I love it when we have more than one account of some Bible fact. Or some statement, reported by several different authors. In those instances I do NOT see contradictions, but slightly varying “shades of intent.” Based on the Holy Spirit’s goal in a given (specific) context.
In that light we must notice today’s verse. God and Judah are in view. “Neither will I (the Lord) any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your (Jewish) fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.” 2nd Chronicles 33:8
Here it appears God is going to do them good … period. In order that they will obey Him, for that very purpose. Sort of like Paul’s Romans 2:4 declaration. “Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that … THE GOODNESS OF GOD LEADETH THEE TO REPENTANCE?”
God will (“not remove the foot of Israel”) leave His people in the Land He had given them. They will not be evicted, overrun and placed in slavery!
God gives them this SECURITY … thus expecting their allegiance, loyalty, submission.
By the way, see what “type” obedience God expects! “ALL that I have commanded you!” Then “according to the WHOLE Law!”
Wow, 100% compliance!
But now …
Here’s the same verse, the same statement, as recorded by the historian whom God used to give us the Book (Journal) of the Kings. “Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out of the land which I gave their fathers; only IF they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them.” 2 Kings 21:8
In this view God has inserted an “if!”
It is no longer … “I will be good to you so you will obey Me.”
It is now … “I will keep you in the Land IF you will observe to do the commandments, all of them!”
What a difference!
But I have noticed (on more than one occasion) that the Books of Chronicles are MUCH MORE GRACE ORIENTED that the simple historical annals of the Books of Samuel or Kings!
In fact, concerning our King (Manasseh) in this Series of Lessons … the Second Kings account does not even mention the man’s repentance and restoration by God!
But the Second Chronicles certainly does!
Again, I suggest no contradiction here.
Rather a different emphasis by the writers of the two sets of Books.
One (the Kings) highlight the severity of God, the wages of sin.
The other (the Chronicles) focus on the goodness of God, His astounding forgiveness.
Paul again … “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God.” Romans 11:22
Wow!
Makes me so thankful for the Gospel!
Grace!
Grace!
Grace!
Zechariah 4:7 mentions a headstone (no doubt a Type of Jesus) … “And he shall bring forth the Headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, Grace unto it.”
Grace!
Grace!
Grace!
Amen!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell