2 Chronicles 15:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 15:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 15:5 describes a time of widespread trouble and insecurity, when people could not travel safely or find peace, and all the inhabitants of the surrounding lands were suffering from great disturbances. The verse highlights how unsettled and dangerous life had become during that period.

This verse is part of a speech by the prophet Azariah to King Asa of Judah, reminding him of past times when the people had turned away from God. The setting is a warning about the consequences of spiritual neglect, describing a history of chaos and hardship that affected everyone, both those coming and going and entire nations.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 15:5

• "Peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it often includes well-being, safety, and wholeness. Here, the lack of "shalom" shows that people were missing a sense of security and stability in every part of life.
• "Vexations" (מְהוּמָה, mehūmah): This word refers to confusion, panic, or great disturbance. The use of "mehūmah" emphasizes that the trouble was not just minor unrest but deep and widespread turmoil affecting everyone.
• "Countries" (אֶרֶץ, erets): While often translated as "land" or "earth," here it points to all the surrounding regions, making it clear that the unrest was not limited to one place but was a broad, regional problem.

Why 2 Chronicles 15:5 matters

• This verse clarifies that the troubles described were not isolated incidents but affected everyone, highlighting the seriousness of the situation before Asa's reforms.
• The emphasis on the lack of "shalom" and the presence of "mehūmah" underlines how deeply the people's daily lives were disrupted, not just politically but in every aspect of society.
• Understanding this background helps explain why Asa's later actions to seek God and restore order were so significant in the context of Judah's history.