2 Chronicles 15

1 Azarias autem filius Oded facto in se spiritu Dei

2 egressus est in occursum Asa et dixit ei audite me Asa et omnis Iuda et Beniamin Dominus vobiscum quia fuistis cum eo si quaesieritis eum invenietis si autem dereliqueritis derelinquet vos

3 transibunt autem multi dies in Israhel absque Deo vero et absque sacerdote doctore et absque lege

4 cumque reversi fuerint in angustia sua ad Dominum Deum Israhel et quaesierint eum repperient

5 in tempore illo non erit pax egredienti et ingredienti sed terrores undique in cunctis habitatoribus terrarum

6 pugnabit enim gens contra gentem et civitas contra civitatem quia Dominus conturbabit eos in omni angustia

7 vos ergo confortamini et non dissolvantur manus vestrae erit enim merces operi vestro

8 quod cum audisset Asa verba scilicet et prophetiam Oded prophetae confortatus est et abstulit idola de omni terra Iuda et Beniamin et ex urbibus quas ceperat montis Ephraim et dedicavit altare Domini quod erat ante porticum Domini

9 congregavitque universum Iuda et Beniamin et advenas cum eis de Ephraim et de Manasse et de Symeon plures enim ad eum confugerant ex Israhel videntes quod Dominus Deus illius esset cum eo

10 cumque venissent Hierusalem mense tertio anno quintodecimo regni Asa

11 immolaverunt Domino in die illa de manubiis et praeda quam adduxerant boves septingentos et arietes septem milia

12 et intravit ex more ad corroborandum foedus ut quaererent Dominum Deum patrum suorum in toto corde et in tota anima sua

13 si quis autem inquit non quaesierit Dominum Deum Israhel moriatur a minimo usque ad maximum a viro usque ad mulierem

14 iuraveruntque Domino voce magna in iubilo et in clangore tubae et in sonitu bucinarum

15 omnes qui erant in Iuda cum execratione in omni enim corde suo iuraverunt et in tota voluntate quaesierunt eum et invenerunt praestititque eis Dominus requiem per circuitum

16 sed et Maacham matrem Asa regis ex augusto deposuit imperio eo quod fecisset in luco simulacrum Priapi quod omne contrivit et in frusta comminuens conbusit in torrente Cedron

17 excelsa autem derelicta sunt in Israhel attamen cor Asa erat perfectum cunctis diebus eius

18 ea quae voverat pater suus et ipse intulit in domum Domini argentum et aurum vasorumque diversam supellectilem

19 bellum vero non fuit usque ad tricesimum quintum annum regni Asa

2 Chronicles 15 Commentary

Chapter 15

The people make a solemn covenant with God.

- The work of complete reformation appeared so difficult, that Asa had not courage to attempt it, till assured of Divine assistance and acceptance. He and his people offered sacrifices to God; thanksgiving for the favours they had received, and supplication for further favours. Prayers and praises are now our spiritual sacrifices. The people, of their own will, covenanted to seek the Lord, each for himself, with earnestness. What is religion but seeking God, inquiring after him, applying to him upon all occasions? We make nothing of our religion, if we do not make heart-work of it; God will have all the heart, or none. Our devotedness to God our Saviour, should be avowed and shown in the most solemn and public manner. What is done in hypocrisy is a mere drudgery.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 15

Asa returning from the battle, and with the spoil of the enemy, was met by a prophet of the Lord, who encouraged him to go on with the work of reformation, promising the presence and help of God with him, 2Ch 15:1-7, which inspired him with fresh courage, and he went about the work with great alacrity; and having offered sacrifices, he and his people entered into a solemn covenant with the Lord, to serve him, 2Ch 15:8-15 upon which he destroyed his mother's idol, brought the dedicated things into the house of God, and the effect of this was peace for a long time, 2Ch 15:16-19.