“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.”
My Notes
What Does 2 Chronicles 16:9 Mean?
The chronicler records a powerful statement about divine surveillance: the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
God's eyes are active — running, scanning, searching. Not passive observation. Active pursuit. He is looking for something specific.
What he is looking for: hearts that are perfect toward him. Perfect (shalem) means whole, complete, undivided. Not sinless — wholehearted. God is looking for people whose hearts are fully committed to him.
What he does when he finds them: shows himself strong on their behalf. The divine power is directed toward supporting the wholehearted. God's strength is deployed for those whose hearts are completely his.
The tragedy of the context: these words are spoken to King Asa, who had just made an alliance with Syria instead of trusting God. The eyes that were running to and fro found a divided heart instead of a whole one.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does God actively 'searching' for wholehearted people mean for your devotion?
- 2.How is a 'perfect heart' (wholeness) different from a sinless life?
- 3.What would it look like for God's eyes to land on your heart and find it undivided?
- 4.Where is your heart divided — and what would wholeness require?
Devotional
The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth. God is searching. Right now. His eyes are scanning every corner of the planet — not passively watching but actively looking for something.
To shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. He is looking for hearts. Specifically: wholehearted ones. Undivided. Fully committed. Not perfect in the sinless sense. Perfect in the wholeness sense — all in, holding nothing back.
When he finds one — when his searching eyes land on a heart that is completely his — he shows himself strong. The power of God is activated on behalf of the wholehearted. His strength is deployed for those whose hearts are fully committed.
God is not stingy with his power. He is looking for somewhere to invest it. The eyes are running to and fro because he wants to show himself strong. He is actively searching for a heart worthy of his full support.
Is your heart perfect — whole, undivided — toward him? Not perfect in behavior. In devotion. All in. No holding back. No divided loyalties. Because the eyes of the Lord are scanning right now. And when they find a wholehearted person, the strength is unleashed.
The question is not whether God is willing to show himself strong. It is whether he can find a heart to show himself strong for.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Then Asa was wroth with the seer,.... For this faithful reproof of him, which was another instance of his sin and folly:…
The rebuke of Hanani and his imprisonment by Asa, omitted by the writer of Kings, are among the most important of the…
Therefore - thou shalt have wars - And so he had with Israel during the rest of his reign, Kg1 15:32.
Here is, I. A plain and faithful reproof given to Asa by a prophet of the Lord, for making this league with Baasha. The…
run to and fro Zec 4:10.
therefore from henceforth R.V. for from henceforth.
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture