2 Chronicles – Chapter 16

Old Testament14 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 16 of 2 Chronicles begins: "And in the six and thirtieth year of his kingdom, Baasa the king of Israel came up against Juda, and built a wall about Rama, that no one…" The chapter centers on Asa and David. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and faith and trust in God. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1And in the six and thirtieth year of his kingdom, Baasa the king of Israel came up against Juda, and built a wall about Rama, that no one might safely go out or come in of the kingdom of Asa.

2Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the Lord, and of the king's treasures, and sent to Benadad king of Syria, who dwelt in Damascus, saying:

3There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father, wherefore I have sent thee silver and gold, that thou mayst break thy league with Baasa king of Israel, and make him depart from me.

4And when Benadad heard this, he sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel: and they took Ahion, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the walled cities of Nephtali.

5And when Baasa heard of it, he left off the building of Rama, and interrupted his work.

6Then king Asa took all Juda, and they carried away from Rama the stones, and the timber that Baasa had prepared for the building: and he built with them Gabaa, and Maspha.

7At that time Hanani the prophet came to Asa king of Juda, and said to him: Because thou hast had confidence in the king of Syria, and not in the Lord thy God, therefore hath the army of the king of Syria escaped out of thy hand.

8Were not the Ethiopians, and the Libyans much more numerous in chariots, and horsemen, and an exceeding great multitude: yet because thou trustedst in the Lord, he delivered them into thy hand?

9For the eyes of the Lord behold all the earth, and give strength to those who with a perfect heart trust in him. Wherefore thou hast done foolishly, and for this cause from this time wars shall arise against thee.

10And Asa was angry with the seer, and commanded him to be put in prison: for he was greatly enraged because of this thing: and he put to death many of the people at that time.

11But the works of Asa the first and last are written in the book of the kings of Juda and Israel.

12And Asa fell sick in the nine and thirtieth year of his reign, of a most violent pain in his feet, and yet in his illness he did not seek the Lord, but rather trusted in the skill of physicians.

13And he slept with his fathers: and he died in the one and fortieth year of his reign.

14And they buried him in his own sepulchre, which he had made for himself in the city of David: and they laid him on his bed full of spices and odoriferous ointments, which were made by the art of the perfumers, and they burnt them over him with very great pomp.

Important Verses in 2 Chronicles 16

And in the six and thirtieth year of his kingdom, Baasa the king of Israel came up against Juda, and built a wall about Rama, that no one might safely go out or come in of the kingdom of Asa.

2 Chronicles 16:1

And when Benadad heard this, he sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel: and they took Ahion, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the walled cities of Nephtali.

2 Chronicles 16:4

For the eyes of the Lord behold all the earth, and give strength to those who with a perfect heart trust in him. Wherefore thou hast done foolishly, and for this cause from this time wars shall arise against thee.

2 Chronicles 16:9

And Asa fell sick in the nine and thirtieth year of his reign, of a most violent pain in his feet, and yet in his illness he did not seek the Lord, but rather trusted in the skill of physicians.

2 Chronicles 16:12

Historical Context

2 Chronicles addresses the restored community, urged to keep worship pure and hearts humble within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 16 of 36 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Asa and David, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. It opens with the line: "And in the six and thirtieth year of his kingdom, Baasa the king of Israel came up against Juda, and built a wall about…" The chapter ends with: "And they buried him in his own sepulchre, which he had made for himself in the city of David: and they laid him on his…" In terms of historical background, Second Chronicles spans from Solomon's Temple to the decree of Cyrus allowing the exiles to return home. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler')

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

In this 14-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of Temple worship and Judah's kings. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And in the six and thirtieth year of his kingdom, Baasa the king of Israel came up against Juda, and built a wall about Rama, that no one might safely go out…" The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

Catholic exegesis reads 2 Chronicles 16 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Temple liturgy prefigures the Church's worship (CIC 1093). St. John Damascene and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2683).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

People in This Chapter

Asa7 mentionsDavid1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches 2 Chronicles Chapter 16 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that Temple worship and Judah's kings is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing the reality of spiritual combat and vigilance.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 74) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Chronicles Chapter 16 about?

2 Chronicles 16 contains 14 verses. It opens with "And in the six and thirtieth year of his kingdom, Baasa the king of Israel came up against Juda, and built a wall about…" and closes with "And they buried him in his own sepulchre, which he had made for himself in the city of David: and they laid him on his…". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in 2 Chronicles 16?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And in the six and thirtieth year of his kingdom, Baasa the king of Israel came up against Juda, and built a wall about Rama, that no one might safely go out or come in of the…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Chronicles Chapter 16?

This chapter mentions Asa, David.

Who wrote 2 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler'). After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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