2 Chronicles 28:20

French OST (Ostervald)

Or Thilgath-Pilnéser, roi d'Assyrie, vint vers lui; mais il l'opprima, bien loin de le fortifier.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that Tilgathpilneser, the king of Assyria, came to Ahaz, the king of Judah, and caused him distress but did not help him. The key message is about the consequences of seeking help from false gods and enemies.

Explained for Children

Imagine you ask a bully for help when you're in trouble, but instead of helping you, the bully just makes things worse. That's what happened here. Ahaz asked the wrong person for help and ended up in more trouble.

Historical Background

2 Chronicles was written by the Chronicler, likely a priest or a scribe, after the Babylonian exile, around the 5th century BCE. The Chronicler wrote to encourage the returned exiles to follow God faithfully. The Assyrian king, Tilgathpilneser, was a real historical figure who indeed attacked Judah.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, we might see this as a warning against seeking solutions from people or things that cannot truly help us. For example, if someone faces a crisis and turns to harmful habits or negative influences, they might end up worse off.

Topics

faithfulnessconsequencesdeliverancepridewisdomtrust

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Tilgathpilneser?

Tilgathpilneser was a king of Assyria who invaded and attacked Judah, worsening Ahaz's situation.

What does it mean to be distressed but not strengthened?

It means that Tilgathpilneser caused Ahaz trouble but did not offer any real help, leading to more problems.

How does this verse relate to seeking help?

It warns against asking for help from the wrong sources, as it can lead to further distress and not actual support.

What can we learn about Ahaz from this verse?

Ahaz's decision to seek help from the wrong source led to more problems, showing the importance of wise choices in seeking assistance.

Compare 2 Chronicles 28:20 across all translations →