2 Chronicles 16:9
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.
Study Note
Study Note
'The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is wholly his' — the prophet Hanani's rebuke of Asa for trusting Syria rather than God (2 Chronicles 16:7–10) contains this celebrated description of divine omniscience. The image of God's eyes sweeping the earth echoes Zechariah's seven eyes on the foundational stone (Zechariah 3:9) and Proverbs 15:3, forming a cluster of texts about divine moral surveillance. Asa's failure illustrates a central Chronicler's theology: reliance on human alliances rather than God forfeits divine strength; the consequence is war for the rest of his reign. The verse has been widely appropriated as a promise of divine support for wholehearted devotion, though its original context is a rebuke rather than an encouragement.
Other Translations
For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
for Jehovah--His eyes go to and fro in all the earth, to show Himself strong <FI>for<Fi> a people whose heart <FI>is<Fi> perfect towards Him; thou hast been foolish concerning this, because--henceforth there are with thee wars.'
For the eyes of the Lord go this way and that, through all the earth, letting it be seen that he is the strong support of those whose hearts are true to him. In this you have done foolishly, for from now you will have wars.
Cross References
And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, …
And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king …
For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.
I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, …
And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, …
That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that …
But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his …
Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? …