Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah 2:1

Sennacherib Insults the LORD

Hezekiah has just finished his preparations and the servants from Sennacherib come to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). They speak the words of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:10a). These are very different words from the ones Hezekiah has spoken. Hezekiah supported the people of God with his words (2 Chronicles 32:8), but Sennacherib wants to undermine and take away the trust of the people in Hezekiah and the LORD by his words (2 Chronicles 32:10b). If he can erode their confidence, they will lose courage and become an easy prey for him.

Sennacherib reminds the people through his servants, that Hezekiah surrenders them by his policy, to die by hunger and by thirst (2 Chronicles 32:11). Hezekiah deceives them by making them believe that the LORD their God will deliver them from his hand. What a folly of Hezekiah! They see with their own eyes what Hezekiah did with “His high places and His altars” (2 Chronicles 32:12), don’t they? Hezekiah has taken them all away and the LORD has not put a stop to it. Then it must be clear to them what a worthless God that is, Who cannot even stand up for Himself. Here we see that to the foolish unbelief of Sennacherib the LORD is no more than one of the many idols that the people have served.

Sennacherib wants to incite the people by pointing out to them what Hezekiah has taken from them and that he has limited their religion to one altar. But Sennacherib knows nothing of the hidden sources that the faith knows. Even today, people of the world and even in professing Christianity will say that it makes no sense being faithful to God and His Word. According to Sennacherib, serving the one God is meaningless. By the way, to him God is nothing more than an idol, from whom his altars have been taken away. But even though God’s power is not openly present at this time, Judah must know from his own history how God has always stood up for His people against powerful enemies.

In prideful, haughty language Sennacherib asks if they don’t know what he and his fathers have done with other peoples (2 Chronicles 32:13). With his big mouth, he asks the next question and that is whether the gods of those peoples were able to prevent him from conquering those lands. In his third question, he argues that none of the gods of the lands that his fathers banned managed to deliver his people from his hand. Therefore, as he brags, their God will not succeed in delivering His people from his hand (2 Chronicles 32:14). Here Sennacherib not only reduces God to an idol, but he speaks in contempt of Him as one of the slightest idols.

After this list of facts, the conclusion may be clear (2 Chronicles 32:15). The people should not be deceived by Hezekiah and not be inspired by what he says. Hezekiah is a liar. They should not believe him. The facts are clear, aren’t they? He points out once again – he doesn’t get tired of repeating it – that no one god has managed to protect his people and kingdom against the attacks of the Assyrians. All these peoples have been conquered by them. If those gods did not succeed, then certainly not their God.

The chronicler leaves it at this as far as the words that Sennacherib addressed to the people are concerned. His servants have spoken still other words “against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:16; 2 Kings 18:19-35). Again and again Sennacherib in his arrogance slanders the God of heaven and earth by comparing Him to his handmade gods of wood and stone. He also slanders His servant. He calls Hezekiah a deceiver. This is also said of the Lord Jesus (John 7:12; Matthew 27:63). It is an honor for Hezekiah to share as a companion of God in the reproach that the enemy inflicts upon Him (cf. Psalms 69:9; Luke 10:16).

If the desired effect of his words is not achieved, Sennacherib tries to get the people down by means of letters (2 Chronicles 32:17). These letters contain the same story. He repeats it again and again. Always saying the same thing does well in politics. The people will be brainwashed by it and will finally accept the lie as truth.

Sennacherib insults “the LORD God of Israel” by continuing to repeat that “the God of Hezekiah” will not be able to deliver them from his hand, any more than the gods of other nations have been able to do so. His servants support the message of the letter by loudly calling out their threats to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:18). They want to break the resistance of the people through intimidation and then take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:19 summarizes how Sennacherib spoke about God. His conception of God will be fatal to him. The effect is the opposite of the goal Sennacherib has with his mocking language. The insult of the opponents makes God turn against these enemies, just as the prayer of His people makes Him work for His people.

Nehemiah 2:2

Sennacherib Insults the LORD

Hezekiah has just finished his preparations and the servants from Sennacherib come to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). They speak the words of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:10a). These are very different words from the ones Hezekiah has spoken. Hezekiah supported the people of God with his words (2 Chronicles 32:8), but Sennacherib wants to undermine and take away the trust of the people in Hezekiah and the LORD by his words (2 Chronicles 32:10b). If he can erode their confidence, they will lose courage and become an easy prey for him.

Sennacherib reminds the people through his servants, that Hezekiah surrenders them by his policy, to die by hunger and by thirst (2 Chronicles 32:11). Hezekiah deceives them by making them believe that the LORD their God will deliver them from his hand. What a folly of Hezekiah! They see with their own eyes what Hezekiah did with “His high places and His altars” (2 Chronicles 32:12), don’t they? Hezekiah has taken them all away and the LORD has not put a stop to it. Then it must be clear to them what a worthless God that is, Who cannot even stand up for Himself. Here we see that to the foolish unbelief of Sennacherib the LORD is no more than one of the many idols that the people have served.

