2 Chronicles 32:4
2 Chronicles 32:4 in Multiple Translations
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.
So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
So there was gathered much people together, and they stopped all the fountains, and the brook that flowed through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
So they got together a great number of people, and had all the water-springs and the stream flowing through the land stopped up, saying, Why let the kings of Assyria come and have much water?
They directed a large group of workers to block all the springs as well as the stream flowing nearby. “Why should the kings of Assyria come here and find plenty of water?” they asked.
So many of the people assembled themselues, and stopt all the fountaines, and the riuer that ranne through the middes of the countrey, saying, Why should the Kings of Asshur come, and finde much water?
and much people are gathered, and they stop all the fountains and the brook that is rushing into the midst of the land, saying, 'Why do the kings of Asshur come, and have found much water?'
Then many people gathered together and they stopped all the springs and the brook that flowed through the middle of the land, saying, “Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find abundant water?”
So there were assembled many people, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
He gathered together a very great multitude, and they stopped up all the springs, and the brook, that ran through the midst of the land, saying: Lest the kings of the Assyrians should come, and And abundance of water.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 32:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 32:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקָּבְצ֣וּ
עַם
רָ֔ב
וַֽ/יִּסְתְּמוּ֙
אֶת
כָּל
הַ/מַּעְיָנ֔וֹת
וְ/אֶת
הַ/נַּ֛חַל
הַ/שּׁוֹטֵ֥ף
בְּ/תוֹךְ
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
לָ֤/מָּה
יָב֨וֹאוּ֙
מַלְכֵ֣י
אַשּׁ֔וּר
וּ/מָצְא֖וּ
מַ֥יִם
רַבִּֽים
וַ/יִּקָּבְצ֣וּ
qâbats
H6908
to gather
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
רָ֔ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
וַֽ/יִּסְתְּמוּ֙
çâtham
H5640
to close
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/מַּעְיָנ֔וֹת
maʻyân
H4599
spring
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/נַּ֛חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
Art | N-ms
הַ/שּׁוֹטֵ֥ף
shâṭaph
H7857
to overflow
Art | V-Qal
בְּ/תוֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
יָב֨וֹאוּ֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מַלְכֵ֣י
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
אַשּׁ֔וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
Asshur
N-proper
וּ/מָצְא֖וּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
מַ֥יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 32:4
וַ/יִּקָּבְצ֣וּ
qâbats
H6908
"to gather"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.
Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.
עַם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
רָ֔ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
וַֽ/יִּסְתְּמוּ֙
çâtham
H5640
"to close"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to stop or block something, like covering a hole. It can also mean to keep a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding or concealing things, like in Psalm 139:15.
Definition: 1) to stop up, shut up, keep close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stop up 1a2) to shut up, keep close 1a3) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stopped up 1c) (Piel) to stop up
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: closed up, hidden, secret, shut out (up), stop. See also: Genesis 26:15; Nehemiah 4:1; Psalms 51:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/מַּעְיָנ֔וֹת
maʻyân
H4599
"spring"
Art | N-mp
A mayan was a spring or fountain, and can also refer to a source of satisfaction. It is mentioned in the Bible as a physical spring, but also figuratively as a source of joy or comfort.
Definition: spring
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: fountain, spring, well. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 87:7; Psalms 74:15.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/נַּ֛חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
הַ/שּׁוֹטֵ֥ף
shâṭaph
H7857
"to overflow"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to overflow or gush, often used to describe a strong flow of water. It can also imply cleansing or conquering, as seen in various Old Testament passages, including Psalm 69. The word is used to describe powerful natural events.
Definition: 1) to wash, rinse, overflow, engulf, rinse or wash off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overflow 1a2) to flow, run 1a3) to rinse or wash off 1b) (Niphal) to be swept away, be rinsed out 1c) (Pual) to be rinsed, be scoured and rinsed
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: drown, (over-) flow(-whelm, rinse, run, rush, (throughly) wash (away). See also: Leviticus 6:21; Isaiah 28:17; Psalms 69:3.
בְּ/תוֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יָב֨וֹאוּ֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מַלְכֵ֣י
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אַשּׁ֔וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
"Asshur"
N-proper
Asshur was the second son of Shem and the ancestor of the Assyrians, mentioned in Genesis 10:22. The name Asshur means 'a step'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.22; son of: Shem (H8035); brother of: Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) § Asshur or Assyria = "a step" 1) the second son of Shem, eponymous ancestor of the Assyrians 2) the people of Assyria 3) the nation, Assyria 4) the land, Assyria or Asshur
Usage: Occurs in 138 OT verses. KJV: Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See H838 (אָשֻׁר). See also: Genesis 2:14; Isaiah 7:20; Psalms 83:9.
וּ/מָצְא֖וּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
מַ֥יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 32:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 32:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 32:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 32:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:4
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 32:4
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 32:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:4
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 32:4
Context — Sennacherib Invades Judah
2When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to make war against Jerusalem,
3he consulted with his leaders and mighty men about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out.
4Many 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.
