2 Chronicles 15 7

2 Chronicles 15:7 kjv

Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.

2 Chronicles 15:7 nkjv

But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"

2 Chronicles 15:7 niv

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

2 Chronicles 15:7 esv

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded."

2 Chronicles 15:7 nlt

But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded."

2 Chronicles 15 verses

2 Chronicles 15 7 Meaning

2 Chronicles 15:7 is a powerful word of encouragement given to King Asa and the people of Judah by the prophet Azariah. It urges them to maintain strength and courage, and not to yield to discouragement or weakness, as their efforts and deeds performed in obedience to God will certainly bring a just recompense or divine blessing. It serves as a prophetic assurance that faithfulness in God's service is never in vain.

2 Chronicles 15 7 Context

The immediate context of 2 Chronicles 15:7 is a pivotal moment in the reign of King Asa of Judah. After a significant victory over the Cushite army, "the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded" (2 Chr 15:1), who then went out to meet King Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. Azariah delivered a powerful prophetic message (2 Chr 15:2-7) that called the nation back to complete loyalty to the covenant with God. He highlighted the cyclical nature of Israel's history—times of apostasy leading to distress and times of seeking God leading to rest. He warned that God is with those who are with Him but forsakes those who forsake Him. Verse 7 specifically serves as the climactic exhortation within this prophecy, encouraging Asa to continue the reforms and cleansing efforts he had already begun (as described in 2 Chr 14), reinforcing the importance of perseverance despite any opposition, with the clear promise of divine recompense. Historically, Asa was among the few kings of Judah who actively sought to eradicate idolatry and restore pure worship, marking a period of revival. This verse motivates him to continue this arduous task.

2 Chronicles 15 7 Word analysis

• But as for you, (וְאַתֶּם, ve'atem - literally "and you/you all"): This conjunction marks a direct address, shifting the focus specifically to Asa and, by extension, to the leaders and people of Judah. It sets them apart, making the counsel particularly pertinent to their current state and future endeavors. The emphasis is on personal responsibility and agency in light of God's covenant.
• be strong (חִזְקוּ, chizqû - Qal imperative, masculine plural, from חָזַק, chazaq, meaning "to be strong, firm, courageous, repair"). This is not merely physical strength but spiritual and moral fortitude. It implies resilience, steadfastness, and determination to pursue righteous actions. This verb is a common encouragement in the Bible, often given when facing significant challenges or undertaking a divinely appointed task (e.g., to Joshua by Moses and God, Hag 2:4 for Zerubbabel). It's a call to proactive effort, to steel one's will against despair and opposition.
• and do not let your hands be weak, (וְאַל־יִרְפּוּ יְדֵיכֶם, ve'al-yirpû yedêḵem - literally "and let not slacken your hands"). יִרְפּוּ (yirpû) is from רָפָה (raphah), meaning "to sink, relax, abandon, let go." "Weak hands" (יָדַיִם רָפָה) is a Hebrew idiom symbolizing a state of discouragement, exhaustion, giving up, or ceasing effort. This phrase directly contrasts "be strong," warning against apathy or retreating from the good work already started. It underscores the danger of succumbing to spiritual weariness or fear.
• for your work (לִפְעֻלַּתְכֶם, lipe'ul_latḵem - literally "for your deed/action/work/labor/accomplishment"). פְּעֻלָּה (pe'ullāh) refers to a deed, action, or accomplishment. It encompasses the diligent efforts Asa and the people were making in purifying worship, restoring the temple, and reforming the nation according to God's law. It's the tangible manifestation of their obedience and devotion.
• shall be rewarded (יֵשׁ שָׂכָר, yēš śāḵār - literally "there is reward/wages"). שָׂכָר (śāḵār) denotes compensation, recompense, wages, or profit. In a spiritual context, it signifies divine favor, blessings, or acknowledgment for faithfulness. This is a promise of guaranteed outcome for diligent service. God is not unjust; He does not overlook faithful labor (Heb 6:10). The certainty of this reward is meant to fuel their resolve and ensure they continue on the path of righteousness.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But as for you, be strong": This is a direct, imperative call to courageous action and sustained effort. It's an encouragement born out of the knowledge of God's presence and historical faithfulness. This divine strength is often needed precisely when tasks are overwhelming or obstacles seem insurmountable.
• "and do not let your hands be weak": This is the negative corollary to "be strong." It serves as a warning against the temptation to slacken or abandon the path. It speaks to the inner state of heart and mind that often manifests as inaction or half-heartedness. The strength is not just for initiation but for continuation.
• "for your work shall be rewarded": This is the divine motivation and promise. It anchors the command to persevere in a clear and compelling outcome. The recompense is not merely transactional but is a testament to God's justice, generosity, and His covenant faithfulness. This "reward" (śāḵār) often manifests as peace, prosperity, spiritual flourishing, and divine protection (as seen in Asa's subsequent reign and peace until the war with Baasha).

2 Chronicles 15 7 Bonus section

The message of 2 Chronicles 15:7 is implicitly conditional. While the reward is promised, it's contingent on their strength and persistence. This aligns with the broader historical pattern in Chronicles, where blessings and cursings are tied directly to the obedience or disobedience of the kings and the nation. Asa's later life (2 Chr 16) illustrates the inverse of this verse; when he stopped relying on the Lord and turned to an earthly alliance, he was rebuked by another prophet, Hanani, and then grew diseased and died without seeking the Lord for his healing. This underscores that the initial encouragement of Azariah needed sustained faithfulness to see its continued benefits. The prophecy of Azariah (Ch 15) provided a foundational warning that Asa ultimately, partially, did not heed throughout his entire reign. Thus, the verse functions not just as a promise, but as an ongoing challenge to faithfulness without wavering.

2 Chronicles 15 7 Commentary

2 Chronicles 15:7 distills a fundamental truth of the covenant relationship between God and His people: divine blessing follows faithful obedience and perseverance. Azariah's message to King Asa, fresh off a military victory, serves not as congratulations but as a challenge to continue the work of national repentance and reform. The command to "be strong" is not an isolated act of willpower but an active maintenance of spiritual and moral fortitude, reinforced by a vigilant watch against discouragement and lethargy—represented by "weak hands." This weakness isn't merely physical exhaustion but a spiritual giving up, an abandonment of conviction. The profound encouragement lies in the promise that "your work shall be rewarded." This assures Asa and Judah that their strenuous efforts in cleansing the land of idolatry, restoring true worship, and living by God's Law are seen by God and will yield tangible benefits and divine favor. It signifies that serving God, though often demanding, is never in vain. This principle transcends time, applying to all believers: perseverance in doing what is right, even when challenging or unseen by others, assures divine recognition and recompense.

• Example 1: When a believer feels weary in sharing their faith or serving others, this verse reminds them that every prayer, every act of kindness, every moment of discipleship contributes to a larger, divinely seen "work" that will ultimately be rewarded by God.
• Example 2: A church undergoing significant, challenging reforms to align with biblical principles can draw strength from this verse, knowing that the "work" of purification, even if met with resistance, has the promise of God's favor and blessing upon it.