2 Chronicles 32
BSB1 After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself. 2 When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to make war against Jerusalem, 3 he consulted with his leaders and commanders about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out. 4 Many people assembled and stopped up all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?” they said. 5 Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields. 6 Hezekiah appointed military commanders over the people and gathered the people in the square of the city gate. Then he encouraged them, saying, 7 “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 9 Later, as Sennacherib king of Assyria and all his forces besieged Lachish, he sent his servants to Jerusalem with a message for King Hezekiah of Judah and all the people of Judah who were in Jerusalem: 10 “This is what Sennacherib king of Assyria says: What is the basis of your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem under siege? 11 Is not Hezekiah misleading you to give you over to death by famine and thirst when he says, ‘The LORD our God will deliver us from the hand of the king of Assyria?’ 12 Did not Hezekiah himself remove His high places and His altars and say to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before one altar, and on it you shall burn sacrifices’? 13 Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of the lands? Have the gods of these nations ever been able to deliver their land from my hand? 14 Who among all the gods of these nations that my fathers devoted to destruction has been able to deliver his people from my hand? How then can your God deliver you from my hand? 15 So now, do not let Hezekiah deceive you, and do not let him mislead you like this. Do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or from the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you from my hand!" 16 And the servants of Sennacherib spoke further against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah. 17 He also wrote letters mocking the LORD, the God of Israel, and saying against Him: “Just as the gods of the nations did not deliver their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand." 18 Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city. 19 They spoke against the God of Jerusalem as they had spoken against the gods of the peoples of the earth—the work of human hands. 20 In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out to heaven in prayer, 21 and the LORD sent an angel who annihilated every mighty man of valor and every leader and commander in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons struck him down with the sword. 22 So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hands of King Sennacherib of Assyria and all the others, and He gave them rest on every side. 23 Many brought offerings to Jerusalem for the LORD and valuable gifts for Hezekiah king of Judah, and from then on he was exalted in the eyes of all nations. 24 In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. So he prayed to the LORD, who spoke to him and gave him a sign. 25 But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem. 26 Then Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart—he and the people of Jerusalem—so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah. 27 Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles. 28 He also made storehouses for the harvest of grain and new wine and oil, stalls for all kinds of livestock, and pens for the flocks. 29 He made cities for himself, and he acquired herds of sheep and cattle in abundance, for God gave him very great wealth. 30 It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Spring of Gihon and channeled it down to the west side of the City of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all that he did. 31 And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart. 32 As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his deeds of loving devotion, they are indeed written in the vision of the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 33 And Hezekiah rested with his fathers and was buried in the upper tombs of David’s descendants. All Judah and the people of Jerusalem paid him honor at his death. And his son Manasseh reigned in his place.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 32
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 32
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 32
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 32
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
2 Chronicles 32 begins with the invasion of Judah by Sennacherib, king of Assyria, who besieged the fortified cities of Judah and eventually came to Jerusalem. King Hezekiah, in response, prepared for war by stopping up the springs outside the city and building a strong wall to protect the city's water supply. He also encouraged the people to trust in God, reminding them that the Assyrians had no power against the Lord. The Assyrians, however, sent messengers to intimidate the people of Jerusalem, trying to undermine their faith in God. Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah prayed to God, and the Lord sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw. This chapter also mentions Hezekiah's subsequent illness and his prideful response to the Babylonian envoys who came to congratulate him on his recovery, which led to a prophetic warning of future judgment. Key verses such as 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 emphasize Hezekiah's trust in God and the folly of trusting in human strength against the Lord.
