believers are called to guard against idolatry in all its forms, ensuring that God remains the center of their lives.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Ahaz's failure as a leader had dire consequences for Judah. This highlights the need for leaders who seek God's guidance and lead with integrity.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Despite the immediate suffering, God's sovereignty is evident as He uses these events to fulfill His purposes. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan, even in difficult circumstances.

Hope for Restoration
While Judah faced judgment, God's promises of restoration and redemption remain. This encourages believers to seek repentance and trust in God's mercy.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical enmity between the Edomites and Judah reflect the consequences of unresolved conflicts in our own lives?

2. In what ways can idolatry manifest in modern life, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the leadership of King Ahaz contrast with the qualities of a godly leader? What can we learn from this contrast?

4. How can we find hope and assurance in God's sovereignty, even when facing difficult circumstances or judgment?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we remain faithful to God, even when surrounded by cultural pressures to conform?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:30
Provides background on the Edomites as descendants of Esau, highlighting the longstanding tension between Esau's and Jacob's descendants.

2 Kings 16
Offers a parallel account of King Ahaz's reign, detailing his idolatry and political alliances that led to Judah's downfall.

Obadiah 1
A prophecy against Edom, emphasizing God's judgment on them for their actions against Judah.

Isaiah 7
Describes the political and spiritual climate during Ahaz's reign, including the threats from surrounding nations.