How do I apply 2 Chronicles 28:2 to my life?

This week, take a moment to reflect on the influences in your life. Are there people or trends that are leading you away from your true values? Think about one small choice you can make to steer back toward what’s right for you. It could be as simple as choosing to spend time with friends who encourage you positively or engaging in activities that align with your values. Remember, every little choice counts!

INITIALIZING

New BelieverStart Here Why We Believe Sign In / Get Started

Bible Devos

Chat

Research Sermon Notes

Join JesusChat for personalized AI conversations

Opening Your Bible

Loading study tools and insights...

2 Chronicles 28:2 - Idolatry and Leadership Lessons | JesusChat

2 Chronicles 28:2 - Verse Explanation

Verse Spotlight

In this moment, we see a king who’s straying away from what he’s supposed to be doing. Imagine someone walking a path, but instead of sticking to the tried-and-true route, they’re veering off into the forest of bad choices. This king is influenced by other rulers and decides to create metal images for the Baals, which were false gods. It’s like he’s saying, 'I’m going to follow what everyone else is doing, even if it means turning my back on what’s right.' This choice is significant because it highlights the struggle between following the crowd and staying true to one’s values.

Who Wrote It

This book, 2 Chronicles, was written by someone who deeply cared about reminding the people of Israel about their history and the importance of following the right path. The writer likely wanted to ensure that future generations learned from the mistakes of their leaders. By including this specific detail about the king’s actions, the writer emphasizes the danger of looking to others for guidance instead of sticking to what’s true and right.

What It Means

Where and When

At the time this was written, Israel was divided into two kingdoms, and the people were struggling with their identity and faith. The world was filled with influences from surrounding nations, which often led them away from their roots. Picture a society under pressure from various cultures, trying to figure out which way to go. This context is crucial because it explains why the king might have felt the need to conform to what he saw around him, even if it was wrong.

Why It Matters

This verse is a reminder for you today about the choices you make. It’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing, especially when it seems like everyone around you is going in a different direction. This moment teaches you to reflect on who or what influences your decisions. Just like the king, you have the power to choose your path, and those choices will shape your life and the lives of those around you. It’s a call to be mindful about what you’re following.

About 2 Chronicles

Purpose

To show God's blessing on obedient kings and encourage proper worship in the restored community.

Author

Traditionally attributed to Ezra, continuing his emphasis on temple worship and God's faithfulness. Ezra's priestly perspective shapes the narrative to encourage proper worship and obedience.

Historical Context

Written: 450-400 BC. Continuation of Israel's history with emphasis on Judah and temple worship.

Significance

Demonstrates the connection between obedience and blessing, encouraging faithfulness in worship.

Key Themes

Obedience and Blessing, Temple Worship, Revival, God's Mercy, Restoration

Interesting Facts

Solomon's temple dedication lasted 14 days with so many sacrifices they couldn't be counted
God's glory filled the temple so powerfully that the priests couldn't stand to minister
Asa removed his own grandmother from being queen mother because she made an idol

Prophecies

Cyrus would allow the Jews to return and rebuild the temple (implied in the ending) Fulfilled: Cyrus's decree in 538 BC0

2 Chronicles Chapter 28 Overview

2 Chronicles 28 presents a sobering account of King Ahaz's reign over Judah, marked by disobedience and spiritual decay. Ahaz ascended to the throne at a young age, just twenty, and reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem. Unlike his ancestor David, Ahaz did not follow the ways of the Lord, opting instead to embrace the idolatrous practices common among the kings of Israel. He constructed metal images for the Baals and even went so far as to sacrifice his own sons in the Valley of Hinnom, engaging in abominable acts that were detestable to God. This blatant disregard for divine worship ultimately led to catastrophic consequences for Judah. The chapter details the military defeats Judah suffered at the hands of both Syria and Israel, highlighting the consequences of Ahaz's sinful actions. In a single day, 120,000 valiant men from Judah were killed by the forces of Israel, signifying a significant loss for the nation. Additionally, the Israelites captured 200,000 people, including women and children, from Judah, taking them to Samaria. A prophet named Oded intervened at this critical juncture, warning the victorious army that their wrath against Judah had exceeded the bounds of divine judgment. Oded urged them to return the captives, reminding them that they had their own sins to contend with. This prophetic warning found a response among certain leaders from Ephraim, who recognized the danger of further sin against the Lord by enslaving their fellow Israelites. They insisted on returning the captives and caring for their needs, which reflects a glimpse of compassion amidst the turmoil. However, the chapter concludes with a grim picture of Ahaz's continued reliance on foreign powers, like Assyria, in a futile attempt to gain strength against invading forces from Edom and Philistia. The Lord's judgment upon Judah is evident, as Ahaz's actions led to humiliation and suffering for his people. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of true worship in the life of God’s people.

THE HOLY BIBLE

2 Chronicles·Chapter 28

verse1

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

was when he began to and he in And he do what was in the of the as his had done,

ESV

verse2

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

but he in the of the of He even for the

ESV

verse3

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

and he in the of the of and his as an according to the of the whom the drove the of

ESV

verse4

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

And he and on the and on the and under

ESV

verse5

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

Therefore the his him into the of the of who him and a of his people and them to He was also into the of the of who him with

ESV

verse6

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

For 120,000 Judah all men valor, because they forsaken Lord, God fathers.

ESV

verse7

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

a Azrikam commander palace Elkanah next in authority king.

ESV

verse8

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

of 200,000 of sons, daughters. They spoil from them brought spoil Samaria.

ESV

verse9

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

But a of the was there, whose was and he to the that to and to them, because the the of your was with he them into your but you have them in a that has to

ESV

verse10

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

And you to the of and and as your slaves. Have you not of your against the your

ESV

verse11

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

me, and send the from your you have for the of the is upon you.

ESV

verse12

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

also of the of the of the of the of and the of stood those who were from the

ESV

verse13

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

and to them, You shall bring the for you to bring us against the to our present and For our is already and there is against

ESV

verse14

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

So the the and the the and the

ESV

verse15

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

And the who have been by and the and with the they who were among them. They them, gave them provided them with and and them, and the among them on they them their at the of Then they

ESV

verse16

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

At that to the of for

ESV

verse17

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

For the had and and

ESV

verse18

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

the had made the in the the of had Beth-shemesh, its villages, its villages, Gimzo its villages. they settled

ESV

verse19

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

For the of of for he had made and had been to the

ESV

verse20

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

So Tiglath-pileser Assyria and afflicted instead strengthening

ESV

verse21

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

For took a from the of the and the of the and of the and to the of but it did him.

ESV

verse22

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

In the of his he became yet to the —this same

ESV

verse23

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

For he to the of that had him and the of the of them, I will to them that they may me. But they were the of him and of

ESV

verse24

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

And the of the of and cut in the of the of and he the of the of the and he himself in of

ESV

verse25

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

In of he to make to provoking to the the of his

ESV

verse26

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

the of his and his from to they are in the of the of and

ESV

verse27

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

And with his and they him in the in for they did him into the of the of And his in his

ESV

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Opening Your Bible

Opening Your Bible

2 Chronicles·Chapter 28

How to Apply

Chapter Context

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

Reflection Question

Related Verses

Personal Prayer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 28:2?

How do I apply 2 Chronicles 28:2 to my life?

Who wrote 2 Chronicles 28:2?

Main Themes

Key Verses

Historical Context

Old Testament

Purpose

Significance

What is History?

Purpose

Significance