2 Chronicles 16:9
2 Chronicles 16:9 in Multiple Translations
For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
For the eyes of the Lord go this way and that, through all the earth, letting it be seen that he is the strong support of those whose hearts are true to him. In this you have done foolishly, for from now you will have wars.
For the Lord looks all over the earth for the opportunity to show his power on behalf of those who are completely and sincerely devoted to him. You have acted stupidly in doing this. So from now on you will always be at war.”
For the eyes of the Lord beholde all the earth to shewe him selfe strong with them that are of perfite heart towarde him: thou hast then done foolishly in this: therefore from henceforth thou shalt haue warres.
for Jehovah — His eyes go to and fro in all the earth, to show Himself strong [for] a people whose heart [is] perfect towards Him; thou hast been foolish concerning this, because — henceforth there are with thee wars.'
For the LORD’s eyes run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. You have done foolishly in this; for from now on you will have wars.”
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him. In this thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
For the eyes of the Lord behold all the earth, and give strength to those who with a perfect heart trust in him. Wherefore thou hast done foolishly, and for this cause from this time wars shall arise against thee.
That happened because Yahweh sees what is happening all over the earth, and he strengthens those who completely trust him. You have done a very foolish thing, so from now on other armies will be fighting your army.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 16:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 16:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
יְהוָ֗ה
עֵינָ֞י/ו
מְשֹׁטְט֤וֹת
בְּ/כָל
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
לְ֠/הִתְחַזֵּק
עִם
לְבָבָ֥/ם
שָׁלֵ֛ם
אֵלָ֖י/ו
נִסְכַּ֣לְתָּ
עַל
זֹ֑את
כִּ֣י
מֵ/עַ֔תָּה
יֵ֥שׁ
עִמְּ/ךָ֖
מִלְחָמֽוֹת
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עֵינָ֞י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
מְשֹׁטְט֤וֹת
shûwṭ
H7751
to rove
V-o
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
לְ֠/הִתְחַזֵּק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
לְבָבָ֥/ם
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms | Suff
שָׁלֵ֛ם
shâlêm
H8003
complete
Adj
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
נִסְכַּ֣לְתָּ
çâkal
H5528
be foolish
V-Niphal-Perf-2ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
זֹ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֵ/עַ֔תָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Prep | Adv
יֵ֥שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
עִמְּ/ךָ֖
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
מִלְחָמֽוֹת
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 16:9
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עֵינָ֞י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
מְשֹׁטְט֤וֹת
shûwṭ
H7751
"to rove"
V-o
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to row a boat or travel by sea, like the mariners in Psalm 107:23. It involves pushing forth with oars. The KJV translates it as 'go' or 'row' in different contexts.
Definition: 1) to go, go or rove about, go to and fro 1a) (Qal) to go or rove about 1b) (Polel) to go to and fro, go eagerly or quickly to and fro 1c) (Hithpolel) to run to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: go (about, through, to and fro), mariner, rower, run to and fro. See also: Numbers 11:8; Jeremiah 5:1; Jeremiah 49:3.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לְ֠/הִתְחַזֵּק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
לְבָבָ֥/ם
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
שָׁלֵ֛ם
shâlêm
H8003
"complete"
Adj
Complete means being whole, safe, and at peace, like the covenant relationship between God and his people. It's used to describe something or someone that is perfect and unharmed. The Bible uses this word to talk about keeping promises and being faithful.
Definition: 1) complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full, at peace 1a) complete 1a1) full, perfect 1a2) finished 1b) safe, unharmed 1c) peace (of covenant of peace, mind) 1c1) perfect, complete (of keeping covenant relation)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: full, just, made ready, peaceable, perfect(-ed), quiet, Shalem (by mistake for a name), whole. See also: Genesis 15:16; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Proverbs 11:1.
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
נִסְכַּ֣לְתָּ
çâkal
H5528
"be foolish"
V-Niphal-Perf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to act foolishly or be silly, like in Proverbs 10:23, where it describes a fool's actions. It can also mean to make someone act foolishly. English Bibles often translate it as 'do foolishly' or 'play the fool'.
Definition: 1) to be foolish, be a fool 1a) (Piel) to make foolish, turn into foolishness 1b) (Niphal) to act or do foolishly 1c) (Hiphil) to do foolishly, play the fool
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: do (make, play the, turn into) fool(-ish, -ishly, -ishness). See also: Genesis 31:28; 2 Samuel 24:10; Isaiah 44:25.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
זֹ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מֵ/עַ֔תָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Prep | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
יֵ֥שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
עִמְּ/ךָ֖
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
מִלְחָמֽוֹת
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fp
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 16:9
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Context — Hanani’s Message to Asa
7At that time Hanani the seer came to King Asa of Judah and told him, “Because you have relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand.
8Were not the Cushites and Libyans a vast army with many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand.
9For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”
10Asa was angry with the seer and became so enraged over this matter that he put the man in prison. And at the same time Asa oppressed some of the people. 11Now the acts of Asa, from beginning to end, are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 3:12 | For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:3 | The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 16:17 | For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes. |
| 4 | Proverbs 5:21 | For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths. |
| 5 | Psalms 34:15 | The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. |
| 6 | Job 34:21 | For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. |
| 7 | Hebrews 4:13 | Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. |
| 8 | Zechariah 4:10 | For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven eyes of the LORD, which scan the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.” |
| 9 | Jeremiah 32:19 | the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 6:20 | May Your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your Name, so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. |
2 Chronicles 16:9 Summary
[God is always watching over the earth, looking for people who are fully devoted to Him so He can show His strength and power in their lives, as stated in 2 Chronicles 16:9. This means that when we trust and obey God, He can do great things through us, similar to what is seen in Psalm 37:3-7, where it talks about trusting in the Lord and doing good. However, when we don't rely on God and try to do things on our own, we can end up making foolish decisions and facing unnecessary struggles, as King Asa did. By putting our trust in God and following His ways, we can experience His strength and guidance in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the eyes of the LORD to roam to and fro over all the earth?
