2 Chronicles 29 10

2 Chronicles 29:10 kjv

Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.

2 Chronicles 29:10 nkjv

"Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that His fierce wrath may turn away from us.

2 Chronicles 29:10 niv

Now I intend to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that his fierce anger will turn away from us.

2 Chronicles 29:10 esv

Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, in order that his fierce anger may turn away from us.

2 Chronicles 29:10 nlt

But now I will make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that his fierce anger will turn away from us.

2 Chronicles 29 verses

2 Chronicles 29 10 Meaning

King Hezekiah, immediately upon ascending the throne, expresses a sincere and resolute commitment to re-establish a covenant relationship with the LORD, the one true God of Israel. His primary motivation is to divert God's fierce anger and judgment, which the nation had incurred through the extensive apostasy and idolatry prevalent during his father Ahaz's reign. This declaration signifies a national turning point from spiritual decay to divine restoration.

2 Chronicles 29 10 Context

Chapter 29 opens with Hezekiah's ascent to the throne of Judah at the young age of twenty-five, following the wicked reign of his father, Ahaz (2 Chron 28). Ahaz had systematically defiled the temple, shut its doors, erected idolatrous altars throughout Jerusalem, and brought Judah to a state of spiritual and national degradation. The previous chapter details the severe judgments, including military defeats and the taking of captives, which the Chronicler explicitly attributes to God's "fierce wrath" (2 Chron 28:5, 9). Immediately, in the first month of his reign (v. 3), Hezekiah opens the temple doors, repairs them, and gathers the Levites and priests. Before any physical cleansing, Hezekiah addresses them, recognizing the nation's spiritual sickness and stating the imperative need to make a covenant, thereby establishing a new relationship and turning away God's anger. This verse, therefore, serves as the spiritual foundation for Hezekiah's comprehensive religious reforms and revival, highlighting his proactive and immediate desire to lead his people back to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29 10 Word analysis

• "Now" (עתה - 'attah): This temporal adverb emphasizes immediacy and urgency. It marks a significant transition from the past state of idolatry and neglect to a new era of dedicated service to God. It signals the beginning of an immediate, purposeful act.
• "it is in my heart" (עם לבבי - 'im l'vavi): This phrase highlights sincerity, depth, and personal resolve. In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (לבב, levav) is not merely the seat of emotions but also of intellect, will, and conscience. Hezekiah's decision is not political expediency or external pressure but a profound inner conviction and personal commitment, indicating a genuine desire to serve God and lead his people correctly.
• "to make a covenant" (לכרת ברית - lichrot b'rit): The Hebrew idiom "to cut a covenant" implies a solemn, binding agreement, often sealed through a ritual sacrifice or solemn oath. This act signifies a renewal of the national commitment to the Mosaic Covenant, which Judah had severely violated. It represents a re-dedication to Yahweh as their sole God and adherence to His laws.
• "with the LORD, the God of Israel" (ליהוה אלהי ישראל - la'Adonai Elohei Yisrael): This designates the specific recipient of the covenant – YHWH, the personal, covenant-keeping God revealed to Israel. It distinguishes Him from the pagan deities worshiped under Ahaz, affirming Israel's unique relationship with its true Divine sovereign. "God of Israel" underscores His election and historical relationship with His chosen people.
• "that his fierce wrath" (למען שוב חרון אפו - lema'an shuv charon appo): This phrase clearly states the motivation and desired outcome. "Fierce wrath" (charon 'aph lit. "burning of nose/face") denotes intense, hot anger, a strong expression of divine displeasure due to grave sin. It directly acknowledges the prior judgment and destruction suffered by Judah as a result of their apostasy.
• "may turn away from us" (ממנו - mimennu): This final part articulates the ultimate goal: averting further divine punishment and restoring God's favor and blessing upon the nation. It reflects a biblical understanding that national calamity is a consequence of national sin, and that genuine repentance and return to God can lead to the removal of judgment.
• "Now it is in my heart to make a covenant": This phrase emphasizes an immediate, deeply felt, and decisive personal commitment. It is the king's initiation of national repentance, stemming from his core being, setting the spiritual agenda for his reign.
• "make a covenant with the LORD...that his fierce wrath may turn away from us": This group of words succinctly links their past suffering (God's wrath) directly to their breaking of the covenant and articulates the clear purpose of the covenant renewal: restoration of divine favor and protection. It embodies the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel: obedience brought blessing, disobedience brought curses and wrath.

2 Chronicles 29 10 Bonus section

Hezekiah's decision to "make a covenant" should be understood as a renewal of the pre-existing Mosaic Covenant, not the initiation of a new one. The Davidic king was seen as the custodian of the national covenant, responsible for upholding it and leading the people in obedience. His father, Ahaz, had directly violated and essentially nullified this covenant through his pagan practices, provoking divine judgment. Hezekiah, by openly proclaiming this covenant renewal, takes on the traditional priestly-prophetic role of a righteous king, which is characteristic of the Chronicler's emphasis on righteous Davidic kings. This highlights the concept that leaders bear significant responsibility for the spiritual health of their nation or community. God's "fierce wrath" (חרון אפו) is not capricious anger but a just response to the severe covenant unfaithfulness of the people, manifesting in their national woes. Hezekiah's immediate response and theological insight are celebrated by the Chronicler as pivotal to the national revival.

2 Chronicles 29 10 Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:10 captures Hezekiah's defining moment of spiritual leadership. As a newly crowned king, he immediately recognizes the source of Judah's national decline and the necessity of confronting God's wrath directly. His initiative for a covenant renewal stems from a sincere personal conviction ("in my heart"), signifying a genuine desire for true spiritual reform rather than a mere political maneuver. This renewal targets "the LORD, the God of Israel," reinforcing the return to monotheistic worship in contrast to the pervasive idolatry. The explicit aim – to turn away God's "fierce wrath" – underscores Hezekiah's theological understanding that divine judgment had afflicted Judah due to their covenant breaking. This verse lays the spiritual groundwork for the comprehensive temple cleansing, the restoration of proper worship, and the re-institution of the Passover, demonstrating the practical outflow of his heartfelt commitment to God.

• Example for Practical Usage:
  1. Personal Application: When experiencing personal consequences of straying from God's path, Hezekiah's example calls for immediate, heartfelt repentance and renewed commitment to God, trusting His willingness to restore favor.
  2. Corporate/Church Application: In times of spiritual lethargy or compromise within a community, leaders and members can follow Hezekiah's pattern by initiating a clear, sincere, and corporate commitment to God, aimed at turning away from unrighteousness and pursuing genuine spiritual renewal.