Sennacherib wants to incite the people by pointing out to them what Hezekiah has taken from them and that he has limited their religion to one altar. But Sennacherib knows nothing of the hidden sources that the faith knows. Even today, people of the world and even in professing Christianity will say that it makes no sense being faithful to God and His Word. According to Sennacherib, serving the one God is meaningless. By the way, to him God is nothing more than an idol, from whom his altars have been taken away. But even though God’s power is not openly present at this time, Judah must know from his own history how God has always stood up for His people against powerful enemies.

In prideful, haughty language Sennacherib asks if they don’t know what he and his fathers have done with other peoples (2 Chronicles 32:13). With his big mouth, he asks the next question and that is whether the gods of those peoples were able to prevent him from conquering those lands. In his third question, he argues that none of the gods of the lands that his fathers banned managed to deliver his people from his hand. Therefore, as he brags, their God will not succeed in delivering His people from his hand (2 Chronicles 32:14). Here Sennacherib not only reduces God to an idol, but he speaks in contempt of Him as one of the slightest idols.

After this list of facts, the conclusion may be clear (2 Chronicles 32:15). The people should not be deceived by Hezekiah and not be inspired by what he says. Hezekiah is a liar. They should not believe him. The facts are clear, aren’t they? He points out once again – he doesn’t get tired of repeating it – that no one god has managed to protect his people and kingdom against the attacks of the Assyrians. All these peoples have been conquered by them. If those gods did not succeed, then certainly not their God.

The chronicler leaves it at this as far as the words that Sennacherib addressed to the people are concerned. His servants have spoken still other words “against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:16; 2 Kings 18:19-35). Again and again Sennacherib in his arrogance slanders the God of heaven and earth by comparing Him to his handmade gods of wood and stone. He also slanders His servant. He calls Hezekiah a deceiver. This is also said of the Lord Jesus (John 7:12; Matthew 27:63). It is an honor for Hezekiah to share as a companion of God in the reproach that the enemy inflicts upon Him (cf. Psalms 69:9; Luke 10:16).

If the desired effect of his words is not achieved, Sennacherib tries to get the people down by means of letters (2 Chronicles 32:17). These letters contain the same story. He repeats it again and again. Always saying the same thing does well in politics. The people will be brainwashed by it and will finally accept the lie as truth.

Sennacherib insults “the LORD God of Israel” by continuing to repeat that “the God of Hezekiah” will not be able to deliver them from his hand, any more than the gods of other nations have been able to do so. His servants support the message of the letter by loudly calling out their threats to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:18). They want to break the resistance of the people through intimidation and then take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:19 summarizes how Sennacherib spoke about God. His conception of God will be fatal to him. The effect is the opposite of the goal Sennacherib has with his mocking language. The insult of the opponents makes God turn against these enemies, just as the prayer of His people makes Him work for His people.

Nehemiah 2:3

The LORD Delivers Hezekiah and Jerusalem

In 2 Chronicles 32:20 we see two people praying (cf. Matthew 18:19). They cry out to heaven, while the threat of the enemy on earth is great. By doing so they look beyond the threatening, to Him Who stands above every threat. On one side two people praying, on the other side an enormous army. The two gain the victory, because on the side of those two is the LORD.

Prayer is heard immediately (2 Chronicles 32:21). In a nutshell, the chronicler tells us what the LORD does. He sends “an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria”. Can it be simpler? Can it be more radical? The simplicity makes it great. The radicality makes it so that the problem is solved. What a great encouragement this is for the prayer meeting and the prayer.

Sennacherib falls quiet and leaves like a beaten dog. He is openly disgraced. When he comes home, the fool enters his god’s house to bow down before him. There he undergoes, over which he has insulted the LORD. His god cannot deliver him from the sword that kills him there while he is lying before that god. To complete his embarrassment it is mentioned that the sword is being handled by “some of his own children”. God uses what he has produced to judge him. Thus will God deal with all braggers.

“So the LORD saved” (2 Chronicles 32:22). “So” means through judgment. Salvation is pure and only God’s work. There was no human hand involved. Also the consequence, “guided … on every side”, is His work. The LORD is honored for this, as is His representative Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:23). Hezekiah is a type of the Lord Jesus in His office in the kingdom of peace (cf. Revelation 21:24). So it is always with kings when they reign well. Then they will be overloaded with honor and wealth by the kings of the nations.

Nehemiah 2:4

The LORD Delivers Hezekiah and Jerusalem

In 2 Chronicles 32:20 we see two people praying (cf. Matthew 18:19). They cry out to heaven, while the threat of the enemy on earth is great. By doing so they look beyond the threatening, to Him Who stands above every threat. On one side two people praying, on the other side an enormous army. The two gain the victory, because on the side of those two is the LORD.

Prayer is heard immediately (2 Chronicles 32:21). In a nutshell, the chronicler tells us what the LORD does. He sends “an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria”. Can it be simpler? Can it be more radical? The simplicity makes it great. The radicality makes it so that the problem is solved. What a great encouragement this is for the prayer meeting and the prayer.

Sennacherib falls quiet and leaves like a beaten dog. He is openly disgraced. When he comes home, the fool enters his god’s house to bow down before him. There he undergoes, over which he has insulted the LORD. His god cannot deliver him from the sword that kills him there while he is lying before that god. To complete his embarrassment it is mentioned that the sword is being handled by “some of his own children”. God uses what he has produced to judge him. Thus will God deal with all braggers.

“So the LORD saved” (2 Chronicles 32:22). “So” means through judgment. Salvation is pure and only God’s work. There was no human hand involved. Also the consequence, “guided … on every side”, is His work. The LORD is honored for this, as is His representative Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:23). Hezekiah is a type of the Lord Jesus in His office in the kingdom of peace (cf. Revelation 21:24). So it is always with kings when they reign well. Then they will be overloaded with honor and wealth by the kings of the nations.

Nehemiah 2:5

The LORD Delivers Hezekiah and Jerusalem

In 2 Chronicles 32:20 we see two people praying (cf. Matthew 18:19). They cry out to heaven, while the threat of the enemy on earth is great. By doing so they look beyond the threatening, to Him Who stands above every threat. On one side two people praying, on the other side an enormous army. The two gain the victory, because on the side of those two is the LORD.

Prayer is heard immediately (2 Chronicles 32:21). In a nutshell, the chronicler tells us what the LORD does. He sends “an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria”. Can it be simpler? Can it be more radical? The simplicity makes it great. The radicality makes it so that the problem is solved. What a great encouragement this is for the prayer meeting and the prayer.

Sennacherib falls quiet and leaves like a beaten dog. He is openly disgraced. When he comes home, the fool enters his god’s house to bow down before him. There he undergoes, over which he has insulted the LORD. His god cannot deliver him from the sword that kills him there while he is lying before that god. To complete his embarrassment it is mentioned that the sword is being handled by “some of his own children”. God uses what he has produced to judge him. Thus will God deal with all braggers.

“So the LORD saved” (2 Chronicles 32:22). “So” means through judgment. Salvation is pure and only God’s work. There was no human hand involved. Also the consequence, “guided … on every side”, is His work. The LORD is honored for this, as is His representative Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:23). Hezekiah is a type of the Lord Jesus in His office in the kingdom of peace (cf. Revelation 21:24). So it is always with kings when they reign well. Then they will be overloaded with honor and wealth by the kings of the nations.

Nehemiah 2:6

The LORD Delivers Hezekiah and Jerusalem

In 2 Chronicles 32:20 we see two people praying (cf. Matthew 18:19). They cry out to heaven, while the threat of the enemy on earth is great. By doing so they look beyond the threatening, to Him Who stands above every threat. On one side two people praying, on the other side an enormous army. The two gain the victory, because on the side of those two is the LORD.

Prayer is heard immediately (2 Chronicles 32:21). In a nutshell, the chronicler tells us what the LORD does. He sends “an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria”. Can it be simpler? Can it be more radical? The simplicity makes it great. The radicality makes it so that the problem is solved. What a great encouragement this is for the prayer meeting and the prayer.

Sennacherib falls quiet and leaves like a beaten dog. He is openly disgraced. When he comes home, the fool enters his god’s house to bow down before him. There he undergoes, over which he has insulted the LORD. His god cannot deliver him from the sword that kills him there while he is lying before that god. To complete his embarrassment it is mentioned that the sword is being handled by “some of his own children”. God uses what he has produced to judge him. Thus will God deal with all braggers.

“So the LORD saved” (2 Chronicles 32:22). “So” means through judgment. Salvation is pure and only God’s work. There was no human hand involved. Also the consequence, “guided … on every side”, is His work. The LORD is honored for this, as is His representative Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:23). Hezekiah is a type of the Lord Jesus in His office in the kingdom of peace (cf. Revelation 21:24). So it is always with kings when they reign well. Then they will be overloaded with honor and wealth by the kings of the nations.

Nehemiah 2:7

Hezekiah’s Illness

Hezekiah gets ill (2 Chronicles 32:24). He fell ill “in those days,” that is, in the days when the king of Assyria challenged him. His illness is a new test, but a test that drives him out in prayer to the LORD. The LORD speaks to him and promises healing, as we know from the description in 2 Kings, where we are also told about the miracle sign (2 Kings 20:1-11).

In this one verse the chronicler summarizes the illness and healing of Hezekiah. He emphasizes the interest the LORD has in him and his circumstances. While Hezekiah is powerless in the face of the enemy and is close to death in his illness, he knows he is supported by God’s care.

After his healing he fails (2 Chronicles 32:25). He does not remain dependent. He forgets that he owes everything to the LORD, both his healing and his prosperity. He exalts himself because of his treasures and becomes proud. Pride is the primal sin. Even a God-fearing man like Hezekiah can become entangled in this sin. He has removed idolatry from the land, but now he becomes his own idol. By this the LORD is put on a side track.

His pride causes wrath on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. Then Hezekiah sees his sin and humbles “the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 32:26). Thus God for the days of Hezekiah refrains from bringing His wrath upon them.

Nehemiah 2:8

Hezekiah’s Illness

Hezekiah gets ill (2 Chronicles 32:24). He fell ill “in those days,” that is, in the days when the king of Assyria challenged him. His illness is a new test, but a test that drives him out in prayer to the LORD. The LORD speaks to him and promises healing, as we know from the description in 2 Kings, where we are also told about the miracle sign (2 Kings 20:1-11).

In this one verse the chronicler summarizes the illness and healing of Hezekiah. He emphasizes the interest the LORD has in him and his circumstances. While Hezekiah is powerless in the face of the enemy and is close to death in his illness, he knows he is supported by God’s care.

After his healing he fails (2 Chronicles 32:25). He does not remain dependent. He forgets that he owes everything to the LORD, both his healing and his prosperity. He exalts himself because of his treasures and becomes proud. Pride is the primal sin. Even a God-fearing man like Hezekiah can become entangled in this sin. He has removed idolatry from the land, but now he becomes his own idol. By this the LORD is put on a side track.

His pride causes wrath on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. Then Hezekiah sees his sin and humbles “the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 32:26). Thus God for the days of Hezekiah refrains from bringing His wrath upon them.

Nehemiah 2:9

Hezekiah’s Illness

Hezekiah gets ill (2 Chronicles 32:24). He fell ill “in those days,” that is, in the days when the king of Assyria challenged him. His illness is a new test, but a test that drives him out in prayer to the LORD. The LORD speaks to him and promises healing, as we know from the description in 2 Kings, where we are also told about the miracle sign (2 Kings 20:1-11).

In this one verse the chronicler summarizes the illness and healing of Hezekiah. He emphasizes the interest the LORD has in him and his circumstances. While Hezekiah is powerless in the face of the enemy and is close to death in his illness, he knows he is supported by God’s care.

After his healing he fails (2 Chronicles 32:25). He does not remain dependent. He forgets that he owes everything to the LORD, both his healing and his prosperity. He exalts himself because of his treasures and becomes proud. Pride is the primal sin. Even a God-fearing man like Hezekiah can become entangled in this sin. He has removed idolatry from the land, but now he becomes his own idol. By this the LORD is put on a side track.

His pride causes wrath on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. Then Hezekiah sees his sin and humbles “the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 32:26). Thus God for the days of Hezekiah refrains from bringing His wrath upon them.

Nehemiah 2:10

Prosperity and Death of Hezekiah

The treasures and possessions of Hezekiah are measured broadly (2 Chronicles 32:27-29). He owes all this to God. They are a reflection of the splendor of the great Son of David. Hezekiah takes care of safe places for all the treasures, so that the precious does not get into the hands of the enemy.

Spiritually, it means that he is careful not to give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6; Matthew 15:26). All the treasures of God’s Word, the whole counsel of God, are for the whole church (Acts 20:27) and for no one else. The same goes for the water supply that Hezekiah secures when Jerusalem is threatened by Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:30; 2 Chronicles 32:2-4). He has prosperity in all his work.

Then comes the test of God leaving him (2 Chronicles 32:31). The reason is the visit from Babylon. God leaves Hezekiah to see how he deals with this visit. Will he give Him the honor of the wonder they come to ask him about? God can sometimes leave a believer to himself, withdraw Himself from him. He knows what is in the heart of the believer, as He knows it of the people (Deuteronomy 8:2). But it has to come to light and Hezekiah has to see for himself. Hezekiah must know that pride lurks in his heart. He sees this and humbles himself therefore (2 Chronicles 32:26).

God sometimes has to teach us a lesson. With this in mind, we may pray: “Do not lead us into temptation” (Matthew 6:13a). If we fail, it is our fault; if we remain standing, it is God’s grace. It is the same as being lost and being saved.

The chronicler has reached the end of what he wants to tell his readers about Hezekiah. What else Hezekiah has done, especially his “deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26), is described in the vision of Isaiah and in the books of the kings of Judah and Israel (2 Chronicles 32:32; Isaiah 36-39). The vision of Isaiah refers to the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1).

Although Hezekiah failed in the test at the end of his life, his life as a whole was characterized by piety, fear of God. This is also reflected in his burial. That he is buried “in the upper section” is more than just a description of the location. It indicates that his way was a way up, a way up to the LORD.

At his death, “all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him”. They will remember his favors. How good it is to remember at the funerals of leaders what the Lord has given to His people through them.

The son who succeeds Hezekiah, Manasseh, is a very different ‘leader’.

Nehemiah 2:11

Prosperity and Death of Hezekiah

The treasures and possessions of Hezekiah are measured broadly (2 Chronicles 32:27-29). He owes all this to God. They are a reflection of the splendor of the great Son of David. Hezekiah takes care of safe places for all the treasures, so that the precious does not get into the hands of the enemy.

Spiritually, it means that he is careful not to give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6; Matthew 15:26). All the treasures of God’s Word, the whole counsel of God, are for the whole church (Acts 20:27) and for no one else. The same goes for the water supply that Hezekiah secures when Jerusalem is threatened by Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:30; 2 Chronicles 32:2-4). He has prosperity in all his work.

