2 Chronicles 28:6

For in one day Pekah son of Remaliah killed 120,000 valiant men in Judah. This happened because they had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers.

Study Bible

For in one day
This phrase emphasizes the suddenness and swiftness of the calamity that befell Judah. The Hebrew word for "day" (יוֹם, yom) can signify a literal day or a period of time, but here it underscores the immediacy of the judgment. The rapidity of the event serves as a stark reminder of how quickly divine retribution can manifest when a nation turns away from God.

Pekah son of Remaliah
Pekah was the king of Israel, the northern kingdom, during a tumultuous period marked by political instability and idolatry. His lineage, "son of Remaliah," is often mentioned to distinguish him from other figures named Pekah. Historically, Pekah's reign was characterized by alliances with foreign powers and aggression against Judah, reflecting the fractured relationship between the two kingdoms.

killed one hundred twenty thousand valiant men
The staggering number of casualties, "one hundred twenty thousand," highlights the severity of the defeat. The term "valiant men" (גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל, gibborim chayil) refers to warriors of great strength and courage, indicating that Judah's military might was decimated. This loss underscores the futility of relying on human strength when divine favor is absent.

in Judah
Judah, the southern kingdom, was the remnant of the Davidic line and the location of Jerusalem, the spiritual heart of Israel. The mention of Judah here is significant, as it was supposed to be the bastion of true worship and adherence to God's covenant. The defeat within its borders symbolizes a profound spiritual and national crisis.

because they had forsaken the LORD
This phrase reveals the root cause of Judah's calamity: spiritual apostasy. The Hebrew word for "forsaken" (עָזַב, azav) implies abandonment and neglect. Judah's leaders and people had turned away from their covenantal obligations, choosing idolatry and disobedience over faithfulness to God.

the God of their fathers
This designation emphasizes the continuity of the covenant relationship established with the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It serves as a reminder of the historical and spiritual heritage that Judah had abandoned. The phrase calls the people back to their roots, urging a return to the faith and practices of their ancestors.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pekah son of Remaliah
The king of Israel who led the attack against Judah. His actions were part of the larger conflict between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom, which was under the rule of King Ahaz at the time. Judah was experiencing a period of spiritual decline and idolatry.

3. Valiant men
Refers to the warriors of Judah who were killed in the battle. Their loss was significant and highlighted the severity of the judgment against Judah.

4. Forsaking the LORD
This phrase indicates the spiritual apostasy of Judah, which led to their defeat. It underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, which was broken by their idolatry and disobedience.

5. The LORD, the God of their fathers
This title emphasizes the covenantal faithfulness of God to the patriarchs and the expectation that their descendants would remain faithful to Him.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Forsaking God
Forsaking God leads to severe consequences, both spiritually and physically. Judah's defeat serves as a warning to remain faithful to God and His commandments.

The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
God's relationship with His people is based on a covenant that requires faithfulness. The history of Israel and Judah illustrates the blessings of obedience and the dangers of turning away from God.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Health
The spiritual state of a nation often reflects the faithfulness of its leaders. Ahaz's idolatry and unfaithfulness had dire consequences for Judah, highlighting the importance of godly leadership.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment and Mercy
While God allows judgment as a consequence of sin, His ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration. The account of Judah's defeat is a call to return to God and seek His mercy.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the spiritual and political factors that led to Judah's defeat by Pekah, and how can we apply these lessons to our personal lives today?

2. How does the concept of covenant faithfulness in 2 Chronicles 28:6 relate to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our leaders, both in the church and in society, promote spiritual health and faithfulness to God?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of forsaking God. How did you find your way back to Him, and what role did His mercy play in your restoration?

5. How can we, as individuals and as a community, guard against spiritual apostasy and ensure that we remain faithful to the Lord, the God of our fathers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience to God's covenant. The defeat of Judah is a direct consequence of their disobedience, as foretold in these covenantal warnings.

Isaiah 7
This passage provides context for the political and military tensions between Israel and Judah during the reign of Ahaz, including the prophecy of Immanuel as a sign of God's presence and future deliverance.

2 Kings 16
Offers a parallel account of Ahaz's reign and his unfaithfulness, providing additional details about his idolatry and political alliances.