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Joshua 1:7,9
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from itto the right hand orto the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest…

1 Chronicles 28:20
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and doit: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God,even my God,will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

your work

Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: Iam thy shield,and thy exceeding great reward.

Ruth 2:12
The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Psalm 19:11
Moreover by them is thy servant warned:and in keeping of themthere is great reward.

be strong;
The call to "be strong" is a recurring biblical exhortation, often associated with leadership and faithfulness in the face of adversity. It echoes God's command to Joshua (Joshua 1:6-9) and is a reminder of the need for spiritual and moral courage. In the context of 2 Chronicles, it underscores the importance of relying on God's strength rather than human power, especially during times of reform and renewal.

do not be discouraged,
This phrase addresses the natural human tendency to fear and lose heart, especially when facing opposition or challenges. It reassures the faithful that God is with them, as seen in similar encouragements given to leaders like Moses (Deuteronomy 31:8) and Paul (Acts 18:9-10). The historical context of Asa's reforms, which involved removing idolatry and restoring true worship, required perseverance and trust in God's promises.

for your work will be rewarded.”
This assurance of reward is a principle found throughout Scripture, where God promises to bless those who diligently seek Him and obey His commands (Hebrews 11:6). In the immediate context, it refers to the spiritual and material prosperity that would follow Asa's reforms. It also points to the broader biblical theme of divine justice and the ultimate reward for faithfulness, as seen in the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 25:21) and the writings of Paul (1 Corinthians 15:58).

- The prophet Azariah addresses King Asa personally, shifting from a national warning to a personal charge. This phrase zeroes in on individual responsibility: no one can hide behind the crowd when God calls.

- Similar personal appeals run through Scripture: “But you, be on your guard” (Mark 13:9); “But you, be sober in all things” (2 Timothy 4:5).

- God still singles out believers today, reminding each of us that obedience is not optional or collective only—it is personal.

- Strength here is not merely physical but moral and spiritual, rooted in trust in the Lord.

- Joshua heard the same command: “Be strong and very courageous” (Joshua 1:7).

- Paul echoes it: “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).

- Ways this strength shows up:

- Steadfast devotion to God’s Word (Psalm 119:28).

- Unwavering commitment to obedience despite cultural pressure (1 Corinthians 16:13).

- Resolute faith when circumstances shake (2 Chronicles 32:7).

- Discouragement drains resolve; God counters it with hope.

- “Let us not grow weary in well-doing” (Galatians 6:9).

- “Consider Him who endured such hostility…so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3).

- “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, I will surely help you” (Isaiah 41:10).

- Practical helps:

- Recall past deliverances (Psalm 77:11).

- Surround yourself with believers who speak courage (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

- Keep your eyes on promises rather than problems (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

- God never overlooks faithful labor.

- “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast… knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

- “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10).

- “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me” (Revelation 22:12).

- Rewards may come now (peace, fruitfulness) or later (eternal commendation), but they are certain.

- This promise fuels perseverance: present sacrifice is never wasted when the Lord Himself guarantees the return (Matthew 25:21).

2 Chronicles 15:7 speaks directly to every believer: take personal responsibility, draw strength from God, refuse discouragement, and keep serving. Because the Lord promises a sure reward, we can press on with courage and confidence, knowing our labor for Him always matters.

Be weak.--Droop, orhang down (Zephaniah 3:16;2Samuel 4:1).

Your work shall be rewarded.--Literally,there is indeed a reward for your work; words occurring inJeremiah 31:16. We have here the moral of the prophet's address. The ruinous results of not "seeking," and "forsaking," Jehovah (2Chronicles 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. . . .