Then comes the test of God leaving him (2 Chronicles 32:31). The reason is the visit from Babylon. God leaves Hezekiah to see how he deals with this visit. Will he give Him the honor of the wonder they come to ask him about? God can sometimes leave a believer to himself, withdraw Himself from him. He knows what is in the heart of the believer, as He knows it of the people (Deuteronomy 8:2). But it has to come to light and Hezekiah has to see for himself. Hezekiah must know that pride lurks in his heart. He sees this and humbles himself therefore (2 Chronicles 32:26).

God sometimes has to teach us a lesson. With this in mind, we may pray: “Do not lead us into temptation” (Matthew 6:13a). If we fail, it is our fault; if we remain standing, it is God’s grace. It is the same as being lost and being saved.

The chronicler has reached the end of what he wants to tell his readers about Hezekiah. What else Hezekiah has done, especially his “deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26), is described in the vision of Isaiah and in the books of the kings of Judah and Israel (2 Chronicles 32:32; Isaiah 36-39). The vision of Isaiah refers to the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1).

Although Hezekiah failed in the test at the end of his life, his life as a whole was characterized by piety, fear of God. This is also reflected in his burial. That he is buried “in the upper section” is more than just a description of the location. It indicates that his way was a way up, a way up to the LORD.

At his death, “all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him”. They will remember his favors. How good it is to remember at the funerals of leaders what the Lord has given to His people through them.

The son who succeeds Hezekiah, Manasseh, is a very different ‘leader’.

Nehemiah 2:12

Prosperity and Death of Hezekiah

The treasures and possessions of Hezekiah are measured broadly (2 Chronicles 32:27-29). He owes all this to God. They are a reflection of the splendor of the great Son of David. Hezekiah takes care of safe places for all the treasures, so that the precious does not get into the hands of the enemy.

Spiritually, it means that he is careful not to give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6; Matthew 15:26). All the treasures of God’s Word, the whole counsel of God, are for the whole church (Acts 20:27) and for no one else. The same goes for the water supply that Hezekiah secures when Jerusalem is threatened by Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:30; 2 Chronicles 32:2-4). He has prosperity in all his work.

Then comes the test of God leaving him (2 Chronicles 32:31). The reason is the visit from Babylon. God leaves Hezekiah to see how he deals with this visit. Will he give Him the honor of the wonder they come to ask him about? God can sometimes leave a believer to himself, withdraw Himself from him. He knows what is in the heart of the believer, as He knows it of the people (Deuteronomy 8:2). But it has to come to light and Hezekiah has to see for himself. Hezekiah must know that pride lurks in his heart. He sees this and humbles himself therefore (2 Chronicles 32:26).

God sometimes has to teach us a lesson. With this in mind, we may pray: “Do not lead us into temptation” (Matthew 6:13a). If we fail, it is our fault; if we remain standing, it is God’s grace. It is the same as being lost and being saved.

The chronicler has reached the end of what he wants to tell his readers about Hezekiah. What else Hezekiah has done, especially his “deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26), is described in the vision of Isaiah and in the books of the kings of Judah and Israel (2 Chronicles 32:32; Isaiah 36-39). The vision of Isaiah refers to the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1).

Although Hezekiah failed in the test at the end of his life, his life as a whole was characterized by piety, fear of God. This is also reflected in his burial. That he is buried “in the upper section” is more than just a description of the location. It indicates that his way was a way up, a way up to the LORD.

At his death, “all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him”. They will remember his favors. How good it is to remember at the funerals of leaders what the Lord has given to His people through them.

The son who succeeds Hezekiah, Manasseh, is a very different ‘leader’.

Nehemiah 2:13

Prosperity and Death of Hezekiah

The treasures and possessions of Hezekiah are measured broadly (2 Chronicles 32:27-29). He owes all this to God. They are a reflection of the splendor of the great Son of David. Hezekiah takes care of safe places for all the treasures, so that the precious does not get into the hands of the enemy.

Spiritually, it means that he is careful not to give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6; Matthew 15:26). All the treasures of God’s Word, the whole counsel of God, are for the whole church (Acts 20:27) and for no one else. The same goes for the water supply that Hezekiah secures when Jerusalem is threatened by Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:30; 2 Chronicles 32:2-4). He has prosperity in all his work.

Then comes the test of God leaving him (2 Chronicles 32:31). The reason is the visit from Babylon. God leaves Hezekiah to see how he deals with this visit. Will he give Him the honor of the wonder they come to ask him about? God can sometimes leave a believer to himself, withdraw Himself from him. He knows what is in the heart of the believer, as He knows it of the people (Deuteronomy 8:2). But it has to come to light and Hezekiah has to see for himself. Hezekiah must know that pride lurks in his heart. He sees this and humbles himself therefore (2 Chronicles 32:26).

God sometimes has to teach us a lesson. With this in mind, we may pray: “Do not lead us into temptation” (Matthew 6:13a). If we fail, it is our fault; if we remain standing, it is God’s grace. It is the same as being lost and being saved.

The chronicler has reached the end of what he wants to tell his readers about Hezekiah. What else Hezekiah has done, especially his “deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26), is described in the vision of Isaiah and in the books of the kings of Judah and Israel (2 Chronicles 32:32; Isaiah 36-39). The vision of Isaiah refers to the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1).

