2 Chronicles 15:6 – “One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another, because God was troubling them with every kind of distress.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, the prophet Azariah continues his message to King Asa, describing the consequences of nations turning away from God. It paints a picture of a time when widespread turmoil affected not just individual people, but entire cities and nations. The people were suffering, and it wasn’t due to random events—it was because God was allowing their disobedience to bring about severe consequences. The verse reveals that God was “troubling them with every kind of distress,” showing that their difficulties were a direct result of their disobedience and rebellion against Him.
This verse highlights a principle seen throughout the Bible: when people, cities, and nations abandon God, the protective hand of God is withdrawn, and the natural outcome is chaos, division, and conflict.
Historical Context
This message came during the reign of King Asa of Judah, around the 9th century BC. The prophet Azariah was addressing a time when Israel had frequently turned away from God. Leading up to Asa’s reign, the people of both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah had fallen into idolatry and had forsaken the true worship of God. As a result, there was significant instability, both within the kingdoms and among the surrounding nations.
The verse refers to a period of great conflict, where nations were warring against each other, cities were fighting amongst themselves, and the people lived in constant fear and distress. This chaos was seen as a direct consequence of their rejection of God. The Israelites had experienced periods of peace when they followed God’s laws, but this was a time of rebellion, and they were suffering the consequences.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the consequences of rejecting God’s ways. It serves as a reminder that God is not indifferent to human actions. When nations or individuals turn away from Him, they often experience the natural results of their choices—conflict, division, and hardship. The “distress” mentioned in the verse shows that God’s protective hand can be lifted when people choose to live in rebellion.
However, this isn’t about God being harsh or unloving. It’s about the consequences of living outside of His guidance. God’s laws and commands are meant to bring order, peace, and blessing, but when they are ignored, the result is often confusion and strife. The verse reflects the principle that disobedience leads to disorder.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses strong, action-packed language. Words like “crushed” and “troubling” emphasize the severity of the situation. The repetition of “one nation by another” and “one city by another” underscores how widespread the turmoil was—it wasn’t limited to just one region, but was affecting everyone. The phrase “God was troubling them with every kind of distress” clearly links the distress they were experiencing to God’s intervention, showing that these events were not random, but rather a direct response to their collective disobedience.
The verse is part of a broader narrative where the prophet Azariah is calling the people to repentance and encouraging them to seek God. It highlights both the reality of their current situation and the hope that comes through turning back to God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 28:20: “The Lord will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him.”
- Isaiah 30:1: “Woe to the obstinate children, declares the Lord, to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin.”
- Judges 2:14-15: “In his anger against Israel the Lord gave them into the hands of raiders who plundered them… They were in great distress.”
These verses reflect the same idea that disobedience to God leads to consequences, often in the form of conflict and hardship. However, they also point to the hope of restoration when people turn back to God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of living according to God’s ways. Just as the people in this passage experienced turmoil and distress as a result of turning away from God, individuals and societies today can also suffer when they reject God’s truth. The verse challenges Christians to consider the broader consequences of collective disobedience to God, whether in families, communities, or nations.
It also reminds believers that God allows people to face the consequences of their choices. However, the message is not one of despair. It points to the need for repentance and turning back to God, which is the solution to the chaos described in the verse. Seeking God leads to peace and restoration.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, the idea of God “troubling them with every kind of distress” might seem at odds with a loving God. However, this verse reveals that God’s love involves both discipline and correction. Just like a loving parent disciplines their child to prevent them from continuing in destructive behavior, God allows consequences to occur when people turn away from Him.
God’s love is shown in the way He continually calls His people back to Him. Even in the midst of turmoil and distress, His desire is always for restoration and relationship. The consequences of disobedience are meant to lead people to repentance, not to drive them away from God. The discipline is temporary, but His love is enduring.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to a world in need of peace, which is ultimately found in Jesus Christ. In a world filled with turmoil, Jesus is the one who brings true peace. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus acknowledges the presence of trouble and distress in the world but offers Himself as the solution.
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provide a way for humanity to be reconciled to God, avoiding the consequences of sin and experiencing peace with God. In Christ, the chaos and turmoil caused by sin are replaced with the hope of eternal peace and security in God’s presence. Colossians 1:20 tells us that through Jesus, God reconciled all things to Himself, “making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do we see the effects of turning away from God in today’s world? Are there ways in which society experiences turmoil due to rejecting God’s ways?
- In what areas of your life do you need to turn back to God in order to experience His peace and guidance?
- How does this verse challenge us to think about the consequences of disobedience, both personally and as a community?
- How can we take comfort in knowing that, even in times of distress, God’s desire is for us to return to Him and experience restoration?
- How does the peace offered through Jesus Christ help you navigate the turmoil and challenges of life?
This verse teaches us the importance of following God’s ways and the consequences of rejecting Him. However, it also points to the hope we have in Christ, who offers true peace in the midst of life’s challenges and calls us back into a loving relationship with God.