2 Chronicles 15:13

And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman.

Study Bible

And whoever
This phrase indicates an all-encompassing decree, emphasizing the inclusivity of the command. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "kol," meaning "all" or "every." This reflects the seriousness of the covenant community's commitment to God, where no one is exempt from the obligation to seek the Lord. It underscores the collective responsibility of the Israelites to uphold their faith and devotion.

would not seek
The Hebrew root for "seek" is "darash," which implies a diligent pursuit or inquiry. This is not a passive or casual action but an intentional and earnest effort to find and follow God. In the historical context, seeking the Lord involved worship, prayer, and adherence to His commandments. It was a call to prioritize God above all else, reflecting a heart fully devoted to Him.

the LORD
The term "LORD" in all capital letters represents the divine name "YHWH," the covenant name of God revealed to Moses. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. In the context of 2 Chronicles, it highlights the unique relationship between God and Israel, where He is not just any deity but their specific, covenant-keeping God.

the God of Israel
This phrase reinforces the identity of the LORD as the national God of Israel, distinguishing Him from the gods of surrounding nations. It serves as a reminder of the special relationship and covenant established between God and the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Historically, this identity was central to Israel's understanding of their purpose and destiny as God's chosen people.

would be put to death
The severity of this consequence reflects the gravity of the covenantal breach. In ancient Israel, the community's spiritual purity and commitment to God were paramount, and apostasy was seen as a threat to the nation's well-being. The death penalty for not seeking the Lord underscores the seriousness with which the Israelites were to regard their relationship with God, as well as the communal nature of their faith.

whether young or old
This phrase indicates that the command applied universally, regardless of age. It emphasizes that seeking God is a lifelong responsibility, not limited to a particular stage of life. In the cultural context, both the young and the old had roles in the community's spiritual life, and this decree ensured that all generations were accountable to God.

man or woman
By including both genders, the text highlights the equal spiritual responsibility of men and women in seeking the Lord. In a patriarchal society, this inclusion is significant, as it affirms the value and necessity of every individual's relationship with God. It reflects the biblical principle that all people, regardless of gender, are called to know and serve the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asa
- King of Judah who led a religious reform and sought to return the people to the worship of Yahweh.

2. Azariah son of Oded
- A prophet who encouraged Asa and the people of Judah to seek the Lord wholeheartedly.

3. Judah
- The southern kingdom of Israel, where Asa reigned and implemented his reforms.

4. Covenant Renewal
- The event where the people of Judah renewed their covenant with God, committing to seek Him earnestly.

5. The God of Israel
- Yahweh, the one true God whom the people of Judah were commanded to seek.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Seeking God
The command in 2 Chronicles 15:13 underscores the seriousness with which God views our pursuit of Him. It is not a casual endeavor but a life-or-death commitment.

Covenant Faithfulness
The renewal of the covenant by Asa and the people of Judah serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to our commitments to God. Our relationship with Him should be marked by sincerity and dedication.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Asa's leadership was crucial in guiding the nation back to God. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to encourage and facilitate spiritual growth and renewal within their communities.

Inclusivity in Seeking God
The verse mentions "young or old, man or woman," indicating that seeking God is a universal call. No one is exempt from the responsibility to pursue a relationship with the Lord.

The Consequences of Neglecting God
The severe consequence of death for not seeking God serves as a stark warning about the spiritual death that results from turning away from Him. It calls us to examine our lives and ensure we are actively pursuing God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Asa's reforms help us understand the severity of the command in 2 Chronicles 15:13?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking God wholeheartedly in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of covenant renewal in this passage relate to our commitment to God today?

4. What role do leaders play in encouraging others to seek God, and how can we support them in this task?

5. How can we ensure that our pursuit of God includes all aspects of our lives, regardless of age or gender, as indicated in the verse?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13:6-10
This passage outlines the seriousness of idolatry and the command to put to death those who lead others away from God, highlighting the severity of not seeking the Lord.

Joshua 24:14-15
Joshua's call to the Israelites to choose whom they will serve, emphasizing the importance of seeking and serving the Lord alone.

Matthew 22:37-38
Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment, which is to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and mind, aligning with the call to seek God wholeheartedly.