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
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Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
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O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath …