2 Chronicles 15 14

2 Chronicles 15:14 kjv

And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.

2 Chronicles 15:14 nkjv

Then they took an oath before the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting and trumpets and rams' horns.

2 Chronicles 15:14 niv

They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns.

2 Chronicles 15:14 esv

They swore an oath to the LORD with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and with horns.

2 Chronicles 15:14 nlt

They shouted out their oath of loyalty to the LORD with trumpets blaring and rams' horns sounding.

2 Chronicles 15 verses

2 Chronicles 15 14 Meaning

The verse describes the people of Judah publicly and passionately affirming their allegiance to the Lord, entering into a renewed covenant with intense celebratory and solemn declarations, employing their voices and various musical instruments. This act marked a profound national commitment to return to pure worship under King Asa.

2 Chronicles 15 14 Context

This verse is part of a significant spiritual revival during the reign of King Asa of Judah. After Asa's victory over the large Cushite army (2 Chr 14), which God miraculously granted because Asa relied on Him, the prophet Azariah was moved by the Spirit of God to deliver a message to Asa and all Judah (2 Chr 15:1-7). Azariah exhorted them to be strong and not to lose heart, reminding them that God would be with them as long as they were with Him. Motivated by this prophetic encouragement and inspired by God's recent deliverance, King Asa undertook further extensive religious reforms, purging idolatry throughout Judah and Benjamin. The culmination of this reformation was a grand assembly where the people willingly entered into a renewed covenant with the Lord, as described in this verse and the subsequent verses (2 Chr 15:8-15). This event signified a collective and enthusiastic turning back to God, emphasizing their national identity and worship centered on the one true God, moving away from the syncretism and apostasy prevalent in their time.

2 Chronicles 15 14 Word analysis

• And they swore (וַיִּשָּׁבְעוּ - wayyishshāveʻū): The verb root shava means "to swear an oath," signifying a solemn, binding promise made before God. This was not a casual declaration but a sacred, communal act reflecting deep personal and national commitment, often invoking a divine witness to the sincerity of the vow. It indicated a re-establishment or reinforcement of their covenant relationship.

• to the Lord (לַֽיהוָה - laYHWH): Specifically referring to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This designation distinguishes the God of Israel from the foreign deities and idols that Asa had removed from the land, affirming their exclusive allegiance to Him.

• with a loud voice (בְּקוֹל גָּדוֹל - bəqōl gādôl): Literally "with a great voice." This indicates public declaration, intensity, and profound passion. It was not a private or subdued affair, but a bold, open proclamation of their covenant renewal, showcasing unified enthusiasm and earnestness.

• and with shouting (וּבִתְרוּעָה - ūbhithrûʻâh): From teruah, a term that can mean a joyful shout, a war cry, an alarm, or a trumpet blast. In this context, it conveys acclamation, fervent celebration, and a "shout of triumph." It suggests a jubilant expression of allegiance and an outward manifestation of profound spiritual resolve and unity.

• and with trumpets (וּבַחֲצֹֽצְרוֹת - ūbhachatsotzrôt): Chatsotzrah refers to the long, straight metal trumpets typically used by priests. Their sound served to call assemblies, signify important moments, and accompany solemn worship and offerings (as detailed in Num 10). Their presence underscored the sacred, formal, and ecclesiastical nature of the covenant renewal ceremony.

• and with horns (וּבְשֹֽׁפָרוֹת - ūbhəshôphārôt): Shopharot (plural of shophar) refer to ram's horns. The shophar was used for a broader range of purposes, including summoning the people, signaling war, announcing new moons, the Day of Atonement, and the Jubilee year. It carried deep symbolic weight, often associated with the voice of God, the gathering of God's people, and urgent calls to action.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "swore to the Lord": This phrase denotes a solemn act of covenant renewal, more than just a casual promise. It implies a life-binding commitment before the Most High God, emphasizing the nation's rededication to Mosaic Law and the statutes of Yahweh. It highlights the deeply serious nature of their return to God.
  • "with a loud voice and with shouting": These parallel expressions emphasize the public, fervent, and unanimous consent of the assembly. They demonstrate a collective outpouring of enthusiasm, an outward, audible manifestation of deep-seated inward conviction. This communal vocalization sets a tone of absolute and undeniable dedication.
  • "and with trumpets and with horns": The inclusion of both types of instruments is highly significant. These instruments were integral to signaling, warfare, and worship in ancient Israel. Their simultaneous and robust use creates a powerful, all-encompassing sound, symbolizing the complete, wholehearted, and national involvement in this covenant re-affirmation. They add solemnity, majesty, and a celebratory aspect, signifying a response of overwhelming joy and reverent awe in God's presence, marking the significance of this profound moment of dedication.

2 Chronicles 15 14 Bonus section

The profound spiritual significance of this public oath is further illuminated by the subsequent verse (2 Chr 15:15), which states, "all Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart." This highlights that the external, fervent display was rooted in an internal, wholehearted commitment, emphasizing the genuine nature of their repentance and return to God. The very use of both chatsotzrah (priestly trumpets) and shophar (horns, used by prophets and the people for general assemblies) in the ceremony symbolically indicates the involvement and unified action of both the spiritual leadership (the priests) and the entire populace. This grand assembly, drawing people not only from Judah but also from various Northern tribes (Ephraim, Manasseh, Simeon – 2 Chr 15:9), demonstrates a powerful sense of national unity in recommitting to Yahweh, transcending tribal divisions for the sake of true worship.

2 Chronicles 15 14 Commentary

2 Chronicles 15:14 vividly portrays a pivotal moment of national spiritual revival during King Asa's reign. The verse encapsulates an extraordinary outpouring of fervent commitment from the people of Judah. Prompted by God's recent blessings and a direct prophetic message, they publicly renewed their covenant with the Lord. This act was marked by an emphatic, unified vocal declaration from the entire assembly, augmented by the triumphant, yet solemn, sound of both priestly trumpets and communal ram's horns. This fusion of loud voices, exultant shouts, and resounding instruments signifies a comprehensive, holistic, and heartfelt turning back to the Lord, indicating not just intellectual assent but passionate devotion and collective enthusiasm. It demonstrates the community's wholehearted embrace of pure worship and their willing rejection of idolatry, expecting God's continued peace and stability. The public, audible nature of this oath cemented their commitment within the community, encouraging solidarity in faith.

• Examples: A congregation during a church service collectively reciting a creed or affirming vows of faith; individuals expressing joyful praise to God with uplifted voices and musical accompaniment; a believer publicly confessing Christ through baptism as an outward sign of an inner commitment.