Your work shall be rewarded.--Literally, there is indeed a reward for your work; words occurring in Jeremiah 31:16. We have here the moral of the prophet's address. The ruinous results of not "seeking," and "forsaking," Jehovah (2 Chronicles 15:2) have been briefly but powerfully sketched from the past history of the nation. The conclusion is, Do not ye fall away like your forefathers; but let your allegiance to Jehovah be decided and sincere.
15:1-19 The people make a solemn covenant with God. - The work of complete reformation appeared so difficult, that Asa had not courage to attempt it, till assured of Divine assistance and acceptance. He and his people offered sacrifices to God; thanksgiving for the favours they had received, and supplication for further favours. Prayers and praises are now our spiritual sacrifices. The people, of their own will, covenanted to seek the Lord, each for himself, with earnestness. What is religion but seeking God, inquiring after him, applying to him upon all occasions? We make nothing of our religion, if we do not make heart-work of it; God will have all the heart, or none. Our devotedness to God our Saviour, should be avowed and shown in the most solemn and public manner. What is done in hypocrisy is a mere drudgery.
Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak,.... Be hearty, earnest, and vigorous, and not languid and remiss in reforming the worship of God, which Asa had begun:
for your work shall be rewarded; with peace and prosperity at home, and success against enemies abroad, of which they had had a recent instance.
Be weak.--Droop, or hang down (Zephaniah 3:16; 2 Samuel 4:1).
Your work shall be rewarded.--Literally, there is indeed a reward for your work; words occurring in Jeremiah 31:16. We have here the moral of the prophet's address. The ruinous results of not "seeking," and "forsaking," Jehovah (2 Chronicles 15:2) have been briefly but powerfully sketched from the past history of the nation. The conclusion is, Do not ye fall away like your forefathers; but let your allegiance to Jehovah be decided and sincere.
Your work.--Of rooting out idolatry.
for your work shall be rewarded; with peace and prosperity at home, and success against enemies abroad, of which they had had a recent instance.