2 chronicles 28:11 - Now hear me therefore, and send back the captives that you have taken captive from your brothers, for the fierce wrath of Yahweh is on you.”

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 28:11

What does "2 chronicles 28:11" mean?


This verse from 2 Chronicles 28:11 is a direct admonition and warning. Let's break it down:

"Now hear me therefore...": This introduces a direct and authoritative message. It's a call to pay attention and listen to what follows.

"...and send back the captives that you have taken captive from your brothers...": The core of the message is an order to release prisoners. The captives are referred to as "your brothers," indicating that they are fellow Israelites, specifically from the Southern Kingdom of Judah (the "brothers" of the Northern Kingdom of Israel). They had been captured in battle.

"...for the fierce wrath of Yahweh is on you.": This is the crucial warning. The reason for releasing the captives isn't just for ethical or humanitarian reasons. It's because their actions have incurred God's (Yahweh's) anger. The phrase "fierce wrath" emphasizes the severity of God's displeasure.

Context and Significance:

To understand the meaning fully, we need context from 2 Chronicles 28. The chapter describes the reign of Ahaz, king of Judah, who was a wicked ruler. Because of his idolatry and disobedience, God allowed Judah to be defeated in battle by the Northern Kingdom of Israel (among other nations). The Northern Kingdom captured many people from Judah.

However, a prophet named Oded (mentioned in verses 9-15) confronted the army of the Northern Kingdom. He argued that their victory and the enslavement of their brothers in Judah were wrong, even though Judah had sinned. Oded warned that God's wrath was upon them for their cruelty and injustice. This verse (2 Chronicles 28:11) is part of Oded's prophetic message.

In summary, the verse means:

Because the Northern Kingdom has enslaved their brothers from the Southern Kingdom, and because they have done so cruelly, God's anger is upon them. Therefore, they must release the captives to avoid further divine punishment.

Key takeaways:

Brotherly responsibility: The verse emphasizes the importance of treating fellow Israelites with compassion, even during conflict.
Justice and Mercy: While Judah was being punished for their sins, the Northern Kingdom's treatment of them was excessive and unjust, triggering divine disapproval.
The severity of God's wrath: The verse highlights the consequences of disobeying God's commands and engaging in cruelty, even when dealing with those who have sinned.

The Northern Kingdom, under the influence of Oded's prophecy, did ultimately release the captives and care for their needs (as described in verses 12-15), showing a positive response to the prophetic warning.

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