This means that God is constantly watching and aware of everything happening on earth, as stated in 2 Chronicles 16:9, and is actively seeking to show Himself strong on behalf of those who are fully devoted to Him, similar to what is seen in Psalm 33:18 where it says the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him.
How can I be sure my heart is fully devoted to God?
Having a heart fully devoted to God means trusting and obeying Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Joshua 22:5, where it emphasizes loving and serving God with all your heart and soul.
What are the consequences of not relying on God, as seen in King Asa's actions?
Not relying on God can lead to foolish decisions and unnecessary struggles, as King Asa experienced, and is warned against in Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
This verse shows that God's sovereignty and human responsibility are intertwined, as God's strength is shown on behalf of those who are devoted to Him, while humans are responsible for their actions, as seen in 2 Chronicles 16:9 and also in Romans 8:28, which says God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life can I surrender to God's strength and guidance, and how can I demonstrate my devotion to Him?
- How do I currently seek to show myself strong in my own abilities, and how can I shift my trust to God's power instead?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of God's constant presence and watching over my life, and how can this awareness impact my decisions and actions?
- What are some ways I have seen God show Himself strong on behalf of those who are fully devoted to Him, and how can I learn from these examples?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth,.... The eyes of his omniscience are everywhere, and the eyes of his mercy and goodness, of his care and providence, are here and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 16:9
Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 16:9
Whose heart is perfect, i.e. upright and sincere, as thine is not. Object. The heart of Asa is said to be perfect all his days, . Answ. He was perfect and sincere in the things there spoken of, in the establishment of the outward worship of God; but not in the inward worship of God, trusting, and fearing, and loving him with all his heart, of which he here speaks. Or thus, He was perfect or sincere in the general course of his life, though in some particulars, whereof this is one, his heart did not perfectly cleave to God, as it should have done. Thou shalt have wars with Baasha, .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 16:9
2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.Ver. 9. For the eyes of the Lord,] i.e., His fatherly care and providence, which one well compareth to a well-drawn picture, that eyeth all that are in the room. He is not such a God as the Epicures dreamt him to be, “ Namque deos didici securum agere aevum, ” & c. - Horat. The Hebrew word for "run to and fro" signifieth, not to take a light view, but to search narrowly into the nature and course of things. To show himself strong.] Or, To lay strong hold on them, and to add strength to them, that they may do exploits. Herein thou hast done foolishly.] This was plain dealing, well becoming a prophet: who should not flatter princes, saith Hilary: since they can do us no greater harm than can a fever, a fire, a fall of a house, &c. In Psalm li.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 16:9
(9) For the eyes of the Lord.—Literally, For Jehovah, his eyes run, &c. Run to and fro (comp. Job 1:7; Job 2:2). In Zechariah 4:10 we find this very phrase: “The eyes of Jehovah, they run to and fro in all the earth.” (Comp. also Jeremiah 5:1.) The Lord is ceaselessly watchful for occasions of helping the faithful. “He that keepeth Israel neither slumbereth nor sleep-eth.” In the behalf of.—With, i.e., on the side of. The phrase “to shew oneself strong with,” i.e., strongly to support, occurred in 1 Chronicles 11:10. (For the Heb. construction, which omits the relative, see 1 Chronicles 15:12). Out of the twenty-seven occurrences of the form hithchazzaq, “to show oneself strong,” fifteen are found in the Chronicle. Whose heart is perfect.—See Notes on 1 Chronicles 12:38; 1 Chronicles 27:9; 1 Chronicles 29:19; 1 Kings 15:14; 2 Chronicles 15:17. Herein thou hast done foolishly.—Literally, Thou hast shown thyself foolish (2 Samuel 24:10; 1 Chronicles 21:8) in regard to this, seil., conduct in seeking the help of Syria against Israel. Therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.—Instead of peace (2 Chronicles 14:6; 2 Chronicles 15:15).
Liter-ally, For (the proof of thy folly) from henceforth, &c. The sense appears to be that the peace secured by Asa’s worldly policy would not be permanent; a prediction verified over and over again in the after-history of the kingdom of Judah (see 2 Chronicles 28:20-21). The record is silent as to any future wars in which Asa himself was involved, simply because the writer, having already fulfilled his didactic purpose so far as concerns this reign, presently draws its history to a close.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 16:9
Verse 9. Therefore - thou shalt have wars.] And so he had with Israel during the rest of his reign, 1Kg 15:32.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 16:9
9. run to and fro] Zechariah 4:10. therefore from henceforth] R.V. for from henceforth.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 16:9
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Absolute Surrender by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful stories that highlight the desperate state of humanity and the need for God's intervention. The first story describes a disturbing e |
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The Power of God's Presence by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His glory. He leads the congregation in a prayer of surrender and asks the Holy Sp |
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Releasing the Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and guidance of the Holy Ghost. He tells the story of Philip, a man of God who is led by the Holy Spirit to preach Jesus to an Eth |
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Total Surrender by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering our hearts fully to God. They use the analogy of a cup to illustrate that when we are not fully surrendered, n |
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Essence of Christianity by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not concerned with a person's education, wealth, or natural abilities. God is simply looking for someone who is willing to be us |
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(2006 Conference) 8. Young People Who Stand for God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being wholehearted for God, standing out from the crowd, and not compromising with the world. It highlights the need for young people to se |
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Young People Who Stand for God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is completely devoted to God. He encourages young people to shift their ambitions to something of eter |