2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֵינָ֞יו
For the eyes
H5869
עֵינָ֞יו
For the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 19
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
מְשֹֽׁטְט֤וֹת
run to and fro
H7751
מְשֹֽׁטְט֤וֹת
run to and fro
Strong's:
H7751
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאָ֙רֶץ֙
throughout the whole earth
H776
הָאָ֙רֶץ֙
throughout the whole earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
6 of 19
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
לְ֠הִתְחַזֵּק
to shew himself strong
H2388
לְ֠הִתְחַזֵּק
to shew himself strong
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
7 of 19
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
8 of 19
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
לְבָבָ֥ם
in the behalf of them whose heart
H3824
לְבָבָ֥ם
in the behalf of them whose heart
Strong's:
H3824
Word #:
9 of 19
the heart (as the most interior organ)
שָׁלֵ֛ם
is perfect
H8003
שָׁלֵ֛ם
is perfect
Strong's:
H8003
Word #:
10 of 19
complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly
נִסְכַּ֣לְתָּ
toward him Herein thou hast done foolishly
H5528
נִסְכַּ֣לְתָּ
toward him Herein thou hast done foolishly
Strong's:
H5528
Word #:
12 of 19
to be silly
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵעַ֔תָּה
therefore from henceforth
H6258
מֵעַ֔תָּה
therefore from henceforth
Strong's:
H6258
Word #:
16 of 19
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
יֵ֥שׁ
thou shalt have
H3426
יֵ֥שׁ
thou shalt have
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
17 of 19
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
Cross References
1 Peter 3:12For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.Proverbs 15:3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.Jeremiah 16:17For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.Proverbs 5:21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.Psalms 34:15The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.Job 34:21For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.Zechariah 4:10For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.Jeremiah 32:19Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:2 Chronicles 6:20That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.
Historical Context
Hanani rebuked Asa (c. 885 BCE) for allying with Syria against Israel instead of trusting God. Despite earlier faithfulness, Asa's later compromise demonstrated that past victories don't guarantee future faithfulness - each generation and situation requires fresh trust.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you relying on human alliances or resources rather than waiting for God to show Himself strong?
- What does having a 'perfect heart' toward God look like in your specific circumstances and relationships?
Analysis & Commentary
The prophet Hanani's declaration 'For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him' reveals God's active, searching sovereignty. The phrase 'eyes run to and fro' anthropomorphically depicts God's comprehensive knowledge and providential care. He seeks those with 'perfect hearts' (lev shalem - undivided loyalty) to show Himself strong (chazaq - strengthen/support) on their behalf. This isn't works-righteousness but describes the object of God's strengthening grace - the wholehearted. Asa's failure to rely on God but on Syria demonstrates imperfect heart. This principle anticipates Christ who strengthens those who trust Him alone.