And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.

2 CHRONICLES 28:15KJV
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2 Chronicles 28:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 28:15 mean?

2 Chronicles 28:15 describes how certain men, chosen by name, cared for captives by clothing those who were naked, giving them food and drink, anointing them, and helping the weak by carrying them on donkeys to Jericho, before returning to Samaria. The verse highlights an act of compassion and practical help for vulnerable people after a conflict.

This verse takes place during a time when the people of Israel had taken captives from Judah after a battle. The leaders of Israel, realizing that keeping their fellow Israelites as captives was wrong, appointed men to tend to the needs of these captives. The verse details the specific ways these men showed kindness—providing clothing, food, care, and safe passage—before reuniting the captives with their own people in Jericho.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 28:15

  • "expressed" (נָקַב, naqav): This word means "to specify" or "to designate by name." The verse emphasizes that these men were not just any group, but were specifically chosen for this compassionate task.
  • "spoil" (שָׁלָל, shalal): This refers to goods taken in war. The clothing and supplies given to the captives came from the spoil, showing a reversal from taking to giving.
  • "anointed" (סוּךְ, sukh): This means to rub or anoint with oil, a gesture of care and refreshment in the ancient world, especially for those who were weary or wounded.
  • "feeble" (כָּשַׁל, kashal): This word means "weak" or "stumbling." The verse notes that the weakest captives were given special help, being carried on donkeys.

Why 2 Chronicles 28:15 matters

  • The verse corrects any idea that the captives were simply released; instead, it shows a detailed, compassionate response that restored dignity and health to those who had suffered.
  • By specifying that the men were "expressed by name," the text highlights the importance of responsible, accountable leadership in acts of mercy.
  • This act of kindness stands in contrast to the violence earlier in the chapter, showing a turning point where mercy overcomes conflict, and setting an example for reconciliation among divided people.