So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.

2 CHRONICLES 30:6KJV
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2 Chronicles 30:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 30:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 30:6 describes how messengers carried letters from King Hezekiah and his officials throughout Israel and Judah, calling the people to return to the LORD, the God of their ancestors, with the promise that God would welcome back those who had survived the Assyrian invasions. The verse highlights an invitation for national repentance and restoration after a time of hardship.

The setting is during King Hezekiah’s reign, as he tries to reunite the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah in worship of the LORD. Messengers are sent with a royal command, urging the people—especially those left after the Assyrian attacks—to turn back to God. This appeal is rooted in the shared heritage of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel (Jacob), emphasizing unity and hope for those who had escaped conquest.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 30:6

  • "Posts" (רָצִים, ratsim): This word means runners or couriers, emphasizing the urgency and personal delivery of the king’s message across the land.
  • "Again/Return" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word is used twice, first as a call for the people to turn back to God, and then as a promise that God will turn back to them. It carries the sense of a complete return or restoration, not just a physical movement but a change of heart.
  • "Remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she’erit): This refers to those who survived the Assyrian invasions, highlighting that the invitation is especially for those left after great loss, making the message one of hope for restoration.

Why 2 Chronicles 30:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s invitation was not just for Judah, but also for the northern tribes of Israel, showing a rare moment of outreach and unity after years of division.
  • The use of the word "return" for both the people and God underscores the mutual nature of restoration: as the people turn back, God promises to respond in kind.
  • By naming Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, the verse connects the people’s current situation to their ancestral promises, reminding them of their shared identity and God’s ongoing faithfulness.