But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
2 Chronicles 15:7
What does 2 Chronicles 15:7 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
2 Chronicles 15:7
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Even though King Asa is giving this message during a time of great spiritual revival, the verse emphasizes that his strength and his reward are still contingent on his actions. It's a powerful reminder that God's grace empowers us, but it doesn't erase our responsibility to bravely carry out His work with expectation of His promised recompense.
But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Asa has just purged Judah of idolatry and renewed the covenant with God, but his military strength is still threatened by the northern kingdom of Israel. This verse is God's encouragement to Asa and his people as they face this looming danger, assuring them that their faithfulness will not go unnoticed and will ultimately bring victory and blessing. Following this, Asa actively pursues God's commands, leading to a period of peace and prosperity.
Ever feel like the task ahead is just too big, and your strength is failing? This verse speaks directly to that feeling.
King Asa was facing a massive challenge – a rebellion and the need to reform his kingdom. God’s message to him, through the prophet Azariah, wasn't about minimizing the difficulty, but about empowering Asa to face it.
Find Strength in God's Presence
The command is clear: 'take courage!' This isn't a suggestion; it's a divine imperative. It implies that true courage isn't something we drum up internally but something we receive from God when we rely on Him. It's about trusting that He is with us, even in the hardest battles.
God doesn't just tell us to be brave; He expects us to act. What does that look like when things are tough?
The second part of the verse, 'Do not let your hands be weak,' is a call to action. It means continuing to do the work God has given you, even when you feel discouraged or overwhelmed.
Don't Give Up
Weak hands signify inactivity, surrender, or a lack of effort. God calls Asa, and by extension us, to persevere. This involves carrying out the reforms, rebuilding, and trusting in God's timing and power, rather than succumbing to fatigue or doubt. It’s about faithfulness in the midst of the struggle.
Ask a follow-up
What's the motivation for keeping going when the challenges seem endless? This verse offers a powerful incentive.
The promise, 'for your work shall be rewarded,' is the cornerstone of godly perseverance. This reward isn't always immediate or material, but it is certain because it comes from God.
God Sees and Rewards Faithfulness
God is not unjust; He remembers the sacrifices and efforts made in obedience to Him. This reward can be seen in His continued favor, the fruitfulness of the work, and ultimately, in eternal recompense. It assures us that our labor for His kingdom is never in vain.
Understand the original words
chazaq · Hebrew Verb
The capacity to remain steadfast, hopeful, and active in the face of fear or difficulty. Biblically, it is grounded not in self-confidence, but in trust in God's presence and promises.
This verse is spoken by a prophet to King Jehoshaphat of Judah, encouraging him to continue in his reforms and to trust in God, not alliances, even when facing opposition and the temptation to compromise.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
After King Solomon's death, the unified Kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel (ten tribes) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (two tribes, including Jerusalem). This division sets the stage for future conflicts and differing spiritual paths.
c. 873-853 BC
Reign of Omri and Ahab
The Northern Kingdom, especially under Omri and his son Ahab, falls into deep idolatry, influenced by Baal worship from Phoenicia. This period marks a significant spiritual decline.
c. 870-848 BC
Reign of Asa of Judah
Asa, king of Judah, begins his reign with genuine devotion, removing idols and seeking God. However, later in his reign, he becomes increasingly reliant on political alliances and less on God.
c. 853-841 BC
Reign of Jehoshaphat of Judah
Asa's son Jehoshaphat takes the throne. While he initially follows God, he makes a disastrous marriage alliance with the wicked house of Ahab, bringing foreign influence and idolatry into Judah.
c. 853 BC— this verse
Prophet's Rebuke and Warning
During Jehoshaphat's early reign, a prophet (likely Hanani, as mentioned in 2 Chron 16:7-10) confronts the king for allying with the Northern Kingdom of Israel instead of trusting in the Lord. This is the immediate context for the encouragement and warning that follows.
c. 853 BC
Jehoshaphat Reforms
Spurred by the prophet's words and perhaps later events, Jehoshaphat undertakes significant religious reforms, sending officials and priests throughout Judah to teach God's law and strengthen the people's faith.
This passage echoes the encouragement given to Joshua, urging him to be strong and courageous as he leads God's people, just as the people of Judah are encouraged here to continue their work despite opposition.
Nehemiah 4:14Nehemiah, facing opposition while rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, reminds his people to remember the Lord and fight for their families, paralleling the sentiment of perseverance and divine reward in the face of adversity.
Galatians 6:9Paul writes about not growing weary in doing good, assuring believers that they will reap a harvest if they do not give up, which directly supports the promise of reward for continued effort mentioned in Chronicles.
Hebrews 10:36This verse calls for endurance so that after doing the will of God, believers may receive what has been promised, reinforcing the idea that perseverance in God's work leads to a promised reward.
Even though King Asa is giving this message during a time of great spiritual revival, the verse emphasizes that his strength and his reward are still contingent on his actions. It's a powerful reminder that God's grace empowers us, but it doesn't erase our responsibility to bravely carry out His work with expectation of His promised recompense.
King Asa has just purged Judah of idolatry and renewed the covenant with God, but his military strength is still threatened by the northern kingdom of Israel. This verse is God's encouragement to Asa and his people as they face this looming danger, assuring them that their faithfulness will not go unnoticed and will ultimately bring victory and blessing. Following this, Asa actively pursues God's commands, leading to a period of peace and prosperity.
King Asa has just purged Judah of idolatry and renewed the covenant with God, but his military strength is still threatened by the northern kingdom of Israel. This verse is God's encouragement to Asa and his people as they face this looming danger, assuring them that their faithfulness will not go unnoticed and will ultimately bring victory and blessing. Following this, Asa actively pursues God's commands, leading to a period of peace and prosperity.
"But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”" — Even though King Asa is giving this message during a time of great spiritual revival, the verse emphasizes that his strength and his reward are still contingent on his actions. It's a powerful re…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026