2 chronicles 30:9 - For if you turn again to Yahweh, your brothers and your children will find compassion before those who led them captive, and will come again into this land, because Yahweh your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.”

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 30:9

What does "2 chronicles 30:9" mean?


This verse from 2 Chronicles 30:9 is a powerful promise of restoration and forgiveness offered to the people of Israel. Let's break it down:

"For if you turn again to Yahweh...": This is the key conditional statement. It hinges on repentance and a return to God. "Turning again" implies they had strayed away from following God's commands and living according to His covenant.

"...your brothers and your children will find compassion before those who led them captive...": This speaks to the consequences of their disobedience. They had been taken captive (likely a reference to the Assyrian or Babylonian exile, depending on the context of the specific audience being addressed). However, the verse promises that if they repent, their captors will show them compassion. This compassion could manifest in various ways, such as improved treatment, eventual release, or permission to return to their homeland.

"...and will come again into this land...": This further emphasizes the restoration promised. Returning to "this land" (referring to the Promised Land, Israel) was central to their identity and covenant with God. It meant regaining their national life and religious freedom.

"...because Yahweh your God is gracious and merciful...": This provides the basis for the promise. God's inherent character is gracious (full of undeserved favor) and merciful (compassionate and forgiving). These attributes are the foundation of their hope for restoration.

"...and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.": This reinforces the condition of repentance. If they genuinely turn back to God, He will not reject them. "Turning away his face" is a metaphorical expression of God's disapproval and abandonment. By promising not to turn away his face, God assures them of His renewed favor and presence.

In essence, the verse promises:

Restoration after exile: If they repent, those held captive will be treated with compassion and allowed to return to their land.
Divine forgiveness: God is willing to forgive their past transgressions and restore His relationship with them.
Conditional promise: The promise is contingent upon their repentance and return to God.

Context within 2 Chronicles 30:

This verse appears within the context of King Hezekiah's reign, a time of religious reform in Judah. Hezekiah is trying to restore proper worship of Yahweh after a period of idolatry and spiritual decline. He is inviting the people of both Judah and the remnants of Israel (the northern kingdom) to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. This verse is part of his appeal, urging them to repent and experience God's forgiveness and restoration.

The verse is a message of hope, offering a second chance to a people who had strayed from God. It highlights the importance of repentance, the graciousness and mercy of God, and the promise of restoration for those who return to Him.

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