What does 2 Chronicles 11:16 mean?
"And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers." - 2 Chronicles 11:16

2 Chronicles 11:16 (KJV) says, "And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the Lord God of their fathers."
This verse comes in the context of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, becoming king of Judah after the kingdom of Israel was divided. Rehoboam's rule was met with opposition, and many of the tribes of Israel rebelled against him, leaving him with only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. In response, Rehoboam fortified the cities of Judah, including Jerusalem, to defend against possible attacks from the rebellious tribes.
In 2 Chronicles 11:16, we see a significant shift as people from all the tribes of Israel come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord God. This verse is significant because it demonstrates the power of unity and faith in God. Despite the division and conflict among the tribes of Israel, there were still those who remained faithful to the Lord and sought to worship Him in Jerusalem.
One of the key themes in this verse is the importance of seeking and worshipping God. The people who came to Jerusalem set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel, demonstrating their commitment to their faith and their desire to connect with God. This act of seeking the Lord shows the spiritual hunger and longing for God's presence, despite the political and social turmoil that was taking place in the region at the time.
Another theme present in this verse is unity. Despite the division and conflict among the tribes of Israel, people from all tribes came together in Jerusalem to worship the Lord. This demonstrates the power of faith to bring people together and unite them in common purpose. It also emphasizes the idea that despite our differences, we can come together in worship and seek God as one unified body.
The act of sacrificing unto the Lord God of their fathers is another significant aspect of this verse. Sacrifices were an integral part of Old Testament worship, and they symbolized the people's dedication and devotion to God. By coming to Jerusalem to sacrifice, the people were expressing their desire to honor and obey God, even in the midst of political instability.
This verse also carries a message of hope and renewal. Despite the challenges and divisions facing the kingdom at the time, there were still people who were faithful and committed to seeking the Lord. Their actions serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still a remnant of faithful believers who are willing to stand firm in their faith and seek God with all their hearts.
In terms of symbolism, Jerusalem holds significant spiritual and historical symbolism in the Bible. It was the capital city of Israel and the location of the temple, a place where God's presence was believed to dwell. The fact that people from all tribes came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord symbolizes their recognition of Jerusalem as the center of worship and the place where they could encounter God.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 11:16 is a powerful verse that captures the themes of faith, unity, worship, and renewal. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the ability of God to unite people across divisions. Despite the challenges and conflicts of the time, this verse demonstrates that there were still those who remained faithful and committed to seeking and worshipping the Lord. It is a message of hope and inspiration for believers today, reminding us that even in the midst of turmoil, we can still come together in unity to seek God with all our hearts.
Have questions about 2 Chronicles 11:16?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Chronicles 11:16 Artwork
2 Chronicles 11:16 - "And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers."
"And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers." - 2 Chronicles 11:16
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."
1 Chronicles 11:16 - "And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Beth-lehem."
1 Chronicles 16:11 - "Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually."
2 Chronicles 11:20
"¶ And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel." - 2 Chronicles 16:11
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."
1 Chronicles 2:11 - "And Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,"
"And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Beth-lehem." - 1 Chronicles 11:16
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 13:16 - "And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand."
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."
2 Chronicles 28:16 - "¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him."
2 Chronicles 16:13 - "¶ And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign."
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
Zechariah 1:1-6
1 Chronicles 2:16 - "Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three."
"Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually." - 1 Chronicles 16:11