Context for the Chapter
2 Chronicles 32 is part of the larger narrative of 2 Chronicles, which chronicles the history of Judah from the reign of Solomon to the Babylonian exile. This chapter fits into the section that describes the reign of Hezekiah, one of the few kings of Judah who are noted for their faithfulness to God. The events of this chapter are also paralleled in the book of Isaiah, particularly in Isaiah 36-37, which provides additional details about the Assyrian invasion and Hezekiah's prayer. Understanding the historical and biblical context helps in appreciating the significance of Hezekiah's faith and God's deliverance in the broader story of God's relationship with His people.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's power and deliverance, especially in the face of overwhelming adversity. It reminds us that our strength comes from the Lord, not from human might or strategies. As we face our own challenges, we are called to have the same kind of faith as Hezekiah, trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty over all things.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about King Hezekiah and how he trusted in God when the Assyrian army came to attack Jerusalem. Even though the situation seemed hopeless, God sent an angel to destroy the Assyrian army, saving the city. The chapter teaches us to trust in God and not in our own strength, just like Hezekiah did, as seen in 2 Chronicles 32:8. It also warns us about the dangers of pride, as Hezekiah experienced after his recovery from illness.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord can deliver us, even when all human hope seems lost, for He is the God of the impossible.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“We must learn to trust not in the arm of flesh but in the Lord our God, for He alone is our rock and our salvation.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Preparations for War (2 Chronicles 32:1-5) — Hezekiah prepares Jerusalem for the Assyrian siege by stopping up the springs and building a strong wall to protect the city's water supply.
- The Assyrian Invasion (2 Chronicles 32:6-19) — The Assyrians, led by Sennacherib, invade Judah, and their messengers try to intimidate the people of Jerusalem into surrendering.
- Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Deliverance (2 Chronicles 32:20-22) — Hezekiah and Isaiah pray to God, and the Lord sends an angel to destroy the Assyrian army, delivering Jerusalem.
- Hezekiah's Illness and Pride (2 Chronicles 32:24-26) — Hezekiah becomes ill but is healed after praying to God. However, he becomes prideful when envoys from Babylon come to congratulate him on his recovery, leading to a prophetic warning of future judgment.
- Conclusion and Legacy (2 Chronicles 32:27-33) — The chapter concludes with a description of Hezekiah's wealth and the water tunnel he built, as well as the prophetic warning given to him about the future of Judah.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all nations and kings, giving power and taking it away as He pleases, as seen in the destruction of the Assyrian army.
- Faith and Trust
- The importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength is emphasized, highlighting faith as a fundamental response to God's sovereignty and promises.
- Pride and Humility
- Hezekiah's experience serves as a lesson on the dangers of pride and the importance of maintaining humility before God, especially after experiencing God's deliverance.
- Divine Deliverance
- The chapter illustrates God's power and willingness to deliver His people from adversity, often in ways that surpass human understanding or strength.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 32
- The Importance of Faith — This chapter teaches us that faith in God is crucial for overcoming adversity and experiencing God's deliverance.
- The Dangers of Pride — Hezekiah's experience warns us about the dangers of pride, especially after experiencing God's blessings or deliverance.
- God's Sovereignty — The events of this chapter demonstrate God's sovereignty over all nations and kings, emphasizing His power and control over history.
- The Power of Prayer — The effectiveness of Hezekiah's and Isaiah's prayers shows the importance of prayer in seeking God's intervention and guidance.
- Trust in God's Goodness — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem impossible or overwhelming.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 32
- Faith and Trust — The theme of trusting in God rather than in human strength is central to this chapter, highlighting the importance of faith in the face of adversity.
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's control over all nations and kings, demonstrating His power to give and take away power.
- Deliverance and Salvation — The deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrians serves as a type of the greater salvation brought by Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's power to rescue His people.
- Pride and Humility — The contrast between Hezekiah's initial humility and subsequent pride teaches valuable lessons about the importance of maintaining humility before God.
- The Role of Prayer — The chapter highlights the role of prayer in seeking God's intervention and guidance, demonstrating its effectiveness in times of need.
Questions for Meditation
- How does this chapter encourage you to trust in God's power and deliverance in your own life?
- What lessons can be learned from Hezekiah's initial faithfulness and subsequent pride?
- In what ways does this chapter illustrate the sovereignty of God over nations and kings?
- How does the deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrians point to the greater salvation brought by Jesus Christ?
