2 Chronicles 12:14
And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
And he did
H6213
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
And he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֵכִין֙
because he prepared
H3559
הֵכִין֙
because he prepared
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
לִבּ֔וֹ
not his heart
H3820
לִבּ֔וֹ
not his heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
6 of 9
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
לִדְר֖וֹשׁ
to seek
H1875
לִדְר֖וֹשׁ
to seek
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
Cross References
2 Chronicles 19:3Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.1 Corinthians 16:13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.Isaiah 45:19I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.Psalms 78:37For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.Ezekiel 33:31And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.2 Chronicles 11:16And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.2 Chronicles 30:19That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.
Historical Context
Rehoboam's reign (c. 930-913 BCE) began with foolish decisions causing kingdom division, included periods of idolatry and Egyptian invasion, yet showed moments of repentance (12:6,12). His inconsistency stemmed from unprepared heart - sometimes seeking God, often neglecting Him.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you actively 'preparing your heart' to seek the LORD daily, not just responding to crises?
- What spiritual disciplines help prepare your heart to maintain God-seeking orientation rather than drifting into evil?
Analysis & Commentary
The epitaph on Rehoboam: 'And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.' This diagnosis reveals the root of evil actions - unprepared hearts. The verb 'prepared' (hekin) suggests deliberate, intentional orientation toward God. Failing to prepare one's heart to seek the LORD results in evil, even without specific intention. This teaches that spiritual drift and neglect are themselves sinful, not merely neutral. The heart requires active preparation - through prayer, Scripture, worship - to maintain God-seeking orientation. Christ calls disciples to watch and pray (Matthew 26:41) to avoid temptation, echoing this need for prepared hearts.