2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.

Study Bible

But they mocked the messengers of God
The phrase "mocked the messengers of God" highlights the profound disrespect and irreverence shown by the people towards those sent by God. The Hebrew root for "mocked" is "לָעַג" (la'ag), which conveys scorn and derision. Historically, this reflects a period in Judah's history where the people, including their leaders, were entrenched in sin and idolatry, ignoring the divine warnings delivered by prophets. This mocking attitude is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, illustrating the people's hardened hearts and resistance to God's call for repentance.

despised His words
To "despise" in Hebrew is "בָּזָה" (bazah), meaning to hold in contempt or to consider worthless. "His words" refers to the divine messages and commandments given through the prophets. This phrase underscores the gravity of rejecting God's communication, which was meant to guide and correct the people. The historical context here is crucial; the Israelites had a covenant relationship with God, and despising His words was tantamount to breaking that covenant, leading to severe consequences.

and scoffed at His prophets
"Scoffed" comes from the Hebrew "תָּעַב" (ta'ab), indicating a deep disdain and ridicule. The prophets were God's chosen vessels to deliver His messages, often calling the people back to righteousness. By scoffing at them, the people not only rejected the prophets but also the God who sent them. This behavior is indicative of a society that has turned its back on spiritual truths, preferring to follow its own desires.

until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people
The "wrath of the LORD" is a significant biblical concept, representing God's righteous anger and judgment against sin. The Hebrew word for "wrath" is "קֶצֶף" (qetseph), which conveys a sense of intense displeasure. This phrase indicates a turning point where God's patience has been exhausted due to persistent disobedience. Historically, this led to the Babylonian exile, a period of great suffering and loss for the people of Judah, serving as a divine chastisement intended to bring about repentance and restoration.

until there was no remedy
The word "remedy" in Hebrew is "מַרְפֵּא" (marpe'), meaning healing or cure. This phrase suggests that the people's sin had reached a point of no return, where divine intervention through judgment was the only remaining course. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent rebellion against God. In a broader theological context, it underscores the necessity of repentance and the dangers of hardening one's heart against God's call.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Messengers of God
These are the prophets and leaders sent by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. They were often met with resistance and hostility.

2. The People of Judah
The inhabitants of the southern kingdom of Israel, who repeatedly turned away from God and His commandments, leading to their eventual downfall.

3. The Prophets
Individuals chosen by God to convey His warnings and guidance. They were often rejected and ridiculed by the people they were sent to help.

4. The Wrath of the LORD
This refers to God's righteous anger and judgment against persistent sin and rebellion. It ultimately led to the Babylonian exile.

5. The Babylonian Exile
The event where the people of Judah were conquered and taken captive by Babylon as a consequence of their disobedience and rejection of God's word.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Rejection
Ignoring God's messengers leads to severe consequences. Just as Judah faced exile, persistent disobedience in our lives can lead to spiritual desolation.

The Patience of God
God is patient and sends multiple warnings before judgment. We should be attentive to His voice and respond promptly to His guidance.

The Role of Prophets and Leaders
God uses individuals to speak truth into our lives. We should respect and heed the counsel of godly leaders and teachers.

The Danger of Hardening Hearts
Continual rejection of God's word can lead to a hardened heart, making it difficult to repent and return to Him.

The Urgency of Repentance
There is a point where it may be too late to turn back. We must seize the opportunity to repent and align ourselves with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the rejection of God's messengers in 2 Chronicles 36:16 compare to the rejection of Jesus in the New Testament?

2. What are some modern-day examples of how people might "mock" or "scoff" at God's word or His messengers?

3. Reflect on a time when you ignored wise counsel. What were the consequences, and how did you eventually respond?

4. How can we ensure that our hearts remain receptive to God's word and not become hardened?

5. In what ways can we support and encourage those who are called to be messengers of God in our communities today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 25:4-7
This passage highlights how God persistently sent prophets to warn the people, but they did not listen, leading to their judgment.

Matthew 23:37
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, echoing the rejection of prophets and messengers, showing a continuity of this pattern into the New Testament.

Hebrews 3:15
This verse warns believers not to harden their hearts as the Israelites did, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's voice.