- What role does prayer play in this chapter, and how can this inform your own practice of prayer?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Assyrian Invasion (2 Chronicles 32:1)
| 32:1 | Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them. |
2. Preparations for War (2 Chronicles 32:2-5)
| 32:2 | When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and intended to fight against Jerusalem, |
| 32:3 | he planned with his officers and his mighty men to stop the water of the springs that were outside the city; and they helped him. |
| 32:4 | A great many people were gathered, and they stopped all the springs and the brook that flowed through the land, saying, "Why should the kings of Assyria come and find abundant water?" |
| 32:5 | Hezekiah also strengthened himself and built up all the wall that was broken, and he raised it up to the towers, and the other wall outside, and he strengthened the Millo in the city of David, and he made weapons and shields in abundance. |
3. The Assyrian Invasion and Intimidation (2 Chronicles 32:6-19)
| 32:6 | Then he set his officers over the people, and he gathered them in the square at the gate of the city and spoke encouragingly to them, saying, |
| 32:7 | "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there is one greater with us than with him. |
| 32:8 | With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. |
| 32:9 | After this, Sennacherib king of Assyria, who was besieging Lachish with all his forces, sent his servants to Jerusalem to Hezekiah king of Judah and to all the people of Judah who were in Jerusalem, saying, |
4. Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Deliverance (2 Chronicles 32:20-22)
| 32:20 | Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed about this and cried out to heaven. |
| 32:21 | And the Lord sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he came into the house of his god, some of his own sons struck him down there with the sword. |
| 32:22 | So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all his enemies, and he gave them rest on every side. |
5. Hezekiah's Illness and Pride (2 Chronicles 32:24-26)
| 32:24 | In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, "Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover. |
| 32:25 | Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, |
| 32:26 | Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: "Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life. |
6. Conclusion and Legacy (2 Chronicles 32:27-33)
| 32:27 | And Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made for himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of costly vessels; |
| 32:28 | storehouses also for the yield of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds. |
| 32:29 | He likewise provided for himself cities, and flocks and herds in abundance, for God had given him very great possessions. |
| 32:30 | This same Hezekiah closed the upper outlet of the waters of Gihon and directed them down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. |
| 32:31 | And so in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart. |
| 32:32 | Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his good deeds, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. |
| 32:33 | And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the upper part of the tombs of the sons of David, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his place. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Hezekiah stopping up the springs outside Jerusalem?
Hezekiah stopped up the springs to prevent the Assyrian army from finding abundant water, which would have aided them in their siege. This action is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 32:3-4 and demonstrates Hezekiah's practical preparations for the war.
How did God deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian army?
God sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw. This event is described in 2 Chronicles 32:21 and highlights God's direct intervention in human affairs.
What was the prophetic warning given to Hezekiah about the future of Judah?
The warning, given in response to Hezekiah's pride after his recovery from illness, prophesied that a future king of Judah would lose all the treasures of the temple and palace to Babylon. This is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 32:25-26 and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 32:1 → Isaiah 36:1 | Both 2 Chronicles 32:1 and Isaiah 36:1 introduce Sennacherib's invasion of Judah, highlighting the synchrony between the two accounts. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 → Psalm 20:7 | The trust in God's help and deliverance expressed in 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 is echoed in Psalm 20:7, which contrasts trust in God with trust in chariots and horses. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 32:20-21 → Isaiah 37:36-37 | The destruction of the Assyrian army by an angel of the Lord, as described in 2 Chronicles 32:20-21, is also recounted in Isaiah 37:36-37, emphasizing God's power to defend His people. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 → Isaiah 38:1-8 | Hezekiah's illness and recovery, along with his pride and the prophetic warning, are detailed in both 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 and Isaiah 38:1-8, showing the personal and spiritual challenges faced by Hezekiah. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 32:27-30 → 1 Kings 10:14-22 | The descriptions of Hezekiah's wealth and accomplishments in 2 Chronicles 32:27-30 can be compared to the accounts of Solomon's wealth in 1 Kings 10:14-22, highlighting the prosperity of faithful kings in Judah. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 32:31 → Jeremiah 25:9-11 | The mention of the Babylonian envoys in 2 Chronicles 32:31 foreshadows the future Babylonian conquest of Judah, as prophesied in Jeremiah 25:9-11. