2 Chronicles 28:13
And said vnto them, Ye shall not bring in the captiues hither: for whereas wee haue offended against the Lord already, ye intend to adde more to our sinnes and to our trespasse: for our trespasse is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel. 2 Chronicles 28:13 (KJV)
The quotation occurs in the turbulent reign of King Ahaz of Judah. Ahaz “did evil in the sight of the LORD,” worshiping idols and offering sacrifices to foreign gods, thereby leading the people of Judah astray (2 Chronicles 28:1‑4). Because of this rebellion the LORD permitted Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah, king of Israel, to wage war against Judah (28:1‑2). In response Ahaz hired mercenaries from Syria and Edom (28:16‑17), and the forces of Israel captured many Judeans and brought them to Samaria. It is at this point that the prophet Oded confronts the Israelite leaders, warning them not to bring the captives into the house of the LORD because the nation had already incurred divine displeasure (28:13‑15).
The passage teaches several interrelated themes. First, it underscores the consequences of sin: Judah’s suffering is presented as a direct result of Ahaz’s disobedience, reminding readers that sinful actions bring tangible judgment. Second, Oded’s admonition highlights the danger of adding to sin; by bringing additional captives into holy worship the Israelites would compound their trespass and invite further wrath. Third, the text affirms the reality of God’s wrath—the prophet speaks of “fierce wrath against Israel,” indicating that persistent rebellion provokes serious divine response.
Although the verse itself does not mention repentance, the broader chapter records that Ahaz continued to “trespass yet more against the LORD” even in his distress (28:22) and that his reign ends without genuine humility (28:27‑30). This contrast sets the stage for the later reforms of his son Hezekiah, showing that genuine repentance and restoration are possible only when the people turn back to God.
In summary, 2 Chronicles 28:13 warns against compounding wrongdoing, illustrates the inevitable consequences of national sin, and calls the community to recognize God’s righteous anger. The passage invites believers to examine their own lives, avoid adding to existing transgressions, and seek the forgiveness and restoration that God offers to those who humbly repent.
