2 Chronicles 24:19
Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
Yet he sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
Yet he sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 10
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לַֽהֲשִׁיבָ֖ם
to them to bring them again
H7725
לַֽהֲשִׁיבָ֖ם
to them to bring them again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 10
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יְהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיָּעִ֥ידוּ
and they testified
H5749
וַיָּעִ֥ידוּ
and they testified
Strong's:
H5749
Word #:
7 of 10
to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
Historical Context
After Jehoiada's death (c. 825 BCE), Joash abandoned the LORD despite earlier faithfulness. God's sending prophets demonstrated patience seeking restoration, though the people (including Joash) rejected them, leading to judgment. This warned that past faithfulness doesn't guarantee immunity from apostasy.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you responding to God's 'prophetic voices' - Scripture, preaching, conviction - calling you to repent and return?
- What areas of hardened heart might be making you refuse to 'give ear' to God's warnings?
Analysis & Commentary
God's persistent grace despite rebellion: 'Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.' This summarizes a recurring pattern - God sending prophets to call people back despite repeated rejection. The prophets testified (Hebrew: 'ud - warn, exhort) against sin, seeking repentance. The people's refusal to 'give ear' (ha'azinu - listen/obey) demonstrates hardened hearts spurning grace. This pattern continued throughout Israel's history, showing God's persistent love and human stubbornness. Christ, the ultimate prophet (Hebrews 1:1-2), continues calling sinners to repentance, with similar mixed responses.