For they thought they had overcome them by their own valiantness, and did not consider that God had delivered them into their hands, because Judah had offended him.
Historical and theological verse study from Second Book of Chronicles, Chapter 28.
Apply the spiritual lesson of 2 Chronicles 28:9 through prayerful reflection and faithful obedience.
“Gracious Father, write the truth of 2 Chronicles 28:9 upon my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“Ea tempestate erat ibi propheta Domini, nomine Oded : qui egressus obviam exercitui venienti in Samariam, dixit eis : Ecce iratus Dominus Deus patrum vestrorum contra Juda, tradidit eos in manibus vestris, et occidistis eos atrociter, ita ut ad cælum pertingeret vestra crudelitas.”
“But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.”
“But a prophet of the LORD named Oded was there, and he went out to meet the army that returned to Samaria. “Look,” he said to them, “because of His wrath against Judah, the LORD, the God of your fathers, has delivered them into your hand. But you have slaughtered them in a rage that reaches up to heaven.”
“But a prophet of Yahweh was there, whose name was Oded; and he went out to meet the army that came to Samaria, and said to them, “Behold, because Yahweh, the God of your fathers, was angry with Judah, he has delivered them into your hand, and you have slain them in a rage which has reached up to heaven.”
“But a prophet of Jehovah was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out to meet the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because Jehovah, the God of your fathers, was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage which hath reached up to heaven.”
For they thought they had overcome them by their own valiantness, and did not consider that God had delivered them into their hands, because Judah had offended him.
Heaven, and cries for vengeance against you. Though God designed to punish his people, your cruelty will not be excused. (Haydock) — The effect of this remonstrance, shews that all the kingdom of Israel was not devoid (Calmet) of feeling and religion. (Haydock) — They set a noble example for Christian princes to follow after a victory. (Du Hamel)
(1.) He told them how they came by this victory of which they were so proud. It was not because God favoured them, or that they had merited it at his hand, but because he was wroth with Judah, and made them the rod of his indignation. Not for your righteousness, be it known to you, but for their wickedness (Deut 9 5) they are broken off; therefore be not you high-minded, but fear lest God also spare not you, Rom 11 20, 21.
“And he said to him: What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth to me from the earth.”
“And they said: Come, let us make a city and a tower, the top whereof may reach to heaven; and let us make our name famous before we be scattered abroad into all lands.”