Although Hezekiah failed in the test at the end of his life, his life as a whole was characterized by piety, fear of God. This is also reflected in his burial. That he is buried “in the upper section” is more than just a description of the location. It indicates that his way was a way up, a way up to the LORD.

At his death, “all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him”. They will remember his favors. How good it is to remember at the funerals of leaders what the Lord has given to His people through them.

The son who succeeds Hezekiah, Manasseh, is a very different ‘leader’.

Nehemiah 2:14

Prosperity and Death of Hezekiah

The treasures and possessions of Hezekiah are measured broadly (2 Chronicles 32:27-29). He owes all this to God. They are a reflection of the splendor of the great Son of David. Hezekiah takes care of safe places for all the treasures, so that the precious does not get into the hands of the enemy.

Spiritually, it means that he is careful not to give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6; Matthew 15:26). All the treasures of God’s Word, the whole counsel of God, are for the whole church (Acts 20:27) and for no one else. The same goes for the water supply that Hezekiah secures when Jerusalem is threatened by Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:30; 2 Chronicles 32:2-4). He has prosperity in all his work.

Then comes the test of God leaving him (2 Chronicles 32:31). The reason is the visit from Babylon. God leaves Hezekiah to see how he deals with this visit. Will he give Him the honor of the wonder they come to ask him about? God can sometimes leave a believer to himself, withdraw Himself from him. He knows what is in the heart of the believer, as He knows it of the people (Deuteronomy 8:2). But it has to come to light and Hezekiah has to see for himself. Hezekiah must know that pride lurks in his heart. He sees this and humbles himself therefore (2 Chronicles 32:26).

God sometimes has to teach us a lesson. With this in mind, we may pray: “Do not lead us into temptation” (Matthew 6:13a). If we fail, it is our fault; if we remain standing, it is God’s grace. It is the same as being lost and being saved.

The chronicler has reached the end of what he wants to tell his readers about Hezekiah. What else Hezekiah has done, especially his “deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26), is described in the vision of Isaiah and in the books of the kings of Judah and Israel (2 Chronicles 32:32; Isaiah 36-39). The vision of Isaiah refers to the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1).

Although Hezekiah failed in the test at the end of his life, his life as a whole was characterized by piety, fear of God. This is also reflected in his burial. That he is buried “in the upper section” is more than just a description of the location. It indicates that his way was a way up, a way up to the LORD.

At his death, “all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him”. They will remember his favors. How good it is to remember at the funerals of leaders what the Lord has given to His people through them.

The son who succeeds Hezekiah, Manasseh, is a very different ‘leader’.

Nehemiah 2:15

Prosperity and Death of Hezekiah

The treasures and possessions of Hezekiah are measured broadly (2 Chronicles 32:27-29). He owes all this to God. They are a reflection of the splendor of the great Son of David. Hezekiah takes care of safe places for all the treasures, so that the precious does not get into the hands of the enemy.

Spiritually, it means that he is careful not to give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6; Matthew 15:26). All the treasures of God’s Word, the whole counsel of God, are for the whole church (Acts 20:27) and for no one else. The same goes for the water supply that Hezekiah secures when Jerusalem is threatened by Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:30; 2 Chronicles 32:2-4). He has prosperity in all his work.

Then comes the test of God leaving him (2 Chronicles 32:31). The reason is the visit from Babylon. God leaves Hezekiah to see how he deals with this visit. Will he give Him the honor of the wonder they come to ask him about? God can sometimes leave a believer to himself, withdraw Himself from him. He knows what is in the heart of the believer, as He knows it of the people (Deuteronomy 8:2). But it has to come to light and Hezekiah has to see for himself. Hezekiah must know that pride lurks in his heart. He sees this and humbles himself therefore (2 Chronicles 32:26).

God sometimes has to teach us a lesson. With this in mind, we may pray: “Do not lead us into temptation” (Matthew 6:13a). If we fail, it is our fault; if we remain standing, it is God’s grace. It is the same as being lost and being saved.

The chronicler has reached the end of what he wants to tell his readers about Hezekiah. What else Hezekiah has done, especially his “deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26), is described in the vision of Isaiah and in the books of the kings of Judah and Israel (2 Chronicles 32:32; Isaiah 36-39). The vision of Isaiah refers to the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1).

Although Hezekiah failed in the test at the end of his life, his life as a whole was characterized by piety, fear of God. This is also reflected in his burial. That he is buried “in the upper section” is more than just a description of the location. It indicates that his way was a way up, a way up to the LORD.

At his death, “all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him”. They will remember his favors. How good it is to remember at the funerals of leaders what the Lord has given to His people through them.

The son who succeeds Hezekiah, Manasseh, is a very different ‘leader’.

Nehemiah 2:16

Prosperity and Death of Hezekiah

The treasures and possessions of Hezekiah are measured broadly (2 Chronicles 32:27-29). He owes all this to God. They are a reflection of the splendor of the great Son of David. Hezekiah takes care of safe places for all the treasures, so that the precious does not get into the hands of the enemy.

Spiritually, it means that he is careful not to give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6; Matthew 15:26). All the treasures of God’s Word, the whole counsel of God, are for the whole church (Acts 20:27) and for no one else. The same goes for the water supply that Hezekiah secures when Jerusalem is threatened by Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:30; 2 Chronicles 32:2-4). He has prosperity in all his work.

