What does 2 Chronicles 11:4 mean?
"Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam." - 2 Chronicles 11:4
The verse 2 Chronicles 11:4 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the Lord, and returned from going against Jeroboam."
This verse is part of the historical narrative found in the book of 2 Chronicles, which records the history of the kings of Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel, following the split of the united kingdom into two separate entities. In this particular passage, we see the aftermath of the division, as Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, takes the throne of Judah and Jeroboam, his former comrade, becomes the king of Israel.
The verse itself contains a message from the Lord, which advises the people of Judah not to engage in warfare against their brethren in the north. Instead, they are instructed to return to their homes, as the situation has been orchestrated by the Lord Himself.
The context of this verse is essential to understanding its meaning and significance. At this point in history, the people of Israel had turned away from the Lord and embraced idolatry, which ultimately led to the division of the kingdom. In this passage, the Lord is intervening to prevent further bloodshed and division among His people.
The underlying theme in this verse is the sovereignty of God. The Lord makes it clear that the events unfolding are part of His plan and that He alone has the authority to determine the course of history. This underscores the importance of obedience and submission to God's will, even in difficult and trying circumstances.
Another important theme found in this verse is reconciliation. Despite the division and animosity between the two kingdoms, the Lord's instruction to the people of Judah is focused on peace and unity. The message to return to their homes signifies a desire for reconciliation and a restoration of harmony among the brethren.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the broader narrative of the divided kingdom. The division of Israel serves as a metaphor for the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord. Additionally, the Lord's intervention to prevent conflict and bloodshed symbolizes His mercy and compassion for His people, even in their waywardness.
Overall, 2 Chronicles 11:4 delivers a powerful message about God's sovereignty, reconciliation, and the importance of obedience to His will. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from the Lord and the need for repentance and reconciliation in the face of division and strife. It also emphasizes the ultimate authority of God in shaping the course of human history and the importance of trusting in His plan.
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2 Chronicles 11:4 - "Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam."
"Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam." - 2 Chronicles 11:4
2 Chronicles 4:11 - "And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basons. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God;"
2 Chronicles 11:20
1 Chronicles 4:11 - "¶ And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir, which was the father of Eshton."
2 Chronicles 35:11
2 Chronicles 11:2 - "But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,"
2 Chronicles 11:8 - "And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,"
2 Chronicles 11:9 - "And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,"
2 Chronicles 11:7 - "And Beth-zur, and Shoco, and Adullam,"
2 Chronicles 11:11 - "And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine."
2 Chronicles 4:22
1 Chronicles 2:11 - "And Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,"
1 Chronicles 11:4 - "¶ And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land."
2 Chronicles 11:19 - "Which bare him children; Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham."
2 Chronicles 11:5 - "¶ And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah."
2 Chronicles 11:6 - "He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,"
2 Chronicles 4:15 - "One sea, and twelve oxen under it."
2 Chronicles 30:4 - "And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation."
2 Chronicles 31:11 - "¶ Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,"
2 Chronicles 11:10 - "And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities."
"And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basons. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God;" - 2 Chronicles 4:11
2 Chronicles 30:11 - "Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem."
2 Kings 15:11 - "And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
"And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah," - 2 Chronicles 11:9
"And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph," - 2 Chronicles 11:8
2 Chronicles 7:4 - "¶ Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD."
2 Chronicles 11:13 - "¶ And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts."
2 Chronicles 4:21 - "And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, made he of gold, and that perfect gold;"
2 Chronicles 16:11 - "¶ And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."