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 32:32 → Matthew 1:10 | Hezekiah is listed in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:10, connecting the historical narrative of 2 Chronicles to the New Testament and the lineage of Christ. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 32:33 → Acts 13:22-23 | The transition from Hezekiah to Manasseh, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 32:33, is part of the larger narrative of the kings of Judah, which is referenced in the New Testament, such as in Acts 13:22-23, where the history of Israel is briefly summarized. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 32:20 → Psalm 107:20 | The sending of an angel to deliver Jerusalem, as described in 2 Chronicles 32:20, parallels the theme of God sending His word to heal and deliver, as expressed in Psalm 107:20. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 → John 1:1 | The contrast between trusting in human strength and trusting in God, as emphasized in 2 Chronicles 32:7-8, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God and the embodiment of God's power and wisdom, as introduced in John 1:1. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 32
| Sermon | Description | |
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Your Enemies Will Leave Suddenly and Ashamed by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that even righteous individuals can lose their discernment and be challenged by God. He highlights the importance of being able to hear the |
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The Habitation of God by David Ravenhill | This sermon focuses on the importance of maintaining a victorious Christian life, using the example of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32 who successfully resisted the enemy's attacks. It |
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Acts of Faithfulness by David Ravenhill | This sermon focuses on the story of Hezekiah facing the invasion of Sennacherib, highlighting the importance of prayer, repentance, and using the armor of God to overcome spiritual |
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Reading Letters in Front of God by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the challenges and attacks that the church is currently facing. He emphasizes the need to pray with all our hearts and seek God's help in tim |
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Testing and Trials by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving all honor, praise, and glory to God. He encourages the listeners to have a heart filled with gratitude and thanks t |
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Resisting the Enemy by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of recognizing and resisting the enemy in our spiritual lives, drawing parallels from the life of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah's proactive measu |
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Discipline in the School of God - Part 3 by J.B. Stoney | J.B. Stoney preaches about the life and lessons of Hezekiah, highlighting how he was empowered by God to renew the testimony of the Lord in a time of great ruin and desolation, and |
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Ingratitude to God—a Heinous but General Iniquity by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the heinous sin of ingratitude towards God, highlighting the universal practice of ingratitude despite the abundant blessings and deliverances received |
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The Hour of Isolation by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson speaks about the experience of divine silence and the feelings of confusion and isolation that can accompany it. He reflects on the times when God seems distant, ur |
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Temptation From All Sides by J.H. Newman | John Henry Newman reflects on the hidden weaknesses and secret faults that can betray even the most faithful followers of God, using examples like Peter, David, and Hezekiah who st |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32
Matthew Henry's commentary on 2 Chronicles 32 emphasizes the remarkable deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army, highlighting God's power and sovereignty. He notes that this event was not just a political victory but a spiritual one, demonstrating God's care for His people and the importance of faith and trust in Him. Henry also reflects on Hezekiah's character, praising his initial faithfulness and humility but criticizing his later pride. The commentary concludes by drawing practical lessons for believers, encouraging them to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, especially in times of adversity, and to maintain humility and faithfulness in all circumstances, as exemplified in verses like 2 Chronicles 32:7-8. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Contrast Between Faith and Faithlessness
The chapter clearly contrasts the faith of Hezekiah and the people with the faithlessness of the Assyrians, highlighting the outcomes of each. This contrast serves as a powerful lesson on the importance of trusting in God.
God's Sovereignty
Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty over nations and kings is emphasized, showing that He is the one who gives power and takes it away. This theme is particularly evident in the destruction of the Assyrian army and the warning given to Hezekiah about future judgment.
The Danger of Pride
Hezekiah's experience serves as a warning about the dangers of pride, especially after experiencing God's deliverance. His initial humility and subsequent pride are presented as a lesson in the importance of maintaining humility before God.