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2 Chronicles 25:8

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Chronicles 25:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But if thou wilt go, do [valiantly], be strong for the battle: God will cast thee down before the enemy; for God hath power to help, and to cast down.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But if thou wilt go, do [valiantly], be strong for the battle: God will cast thee down before the enemy; for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
2 Chronicles 25:8 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Chronicles 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and ordered them according to their fathers` houses, under captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, even all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and upward, and found them three hundred thousand chosen men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.
6He hired also a hundred thousand mighty men of valor out of Israel for a hundred talents of silver.
7But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for Jehovah is not with Israel, [to wit], with all the children of Ephraim.
8But if thou wilt go, do [valiantly], be strong for the battle: God will cast thee down before the enemy; for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
9And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, Jehovah is able to give thee much more than this.
10Then Amaziah separated them, [to wit], the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in fierce anger.
11And Amaziah took courage, and led forth his people, and went to the Valley of Salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle, etc.] An ironical expression; if thou wilt not be advised, take them with thee, and try what thou canst do; exert all thy courage, and use thy military skill, and mark the issue: God shall make thee fall before the enemy; notwithstanding the number of thy troops, and those of thy auxiliaries; though some take them to be spoken seriously, and read the words, “but go thou”; that is, alone, without the hired troops, and fight boldly and courageously; or otherwise “God shall make thee fall”, etc. for God hath power to help and to cast down; to help with a few, and to cast down with many; to help without the hired Israelites, and to cast down…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If the present text is regarded as sound, this passage must be taken ironically. But most recent commentators supply a second negative, and render it: “But go thou alone, act, be strong for the battle - God shall then not make thee to fall.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Do it - It is an ironical concession like that, go, and prosper. 2 Chronicles 25:10”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“be strong: Ch2 18:14; Ecc 11:9; Isa 8:9, Isa 8:10; Joe 3:9-14; Mat 26:45 God hath power: Ch2 14:11, Ch2 20:6; Jdg 7:7; Sa1 14:6; Job 5:18, Job 9:13; Psa 20:7, Psa 33:16-20; Psa 62:11; Ecc 9:11 army: Heb. band, Ch2 25:13 The Lord: Ch2 1:12; Deu 8:18; Psa 24:1; Pro 10:22; Hag 2:8; Luk 18:29, Luk 18:30; Phi 4:19 2 Chronicles 25:10”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification