2 Crônicas 31

2 Crônicas 31

Morgan: These words reveal his purpose, his method, and the result; and form a revelation of abiding value to all who are called upon to perform Divine service in any form. His purpose was ‘to seek his God’; and the expression is exactly equivalent to that with which we are familiar: ‘Seek ye first His kingdom.’ (Mt 6:33+) His method was that of complete devotion, ‘with all his heart.’ The result was that of prosperity, that is, of success in the very work which was attempted. EXCURSUS ON "WITH ALL HIS HEART" - The phrase “with all his heart” in Scripture signifies complete devotion, sincerity, and undivided love toward God (Ps 86:11b). It expresses the biblical ideal that true faith is not half-hearted or merely external, but flows from the core of one’s being—the will, affections, and intentions. In the Old Testament, the “heart” (Hebrew lēb) represents the inner person, the seat of thought, desire, and decision. Therefore, to act “with all the heart” means to pursue God with total loyalty and genuine love (which is manifest as willing obedience), holding nothing back. The foundation for this phrase is laid in Deuteronomy 6:5, which commands, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might”. This command reveals that wholehearted devotion is not optional but central to a right relationship with God. Such love involves both obedience and affection; it means aligning one’s desires and choices with God’s will. We are not talking perfection, but definitely speaking of direction! When Hezekiah is described as one who “did with all his heart and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21), it shows that his success flowed from this very posture—a heart fully yielded to God. His sincerity distinguished him (with few exceptions) from most of the other kings who obeyed only partially (good in first part of their reign, evil in the latter) or sought the LORD merely in times of crisis. Throughout Scripture, God consistently blesses those who seek Him wholeheartedly. 2 Chronicles 15:12–15 records that when Judah covenanted “to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and soul,” the Lord gave them rest and peace from their enemies. Likewise, Jeremiah 29:13 promises, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” This pattern reveals that earnest, complete devotion draws divine favor and fellowship. Wholehearted service is not about perfection, but about an undivided pursuit—the refusal to serve both God and idols. The opposite of serving “with all the heart” is hypocrisy, lukewarmness, or divided loyalty. Jesus rebuked such devotion in Matthew 15:8, quoting Isaiah: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me.” The New Testament continues the call for wholehearted faith, urging believers to love God fully and serve Him sincerely. Colossians 3:23 exhorts, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men”, reflecting the same principle that God desires integrity and passion in both worship and daily life. The significance of this phrase is also captured in Pr 3:5–6, which commands, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Here we see that wholehearted trust leads to divine guidance, for when the heart is fully committed to God, it becomes receptive to His direction and blessing. In sum, “with all his heart” signifies the essence of true obedience and worship—complete, undivided devotion to God in love, faith, and action. Hezekiah, David, and others who lived by this principle experienced God’s presence and success, not because of their own strength, but because their hearts were wholly aligned with His will. It is this same wholehearted pursuit that Jesus affirmed as the greatest commandment and the defining mark of a faithful life before God. 2 Chr 16:9 says "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." Here is a concise summary of passages describe a heart that is completely God’s and a few that were not: Job 1:1, 8 – A heart wholly God’s is blameless, upright, God-fearing, and shuns evil; God Himself testifies to its integrity. Numbers 14:24 – A fully devoted heart follows the LORD completely, even when others turn back, and is marked by a different spirit. 1 Kings 8:61 – A whole heart is undivided and steadfast, walking in God’s statutes and keeping His commandments fully. 1 Kings 11:4 – A divided heart, like Solomon’s later years, turns away from the LORD, showing that partial devotion leads to spiritual decline. 1 Kings 15:3, 14 – God values wholehearted loyalty, as seen in David, even when there are failures; the heart’s direction matters more than perfection. 2 Kings 20:3 – A heart fully God’s walks in truth, sincerity, and wholehearted obedience, appealing confidently to God’s faithfulness. 1 Chronicles 12:38 – Wholehearted devotion produces unity and resolve among God’s people, without double-mindedness. 1 Chronicles 28:9 – A complete heart knows God personally and serves Him willingly, recognizing that God searches every heart and motive. 1 Chronicles 29:9, 19 – God delights in willing, joyful devotion, and a whole heart desires to remain fixed on God and obedient to His word. 2 Chronicles 15:17 – Even when outward imperfections remain, God honors a heart that is fully devoted to Him all one’s days. 2 Chronicles 16:9 – God actively supports and strengthens hearts that are completely His, showing divine favor toward wholehearted trust. 2 Chronicles 19:9 – A devoted heart serves the LORD faithfully, wholeheartedly, and reverently, especially in leadership and justice. 2 Chronicles 25:2 – External obedience without a whole heart is incomplete, reminding us that God weighs motives, not appearances. Isaiah 38:3 – A heart fully God’s walks faithfully and sincerely, able to appeal to God with humility and truth in times of crisis. Summary takeaway: Across Scripture, a heart that is completely God’s is marked by integrity, sincerity, undivided loyalty, willing obedience, joyful devotion, and trust, and such a heart consistently draws God’s approval, support, and blessing—even when human weakness is present. The Lord delights in hearts that are wholly His, And pours His strength where true devotion is. F B