Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Budbringerne skyndte seg ut i hele Israel og Juda med brevene fra kongen og lederne hans. Slik lød kongens befaling: «Israels folk, gi hjertene deres til Herren, Abrahams, Isaks og Israels Gud, så skal Han være med dere. Det er ikke så mange som har sluppet unna assyrerkongens hånd. Vær ikke som deres fedre og deres brødre. De har ikke levd for Herren, men de har sveket Ham. Derfor overlot Herren dem til å bli ødelagt, slik dere selv ser. Vær ikke sta, slik forfedrene deres var, men la dere ledes av Herren og kom inn i Hans helligdom – den Han har innviet for all tid. Tjen Herren deres Gud så Hans brennende sinne kan snus bort fra dere.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes messengers sent by the king to deliver a message throughout Israel and Judah, urging the people to return to God. The king and his princes are speaking, and the key message is that turning back to God can lead to salvation and protection from enemies.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing hide and seek, and you're hiding in a really dark corner. Your friend (like God) is calling you to come out and play again. This verse is like that friend calling you to come back to the game and enjoy it together again.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the Book of 2 Chronicles, written by anonymous authors after the Babylonian exile. It reflects the period when King Hezekiah was trying to unite the people of Israel and Judah under the worship of the one true God, after a period of idolatry and division.
Living It Out Today
In today's world, this verse can apply to someone who has drifted away from their faith. For instance, someone who used to be active in their church community but stopped attending due to life's pressures. The verse encourages them to return to their faith, promising that God will also return to them.
Topics
repentancesalvationdivine protectionreturn to Godunityworship
The king mentioned is Hezekiah, who was known for his reforms to restore worship of the one true God in Israel and Judah.
What was the main purpose of the king's message?
The main purpose was to encourage the people to return to God, promising that He would return to those who turned back to Him, especially those who had escaped the Assyrian invasion.
How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance?
This verse emphasizes the call to repentance, where the people are urged to turn back to God, acknowledging their past wrongs and seeking His forgiveness and protection.
Why is divine protection mentioned in this verse?
The mention of divine protection highlights the assurance that God will be with those who return to Him, providing security and salvation, especially in the context of external threats like the Assyrian kings.