2 Chronicles 15:2

So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

Study Bible

So he went out to meet Asa
This phrase introduces Azariah, the son of Oded, who is the prophet delivering God's message. The act of going out to meet Asa signifies a proactive approach by God through His prophet to communicate with the king. In the historical context, prophets often played crucial roles as God's messengers, guiding and warning the leaders of Israel and Judah. The Hebrew root for "meet" (קָרָא - qara) implies a calling or summoning, indicating the importance of this divine encounter.

Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin
The call to "listen" (שָׁמַע - shama) is a frequent biblical exhortation, emphasizing not just hearing but obeying and understanding. Asa, as the king, and the tribes of Judah and Benjamin are addressed directly, highlighting the communal responsibility in heeding God's word. Historically, Judah and Benjamin were the two tribes that formed the Southern Kingdom, and their unity in following God's commands was crucial for their survival and prosperity.

The LORD is with you when you are with Him
This phrase underscores a conditional promise, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The name "LORD" (יהוה - Yahweh) is the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and presence. The concept of God being "with" His people is a recurring theme in Scripture, signifying protection, guidance, and blessing. The historical context shows that when Israel and Judah were faithful, they experienced peace and prosperity.

If you seek Him, He will be found by you
The act of seeking (דָּרַשׁ - darash) implies a diligent and earnest pursuit of God, involving prayer, worship, and obedience. The promise that God "will be found" (מָצָא - matsa) assures believers of God's accessibility and willingness to reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him. This reflects the biblical principle that God desires a relationship with His people and is responsive to their pursuit of Him.

but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you
The warning of forsaking (עָזַב - azab) God carries a grave consequence. To forsake means to abandon or neglect, and historically, when Israel turned away from God, they faced dire consequences, including defeat and exile. The reciprocal nature of this statement highlights the seriousness of maintaining faithfulness to God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of steadfastness in one's relationship with the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Azariah son of Oded
A prophet who delivers God's message to King Asa and the people of Judah and Benjamin.

2. Asa
The King of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to lead the nation back to the worship of Yahweh.

3. Judah and Benjamin
The two tribes that made up the southern kingdom of Israel, over which Asa reigned.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who promises His presence and support to those who seek Him.

5. The Covenant
The underlying theme of the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing mutual faithfulness.

Teaching Points

The Conditional Presence of God
God's presence and support are conditional upon our active pursuit and faithfulness to Him. This calls for a personal and communal commitment to seek God earnestly.

The Importance of Seeking God
Seeking God is not a passive activity but requires intentionality and dedication. It involves prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to His commands.

The Consequences of Forsaking God
Turning away from God leads to a withdrawal of His presence and blessings. This serves as a warning to remain steadfast in faith.

The Role of Prophets and Leaders
God uses leaders and prophets to guide His people back to Him. We should be open to receiving and acting upon godly counsel.

Covenant Relationship
Our relationship with God is based on a covenant that requires mutual faithfulness. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of our commitment to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the message of Azariah to Asa challenge us in our personal walk with God today?

2. In what ways can we actively seek God in our daily lives, and what changes might this require?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How does this passage encourage you to return to Him?

4. How can we, as a community of believers, support each other in seeking God and remaining faithful to Him?

5. What role do spiritual leaders play in guiding us back to God, and how can we discern true prophetic voices today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:29
This verse emphasizes seeking the Lord with all your heart and soul, promising that He will be found by those who earnestly seek Him.

James 4:8
This New Testament verse echoes the promise that drawing near to God will result in Him drawing near to us.

Jeremiah 29:13
Reinforces the idea that seeking God wholeheartedly leads to finding Him.

Matthew 7:7-8
Jesus teaches about the importance of asking, seeking, and knocking, with the assurance of receiving, finding, and having doors opened.

Hebrews 11:6
Highlights that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him, emphasizing faith as a key component.