Then comes the test of God leaving him (2 Chronicles 32:31). The reason is the visit from Babylon. God leaves Hezekiah to see how he deals with this visit. Will he give Him the honor of the wonder they come to ask him about? God can sometimes leave a believer to himself, withdraw Himself from him. He knows what is in the heart of the believer, as He knows it of the people (Deuteronomy 8:2). But it has to come to light and Hezekiah has to see for himself. Hezekiah must know that pride lurks in his heart. He sees this and humbles himself therefore (2 Chronicles 32:26).

God sometimes has to teach us a lesson. With this in mind, we may pray: “Do not lead us into temptation” (Matthew 6:13a). If we fail, it is our fault; if we remain standing, it is God’s grace. It is the same as being lost and being saved.

The chronicler has reached the end of what he wants to tell his readers about Hezekiah. What else Hezekiah has done, especially his “deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26), is described in the vision of Isaiah and in the books of the kings of Judah and Israel (2 Chronicles 32:32; Isaiah 36-39). The vision of Isaiah refers to the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1).

Although Hezekiah failed in the test at the end of his life, his life as a whole was characterized by piety, fear of God. This is also reflected in his burial. That he is buried “in the upper section” is more than just a description of the location. It indicates that his way was a way up, a way up to the LORD.

At his death, “all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him”. They will remember his favors. How good it is to remember at the funerals of leaders what the Lord has given to His people through them.

The son who succeeds Hezekiah, Manasseh, is a very different ‘leader’.

Nehemiah 2:18

Introduction

After the revival under Hezekiah which is written about in the previous chapters, there are two more great histories: one of Manasseh and one of Josiah. The first history is that of Manasseh and tells the story of the conversion of an individual human being. In the whole Old Testament there is not a more striking history of conversion than that of Manasseh. The other history is that of Josiah and tells of the reform of an entire nation. In these ‘epilogues’ we see what the grace of God is able to do.

Manasseh King of Judah

Manasseh is born during the fifteen years of extra time Hezekiah received (2 Kings 20:6). When he is twelve years old, he becomes king (2 Chronicles 33:1). Manasseh is an extraordinarily wicked king. The fact that God tolerates him for so long – he reigns no less than fifty-five years, from 697-642 BC – shows the patience of His grace.

Manasseh breaks a double record. No king has ruled as long as he has, and no king has been as wicked as he is. His name means ‘to make forget’. With this he is a model for the people, who also forget God (Jeremiah 2:32). While it is written of his father that “he did right in the sight of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 29:2) it says of Manasseh that “he did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 33:2). The contrast with his father manifests itself in everything. Through the actions of Manasseh, God’s land is inundated with the atrocities of the heathen nations, which the LORD has driven out before the eyes of His people.

Manasseh quickly undoes all his father’s reforms (2 Chronicles 33:3). It seems that he has made haste with that. What his father has broken down, he rebuilds. The idol altars are erected again. Manasseh surrenders himself with heart and soul to idolatry.

It is getting worse. He even dares to build idol altars in the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 33:4). With this he grieves the LORD deeply. We hear the pain of the LORD resound in the quote of what He said about His house: “My name shall be in Jerusalem forever.” In the courts of the house of the LORD Manasseh builds altars for all the host of heaven, that are the stars (2 Chronicles 33:5).

And it becomes even crazier. He lets his sons pass through fire, as his grandfather Ahaz did (2 Chronicles 33:6; 2 Chronicles 28:3), and he focuses on occultism. He surrenders to the powers of darkness. This is not limited to a personal activity, but he promotes occultism by dealing with mediums and spiritists.

He does everything he can think of to provoke the LORD to anger. His next action is to put a self-made idol in the house of God (2 Chronicles 33:7). It is in a terrible way contrary to the purpose of God with His home. God expressed Himself clearly to David and Solomon about His house. It is the house where His Name shall dwell forever. But Manasseh doesn’t care about God’s purposes.

A reminder is given of the condition to remain in the land (2 Chronicles 33:8). Manasseh doesn’t mind at all. If he has thought about it at all, he ignores everything God has said. He does not care about God or His commandment. He leads Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, so that they sin worse than the nations the LORD has wiped out of the land (2 Chronicles 33:9). People who confess to belong to God’s people sometimes do things for which unbelievers are ashamed (1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Corinthians 5:1). The history of Manasseh is, in short, that of Israel itself.

Nehemiah 2:19

Introduction

After the revival under Hezekiah which is written about in the previous chapters, there are two more great histories: one of Manasseh and one of Josiah. The first history is that of Manasseh and tells the story of the conversion of an individual human being. In the whole Old Testament there is not a more striking history of conversion than that of Manasseh. The other history is that of Josiah and tells of the reform of an entire nation. In these ‘epilogues’ we see what the grace of God is able to do.

Manasseh King of Judah

Manasseh is born during the fifteen years of extra time Hezekiah received (2 Kings 20:6). When he is twelve years old, he becomes king (2 Chronicles 33:1). Manasseh is an extraordinarily wicked king. The fact that God tolerates him for so long – he reigns no less than fifty-five years, from 697-642 BC – shows the patience of His grace.

