The Consequences of Forsaking God: A Reflection on 2 Chronicles 28:6
"¶ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers." - 2 Chronicles 28:6
As we delve into the depths of scripture, our hearts are often challenged, torn between truth and the realities of our lives. Today we turn our focus to 2 Chronicles 28:6, a sobering verse that reads: "For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers."
This verse illustrates a dramatic and tragic event in the history of Judah, where a significant loss of life resulted from a divine principle at work—particularly, the consequences of turning away from God. The chronicler provides a stark reminder of the grave repercussions that come when a nation or an individual forsakes the Lord. To fully appreciate the weight of this verse, we must explore several key themes: the consequences of disobedience, the nature of true strength, and the importance of returning to God.
First, we must acknowledge the context in which this event occurred. Under King Ahaz, Judah faced immense spiritual decline. The king himself had turned to idolatry, seeking help from foreign nations rather than relying on the Lord (2 Chronicles 28:20-23). This turning away from God led to internal discord and external conflict, opening the door for Pekah—a king of Israel—to inflict significant damage upon Judah. The fact that one hundred and twenty thousand valiant men fell in a single day is a testament to the weighty consequences of their rejection of God's commands. It warns us that our rebellion can lead not only to personal repercussions but also to suffering that may impact our community and future generations.
The term "valiant men" stands out in this verse. These were not insignificant individuals; they were warriors and defenders of their homeland. This brings forth an essential reminder that true strength is not merely found in physical prowess or military might. The valor of these men was rendered ineffective by their disobedience to God. They may have been brave in battle, but their strength was overshadowed by their failure to uphold a covenant relationship with the Lord. As believers today, we are reminded that our achievements, our accomplishments, and even our physical might are meaningless in the absence of God’s blessing. We need to constantly seek to align our lives with the principles of faith, for it is only through Him that we are fortified.
Yet, amidst the gravity of this passage, there is hope. The narrative does not simply serve as a cautionary tale but also extends an invitation to return to the Lord. In times of loss and despair, it is vital to reflect on our hearts and assess whether we, too, have forsaken the God of our fathers. Have we placed our trust in our own understanding, talents, or the systems of our world, forgetting our dependence on the eternal God? The path back to restoration begins with acknowledgment, repentance, and a heartfelt return to Him. God’s grace is abundant, and His desire is for His people to return to Him, regardless of how far they may have strayed.
In conclusion, let 2 Chronicles 28:6 be a somber but motivating reminder. It challenges us to examine our lives, recognize the gravity of forsaking the Lord, and invites us to come back to the One who is our true strength. As we reflect on this verse, may we be stirred to build our lives on a foundation of faith, discarding the allure of worldly strength and choosing instead to serve and honor the God of our fathers, whose love is everlasting and whose mercy is boundless.
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2 Chronicles 28:6 - "¶ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers."
"¶ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers." - 2 Chronicles 28:6
2 Chronicles 6:28 - "¶ If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:"
1 Chronicles 6:28 - "And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah."
2 Chronicles 28:3
2 Chronicles 20:28
2 Chronicles 28:2 - "For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim."
"And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah." - 1 Chronicles 6:28
2 Chronicles 20:28 - "And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 9:28 - "And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands."
1 Chronicles 2:28 - "And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada. And the sons of Shammai; Nadab, and Abishur."
2 Chronicles 28:17 - "For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives."
2 Chronicles 28:14 - "So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation."
2 Chronicles 18:28 - "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead."
2 Chronicles 28:16 - "¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him."
2 Chronicles 25:28 - "And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah."
2 Chronicles 28:20 - "And Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not."
2 Chronicles 6:13
2 Chronicles 28:22 - "¶ And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz."
2 Chronicles 28:4 - "He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
2 Kings 23:28 - "Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 32:28 - "Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks."
"¶ If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:" - 2 Chronicles 6:28
2 Chronicles 29:28 - "And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished."
2 Chronicles 28:7 - "And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king."
2 Chronicles 6:2 - "But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever."
1 Chronicles 6:2 - "And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel."
2 Chronicles 28:26 - "¶ Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
1 Chronicles 28:6 - "And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father."
2 Chronicles 6:6 - "But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel."