And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.

2 CHRONICLES 30:7KJV
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2 Chronicles 30:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 30:7 mean?

2 Chronicles 30:7 warns the people not to repeat the mistakes of their ancestors and relatives, who rebelled against the LORD God and suffered the consequences of their actions. The verse points to the visible ruin that came upon earlier generations as a result of their unfaithfulness.

King Hezekiah is speaking to the people of Judah and Israel during his effort to restore proper worship of the LORD (H3068, Yahweh) in Jerusalem. He urges them not to follow the example of their "fathers" (H1, 'avot) and "brethren" (H251, 'achim), who "trespassed" (H4603, ma'al) against God and were "given up" (H5414, natan) to "desolation" (H8047, shammah). Hezekiah points to the devastation they can see around them as proof of what happens when people turn away from God.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 30:7

  • "Trespassed" (מָעַל, ma'al): This word means to act unfaithfully or to break trust, especially in a relationship with God. It highlights that the ancestors’ wrongdoing was not just a mistake, but a serious breach of loyalty.
  • "Desolation" (שַׁמָּה, shammah): This term refers to devastation or ruin. The use of this word emphasizes the severe and visible consequences that came upon the people for their unfaithfulness.
  • "Gave them up" (נָתַן, natan): This verb means to hand over or allow something to happen. Here, it underscores that God allowed the consequences to fall on the people because of their persistent disobedience.

Why 2 Chronicles 30:7 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the suffering and ruin seen in the land are directly connected to the people's past unfaithfulness, not random misfortune.
  • It emphasizes personal responsibility, urging the current generation to make a different choice than their ancestors.
  • The verse connects Hezekiah’s call for repentance and renewal to real, observable history, making his warning more urgent and relatable for his audience.