Manasseh breaks a double record. No king has ruled as long as he has, and no king has been as wicked as he is. His name means ‘to make forget’. With this he is a model for the people, who also forget God (Jeremiah 2:32). While it is written of his father that “he did right in the sight of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 29:2) it says of Manasseh that “he did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 33:2). The contrast with his father manifests itself in everything. Through the actions of Manasseh, God’s land is inundated with the atrocities of the heathen nations, which the LORD has driven out before the eyes of His people.

Manasseh quickly undoes all his father’s reforms (2 Chronicles 33:3). It seems that he has made haste with that. What his father has broken down, he rebuilds. The idol altars are erected again. Manasseh surrenders himself with heart and soul to idolatry.

It is getting worse. He even dares to build idol altars in the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 33:4). With this he grieves the LORD deeply. We hear the pain of the LORD resound in the quote of what He said about His house: “My name shall be in Jerusalem forever.” In the courts of the house of the LORD Manasseh builds altars for all the host of heaven, that are the stars (2 Chronicles 33:5).

And it becomes even crazier. He lets his sons pass through fire, as his grandfather Ahaz did (2 Chronicles 33:6; 2 Chronicles 28:3), and he focuses on occultism. He surrenders to the powers of darkness. This is not limited to a personal activity, but he promotes occultism by dealing with mediums and spiritists.

He does everything he can think of to provoke the LORD to anger. His next action is to put a self-made idol in the house of God (2 Chronicles 33:7). It is in a terrible way contrary to the purpose of God with His home. God expressed Himself clearly to David and Solomon about His house. It is the house where His Name shall dwell forever. But Manasseh doesn’t care about God’s purposes.

A reminder is given of the condition to remain in the land (2 Chronicles 33:8). Manasseh doesn’t mind at all. If he has thought about it at all, he ignores everything God has said. He does not care about God or His commandment. He leads Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, so that they sin worse than the nations the LORD has wiped out of the land (2 Chronicles 33:9). People who confess to belong to God’s people sometimes do things for which unbelievers are ashamed (1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Corinthians 5:1). The history of Manasseh is, in short, that of Israel itself.

Nehemiah 2:20

Introduction

After the revival under Hezekiah which is written about in the previous chapters, there are two more great histories: one of Manasseh and one of Josiah. The first history is that of Manasseh and tells the story of the conversion of an individual human being. In the whole Old Testament there is not a more striking history of conversion than that of Manasseh. The other history is that of Josiah and tells of the reform of an entire nation. In these ‘epilogues’ we see what the grace of God is able to do.

Manasseh King of Judah

Manasseh is born during the fifteen years of extra time Hezekiah received (2 Kings 20:6). When he is twelve years old, he becomes king (2 Chronicles 33:1). Manasseh is an extraordinarily wicked king. The fact that God tolerates him for so long – he reigns no less than fifty-five years, from 697-642 BC – shows the patience of His grace.

Manasseh breaks a double record. No king has ruled as long as he has, and no king has been as wicked as he is. His name means ‘to make forget’. With this he is a model for the people, who also forget God (Jeremiah 2:32). While it is written of his father that “he did right in the sight of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 29:2) it says of Manasseh that “he did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 33:2). The contrast with his father manifests itself in everything. Through the actions of Manasseh, God’s land is inundated with the atrocities of the heathen nations, which the LORD has driven out before the eyes of His people.

Manasseh quickly undoes all his father’s reforms (2 Chronicles 33:3). It seems that he has made haste with that. What his father has broken down, he rebuilds. The idol altars are erected again. Manasseh surrenders himself with heart and soul to idolatry.

It is getting worse. He even dares to build idol altars in the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 33:4). With this he grieves the LORD deeply. We hear the pain of the LORD resound in the quote of what He said about His house: “My name shall be in Jerusalem forever.” In the courts of the house of the LORD Manasseh builds altars for all the host of heaven, that are the stars (2 Chronicles 33:5).

And it becomes even crazier. He lets his sons pass through fire, as his grandfather Ahaz did (2 Chronicles 33:6; 2 Chronicles 28:3), and he focuses on occultism. He surrenders to the powers of darkness. This is not limited to a personal activity, but he promotes occultism by dealing with mediums and spiritists.

He does everything he can think of to provoke the LORD to anger. His next action is to put a self-made idol in the house of God (2 Chronicles 33:7). It is in a terrible way contrary to the purpose of God with His home. God expressed Himself clearly to David and Solomon about His house. It is the house where His Name shall dwell forever. But Manasseh doesn’t care about God’s purposes.

A reminder is given of the condition to remain in the land (2 Chronicles 33:8). Manasseh doesn’t mind at all. If he has thought about it at all, he ignores everything God has said. He does not care about God or His commandment. He leads Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, so that they sin worse than the nations the LORD has wiped out of the land (2 Chronicles 33:9). People who confess to belong to God’s people sometimes do things for which unbelievers are ashamed (1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Corinthians 5:1). The history of Manasseh is, in short, that of Israel itself.