And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity.

2 CHRONICLES 15:6KJV
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What does 2 Chronicles 15:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 15:6 describes a time of widespread chaos and conflict, where nations and cities fought against each other and were destroyed. The verse explains that God allowed or caused this turmoil, bringing adversity upon the people.

This verse is part of a message given by the prophet Azariah to King Asa of Judah. Azariah is describing the troubled times that happened when Israel turned away from God, emphasizing how instability and hardship spread everywhere. The verse highlights that the unrest was not random, but was connected to God’s response to the people's actions.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 15:6

  • “Nation” (גּוֹי, goy): This word often refers to a people group or a non-Israelite nation, but here it simply means any group or nation involved in the conflict.
  • “Destroyed” (כָּתַת, kathat): This verb means to be broken, crushed, or shattered, showing the severity of the destruction between nations and cities.
  • “Vex” (הָמַם, hamam): This word means to trouble, confuse, or throw into commotion. It suggests that God actively stirred up confusion and unrest among the people.
  • “Adversity” (צָרָה, tsarah): This word means distress, trouble, or hardship, highlighting the kind of suffering and difficulty that spread throughout the land.

Why 2 Chronicles 15:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the chaos and destruction were not just the result of human conflict, but were understood as part of God’s judgment or discipline in response to the people’s unfaithfulness.
  • The verse sets the stage for King Asa’s reforms, showing why it was so important for the people to return to seeking God.
  • Understanding the original words for “destroyed,” “vex,” and “adversity” helps readers see the depth of the turmoil described, emphasizing just how severe and all-encompassing the troubles were during that period.