5Then 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. 6Hezekiah appointed military commanders over the people and gathered the people in the square of the city gate. Then he encouraged them, saying,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 32:30 | 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. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 18:9 | In the fourth year of Hezekiah’s reign, which was the seventh year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria marched against Samaria and besieged it. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 19:21 | So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. With the oxen’s equipment, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 20:20 | As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he constructed the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 32:1 | 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. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 3:16–17 | At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. |
| 7 | Isaiah 10:8 | “Are not all my commanders kings?” he says. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 3:9 | Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” |
| 9 | 2 Kings 18:13 | In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 30:14 | They proceeded to remove the altars in Jerusalem and to take away the incense altars and throw them into the Kidron Valley. |
2 Chronicles 32:4 Summary
In 2 Chronicles 32:4, the people of Judah worked together to stop up the springs and streams, making it harder for the Assyrian army to find water. This was a practical way to prepare for battle, but it also showed their trust in God's deliverance. Just like the people in this verse, we can prepare for spiritual battles by trusting in God and taking practical steps to obey Him, as seen in Psalms 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can trust that God will provide for us and give us victory, just as He did for the people of Judah in this story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated the people to stop up the springs and streams in 2 Chronicles 32:4?
The people were motivated by a desire to hinder the advance of the Assyrian army, as they knew that access to water was crucial for any invading force, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:11 and Numbers 20:17-18.
How does this action relate to trust in God?
While the people's action in stopping up the springs and streams was a practical measure to hinder the enemy, it also demonstrates their trust in God's deliverance, as they were preparing for battle and seeking to obey God's commands, as seen in Proverbs 21:31 and Psalms 20:7-8.
What is the significance of the question 'Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?'?
This question highlights the people's recognition of the importance of water in warfare and their desire to deprive the enemy of this vital resource, reflecting a strategic and determined mindset, as seen in Exodus 17:1-7 and Numbers 20:2-13.
How does this event fit into the broader narrative of 2 Chronicles?
This event is part of the larger story of Hezekiah's reign and the Assyrian invasion, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 32, and demonstrates the king's and the people's faith and determination in the face of overwhelming odds, as seen in 2 Chronicles 32:1-8 and 2 Kings 18:13-19:37.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can prepare for spiritual battles in my own life, and how can I trust in God's deliverance?
- How can I balance practical preparation with faith and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse and in Romans 8:28-30?
- What are some 'springs and streams' in my life that I need to 'stop up' in order to hinder the enemy's advance and trust in God's provision?
- How can I, like the people in this verse, work together with others to prepare for and face spiritual challenges, as seen in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Matthew 18:19-20?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 32:4
So there was gathered much people together,.... At the instance of Hezekiah, his nobles and officers: who stopped all the fountains; perhaps by laying planks over them, and earth upon them, so that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 32:4
So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:4
Which was a scarce commodity in this country, and the want of it might much annoy the Assyrian army.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:4
2 Chronicles 32:4 So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?Ver. 4. And the brook.] Called Gihon. This was one of those rivers the waters whereof made glad the city of God. See 1 Kings 1:33. Come and find much water.] Take we like care that Satan, when he cometh to assault us, find not much matter. "Mortify therefore your earthly members, fornication, … and covetousness."
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:4
(4) The fountains.—Ma‘yβnτth. 2 Chronicles 32:3 has “springs” (‘ayβnτth).The brook.—Nΰchal. “The wβdy.” The Gihon is meant, a watercourse in the Valley of Hinnom, supplied with water by the springs which Hezekiah closed in and diverted. See Note on 2 Chronicles 32:30, and 2 Kings 20:20; comp. Sir 48:17, “Hezekiah fortified his city, and brought into their midst the Gog” (LXX., Vat.), or, “into its midst water” (LXX., Alex.). That ran.—That was flowing over (Isaiah 30:28; Isaiah 8:8). The overflow of the springs formed the stream. The kings of Assyria.—A vague rhetorical plural, as in 2 Chronicles 28:16.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:4
Verse 4. Stopped all the fountains] This was prudently done, for without water how could an immense army subsist in an arid country? No doubt the Assyrian army suffered much through this, as a Christian army did eighteen hundred years after this. When the crusaders came, in A.D. 1099, to besiege Jerusalem, the people of the city stopped up the wells, so that the Christian army was reduced to the greatest necessities and distress.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 32:4
4. who stopt] R.V. and they stopped. the brook that ran] R.V. the brook that flowed. The Heb. verb means “flow with strong stream” (as a flood). We naturally look for such a brook either east of Jerusalem in the valley of Kidron or south in the valley of the son of Hinnom, but no perennial stream runs in either valley now. Possibly the waters which fed such a brook in the Chronicler’s day now lose themselves (owing to physical changes in the configuration of the country) in the soil.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 32:4
The “brook” intended is probably not the Kidron, but the natural water-course of the Gihon, which ran down the Tyropoeon valley (compare the 1 Kings 1:3 note).
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:4
4. The brook that ran through the midst of the land is probably the Gihon, and the work wrought on it identical with what is more fully described in 2 Chronicles 32:30. See also 2 Kings 20:20, note.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 32:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Men Who Met God): Elijah - "The Lord Leviticus Before Whom I Stand" by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of finding reality and how sin often prevents us from experiencing it. He explores the inner conflict within humans, where the di |
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(2006 Conference) 2.authority and Respect by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of respecting authority and the consequences of rebellion. It highlights examples from the Bible where individuals like Joshua and Elisha hono |
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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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(1 Kings) the Wisdom of Solomon by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of organization and order in the Bible. He uses the example of God organizing the Israelites in the book of Numbers to emphasiz |
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Get Wisdom by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom in order to find true and lasting happiness. He acknowledges that people may pursue temporary sources of hap |
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The Dividing Sword by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the powerful and divisive nature of the Word of God, likening it to a sharp sword that penetrates deep into the soul, spirit, joints, and marrow, revealing |
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Get Understanding by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding above material possessions, highlighting how often we prioritize acquiring things over gaining true unders |