Definition: And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 19:2. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about Jehu’s actions and God’s reaction. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core of the Verse: Jehu is speaking to King Jehoshaphat: This establishes who is involved in this situation. Jehu was a powerful king who had been executed for his wickedness – he’d been accused of defying God and leading Israel into idolatry. He asks a crucial question: “Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD?” This is the heart of the verse. He's challenging Jehoshaphat to take action against those who are actively rejecting God’s will. God’s Response - Wrath Upon Thee: This is where it gets intense. The Bible says, “Therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD.” This isn’t a happy ending. It means that God is deeply displeased with Jehu's actions and his refusal to show mercy and compassion to those who were rejecting God. Putting it Together – What's Happening? Jehu, driven by his own ambition and perhaps a desire for revenge, had condemned many people to death. He was essentially siding with the wicked and ignoring God’s message. His actions brought about this divine wrath. It suggests that Jehu's behavior directly led to God’s judgment. Meaning & Significance: This verse is a powerful illustration of God’s justice and His ability to punish those who stray from His path. It highlights: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control, and He doesn't tolerate willful defiance. Divine Punishment: Wrath isn’t just about anger; it's a consequence for wrongdoing. The Importance of Compassion: It emphasizes that God wants us to show mercy and love to those who are hurting and rejecting Him. In short, this verse is a warning – Jehu’s actions have angered God, and he faces the consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Chronicles 19? Discuss what this verse might be teaching about forgiveness or repentance?