Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.

2 CHRONICLES 29:8KJV
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2 Chronicles 29:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 29:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 29:8 says that because of the people's actions, the LORD's anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem, and God allowed them to experience trouble, shock, and public scorn, which was obvious to everyone. The verse points out that these hardships were a direct result of their behavior and were visible to all who saw them.

King Hezekiah is speaking to the people of Judah, explaining why their nation has suffered so much. He is reminding them that their unfaithfulness led to God's "wrath" and the difficult situations they now face. This verse sets the stage for Hezekiah's call to return to proper worship and restore their relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 29:8

  • "wrath" (קֶצֶף, qetsef): This word points to a strong, burning anger, not just disappointment. It emphasizes the seriousness of the people's actions and the intensity of the consequences.
  • "delivered" (נָתַן, natan): This verb means "to give" or "to hand over." It shows that God actively allowed these troubles to happen, rather than simply letting events unfold by chance.
  • "trouble" (זַעֲוָה, za'avah): This word can mean panic or turmoil, highlighting the deep distress the people experienced.
  • "astonishment" (שַׁמָּה, shammah): This word often refers to something shocking or appalling, the kind of disaster that leaves people stunned.
  • "hissing" (שְׁרֵקָה, shreqah): This refers to a sound people made to show scorn or ridicule, like a hiss or a whistle. It means others looked at Judah and Jerusalem with contempt.

Why 2 Chronicles 29:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the suffering of Judah and Jerusalem was not random but directly connected to their choices and actions, as explained by Hezekiah.
  • The verse uses strong words to show the depth of the nation's shame and distress, making it clear that their situation was both public and humiliating.
  • By pointing out that everyone could "see with your eyes," Hezekiah is making the consequences undeniable, preparing the people to understand why change is needed in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“trouble” Hebrew H2113 · used in 6 verses

  • Isaiah 28:19 From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.
  • Jeremiah 15:4 And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
  • Jeremiah 29:18 And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them:

“trouble” Hebrew H2189 · used in 7 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:25 The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
  • Jeremiah 24:9 And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.
  • Jeremiah 34:17 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

“hissing” Hebrew H8322 · used in 7 verses

  • Jeremiah 19:8 And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.
  • Jeremiah 25:18 To wit, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as it is this day;
  • Jeremiah 51:37 And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.

“wrath” Hebrew H7110 · used in 29 verses

  • Numbers 1:53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
  • 2 Chronicles 19:10 And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.
  • Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.