2 Chronicles 36:15

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

Original Language Analysis

וְשָׁל֑וֹחַ and sending H7971
וְשָׁל֑וֹחַ and sending
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 1 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יְהוָה֩ And the LORD H3068
יְהוָה֩ And the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֨י God H430
אֱלֹהֵ֨י God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 3 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֧ם of their fathers H1
אֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֧ם of their fathers
Strong's: H1
Word #: 4 of 15
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּיַ֥ד to them by H3027
בְּיַ֥ד to them by
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 6 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
מַלְאָכָ֖יו his messengers H4397
מַלְאָכָ֖יו his messengers
Strong's: H4397
Word #: 7 of 15
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
הַשְׁכֵּ֣ם rising up betimes H7925
הַשְׁכֵּ֣ם rising up betimes
Strong's: H7925
Word #: 8 of 15
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
וְשָׁל֑וֹחַ and sending H7971
וְשָׁל֑וֹחַ and sending
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 9 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 10 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חָמַ֥ל because he had compassion H2550
חָמַ֥ל because he had compassion
Strong's: H2550
Word #: 11 of 15
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 12 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַמּ֖וֹ on his people H5971
עַמּ֖וֹ on his people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 13 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְעַל H5921
וְעַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 14 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מְעוֹנֽוֹ׃ and on his dwelling H4583
מְעוֹנֽוֹ׃ and on his dwelling
Strong's: H4583
Word #: 15 of 15
an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)

Analysis & Commentary

The Chronicler's summary of Israel's rebellion and God's patience: 'And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place.' The phrase 'rising up betimes' (hashkem v'shaloch - rising early and sending) anthropomorphically depicts God's eager, persistent compassion. Despite constant prophetic warnings through multiple messengers, the people mocked and despised God's Word (36:16). This demonstrates that even abundant grace and patience can be spurned, leading ultimately to just judgment. Yet the motivation - compassion for people and His dwelling place - reveals God's heart even when exercising discipline.

Historical Context

This summarizes the prophetic ministry from the divided kingdom through Josiah (c. 930-609 BCE). Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Zephaniah, and others continually called for repentance, yet leadership and people persisted in idolatry, bringing inevitable exile.

Questions for Reflection