How does 2 Chronicles 28:17 connect with Deuteronomy 28's blessings and curses? Setting the Scene • King Ahaz rules Judah (2 Chron 28:1–4). • He “walked in the ways of the kings of Israel,” practiced idolatry, and even sacrificed his sons. • Because covenant faithfulness was abandoned, Judah drifted from the blessings promised in Deuteronomy 28 toward the curses reserved for disobedience. 2 Chronicles 28:17—The Flashpoint “For the Edomites had come again and attacked Judah and carried away captives.” How Deuteronomy 28 Foretells This Moment Deuteronomy 28 outlines two paths: 1. Blessings for obedience (vv. 1–14). 2. Curses for disobedience (vv. 15–68). Key curses that line up with 2 Chron 28:17: • 28:25 — “The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies…” • 28:29 b — “You will only be oppressed and plundered continually…” • 28:41 — “You will father sons and daughters, but they will not remain yours, because they will go into captivity.” • 28:48 — “You will serve your enemies whom the LORD will send against you…” All four statements find a clear echo in Judah’s experience with the Edomites: defeat, oppression, plunder, and the carrying away of captives. Step-by-Step Connection 1. Disobedience: Ahaz’s idolatry = violation of Deuteronomy 28’s obedience clause. 2. Divine response: The LORD “handed Judah over” (2 Chron 28:5) = fulfillment of Deuteronomy 28 warnings. 3. Human agent: Edom becomes the instrument, repeating an old rivalry (Genesis 25:23; Obadiah 10–14). 4. Outcome: Captivity mirrors Deuteronomy 28:41’s specific curse. Reinforcing Scriptures • 2 Chron 28:19 — “For the LORD humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel…” • 2 Kings 16:5–6 — Parallel account confirms Edomite aggression. • Psalm 81:11–12 — “But My people would not listen… so I gave them over to their stubborn hearts.” Why This Link Matters • Shows the unbreakable connection between covenant behavior and historical outcome. • Underscores God’s faithfulness to His word—promised blessings come true, and so do promised curses (Joshua 23:15–16). • Demonstrates that national security is ultimately spiritual, not merely political or military. Takeaway for Today Just as Judah’s compromise led directly to Deuteronomy 28’s curses, steadfast obedience still aligns believers with God’s favor (John 15:10; 1 John 5:3). Scripture’s warnings are as reliable as its promises; both flow from the same faithful God. |
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