2 Chronicles 30 12

2 Chronicles 30:12 kjv

Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:12 nkjv

Also the hand of God was on Judah to give them singleness of heart to obey the command of the king and the leaders, at the word of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:12 niv

Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:12 esv

The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:12 nlt

At the same time, God's hand was on the people in the land of Judah, giving them all one heart to obey the orders of the king and his officials, who were following the word of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30 verses

2 Chronicles 30 12 Meaning

2 Chronicles 30:12 reveals God's active, providential involvement in the hearts of the people of Judah, ensuring their unity and obedience to the command issued by King Hezekiah and his princes. This verse highlights divine enablement as a key factor in the successful spiritual revival and observance of the Passover during Hezekiah's reign, demonstrating that true spiritual reform is not merely human effort but a divinely inspired work. It underscores that unity and obedience to God's will stem from a heart empowered by His hand.

2 Chronicles 30 12 Context

Chapter 30 of 2 Chronicles describes King Hezekiah's audacious decision to restore the celebration of Passover, which had been neglected for a long time in Israel. Unlike previous kings, Hezekiah invites all Israel, including the Northern Kingdom, which had long separated and fallen into idolatry. This was an unprecedented call for unity and spiritual restoration across divided Israel. Many in the Northern tribes ridiculed the messengers, yet some humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. Verse 12 specifically describes a turning point where, despite general indifference or opposition, God intervened in a powerful way for those in Judah, granting them a unique readiness to embrace the king's spiritual reforms. It shows divine agency amidst a human initiative for revival, signifying that even a faithful remnant's response requires supernatural empowerment.

2 Chronicles 30 12 Word analysis

• The hand: (Hebrew: yad - יָד) This term frequently refers to divine power, presence, protection, and enabling. It implies active involvement, direct influence, and irresistible might. In this context, it signifies God's direct intervention in human affairs, specifically influencing their will and inclination.
• of God: (Hebrew: ha'Elohim - הָאֱלֹהִים) The general name for God, emphasizing His transcendent power and supreme authority as the sovereign creator and ruler.
• was on: (Hebrew: hayetah al - הָיְתָה עַל) Denotes direct influence, a superintending presence, or active engagement over something or someone. It implies not merely passive observation but effective action.
• Judah: The southern kingdom, the tribal homeland of King Hezekiah. This specific mention suggests a particular divine focus and blessing upon those in the region from whom the reform effort was principally initiated, securing their core participation.
• to give them: (Hebrew: latet lahem - לָתֵת לָהֶם) This infinitive construction emphasizes the divine purpose and action: God Himself was the one providing or bestowing this change. It implies a direct bestowal, not a gradual development.
• one heart: (Hebrew: lev echad - לֵב אֶחָד) This signifies unity of purpose, thought, and affection. It contrasts with division, wavering, or divided loyalties, and points to a unified, sincere, and pure motivation directed towards God's will. It means an inward alignment.
• to do: (Hebrew: la'asot - לַעֲשׂוֹת) The action verb, indicating concrete implementation and obedience. It's not just about agreement in sentiment but carrying out the task.
• the commandment: (Hebrew: mitzvat - מִצְוַת) Referring to a specific directive or instruction, in this case, Hezekiah's decree to celebrate the Passover. It carries the weight of authoritative divine will, even when communicated through human leaders.
• of the king and the princes: King Hezekiah and his officials. This emphasizes human authority exercised in accordance with God's will. Their commandment becomes binding because it aligns with divine intention.
• by the word of the Lord: (Hebrew: bidvar Adonai - בִּדְבַר יְהוָה) This ultimate phrase clarifies that the entire process, including the king's initiative, the princes' participation, and the people's compliance, was orchestrated and empowered by God's decree or instruction. It signifies divine origin and ultimate authority for the entire revival effort.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• The hand of God was on Judah: This phrase conveys God's sovereign and benevolent intervention. It is not just Hezekiah's zealous efforts, but God's powerful work within the people themselves that caused the change. It represents divine influence working in the lives of specific individuals and groups to align their wills with His. This mirrors similar expressions in Scripture where "the hand of God" brings favor, strength, or judgment (e.g., Ezr 8:18; Acts 4:30; 1 Kin 18:46).
• to give them one heart to do the commandment: This explains the purpose of God's hand being upon them: to grant them internal unity and an earnest will to obey. It speaks to a divinely wrought spiritual renewal where internal discord is replaced by singularity of purpose toward God's will. The unity isn't forced external compliance but an inner transformation towards a common, righteous goal.
• of the king and the princes by the word of the Lord: This specifies the source and ultimate authority of the "commandment." While enacted by human leaders, it is "by the word of the Lord," affirming that Hezekiah's decree was in alignment with divine revelation and purpose. This underscores that true obedience is not just to human authority but to the divine will communicated through legitimate human channels, which are themselves divinely guided. This demonstrates how God can work through both sovereign influence on hearts and through human leadership.

2 Chronicles 30 12 Bonus section

• The phrase "the hand of the Lord" is a common biblical idiom that signifies God's active, personal involvement. It can convey power, intervention, judgment, favor, or empowering grace, depending on the context. Here, it is undeniably a sign of divine favor and enabling.
• The emphasis on "one heart" is crucial for corporate worship and national spiritual health. Disunity, fractured intentions, and divided loyalties (e.g., serving both God and idols) were major issues in Israel's history. God giving them "one heart" directly addresses this deep-seated problem, illustrating a spiritual restoration that transcends mere superficial compliance.
• This verse provides an Old Testament parallel to New Testament teachings about God's working in believers "to will and to act according to His good purpose" (Php 2:13), affirming a continuous biblical theme of divine enablement for human obedience. It highlights that God initiates and empowers the human response to His call for spiritual reform.

2 Chronicles 30 12 Commentary

2 Chronicles 30:12 serves as a pivotal theological statement within the narrative of Hezekiah's Passover. It firmly establishes that the spiritual revival and the unexpected unity in obedience among the people of Judah were not merely due to the eloquent plea or administrative prowess of Hezekiah and his officials. Rather, it was the direct, enabling action of God—"the hand of God"—that prepared and unified their hearts. This divine intervention made the people willing, providing an internal impetus that external persuasion alone could not achieve. It teaches that even the most fervent human efforts for spiritual renewal require a supernatural empowering by God for true, heart-level transformation and obedience to occur. Without God's enablement, unity and sincere submission to His commands would be elusive. This verse therefore underscores God's sovereignty over the human will, especially in matters of repentance and faith. For instance, like God "opened" Lydia's heart in Acts 16:14 to pay attention to Paul's message, here He gave Judah "one heart."