Sennacherib Invades Judah 1After 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. 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 kingsa 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 terracesb 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, 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. 8With him is only the arm of flesh,c 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. Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem 9Later, 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? 11Is 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?’ 12Did 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’? 13Do 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? 14Who among all the gods of these nations that my fathers devoted to destructiond has been able to deliver his people from my hand? How then can your God deliver you from my hand? 15So 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!” 16And the servants of Sennacherib spoke further against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah. 17He 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.” 18Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrewe to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city. 19They spoke against the God of Jerusalem as they had spoken against the gods of the peoples of the earth—the work of human hands. Jerusalem Delivered from the Assyrians 20In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out to heaven in prayer, 21and 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. 22So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hands of King Sennacherib of Assyria and all others, and He gave them rest on every side. 23Many 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. Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery 24In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. So he prayed to the LORD, who spoke to him and gave him a sign. 25But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem. 26Then 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. 27Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles. 28He also made storehouses for the harvest of grain and new wine and oil, stalls for all kinds of livestock, and pens for the flocks. 29He made cities for himself, and he acquired herds of sheep and cattle in abundance, for God gave him very great wealth. 30It 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. 31And 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. Hezekiah’s Death 32As 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. 33And 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. Footnotes: 4 a Hebrew; LXX and Syriac king 5 b Hebrew the Millo 8 c Or He has only the strength of his own flesh 14 d Forms of the Hebrew cherem refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering. 18 e Or in the dialect of Judah Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Chronicles 32 Summary Hezekiah's Illness and RecoveryVerses 1–8 – Assyria Invades Judah, Hezekiah Prepares Verses 9–19 – Sennacherib’s Mocking Messages Verses 20–23 – Hezekiah and Isaiah Pray; Angel Strikes Assyrians Verses 24–26 – Hezekiah’s Illness and Pride Verses 27–31 – Hezekiah’s Wealth, Achievements, and Testing Verses 32–33 – Closing Note on Hezekiah’s Reign 2 Chronicles 32 outlines the dramatic confrontation between King Hezekiah of Judah and King Sennacherib of Assyria. This chapter showcases Hezekiah's faith in God and his strategic actions to protect Jerusalem. It also covers the miraculous intervention by God, Hezekiah's illness and recovery, and a summary of his reign. Historical Setting • Timeframe: c. 701 BC, during the reign of Hezekiah (729–686 BC). • World scene: Assyria is the superpower. Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sargon II expanded the empire; Sennacherib now rules. • Political tension: Egypt stirs revolt among smaller states. Judah briefly sides with Egypt; Assyria responds by storming Philistine cities and Judah’s fortified towns (2 Kings 18:13). Archaeological Insights • Siloam Tunnel: An inscription found inside (now in Istanbul) credits Hezekiah’s men for meeting “pick to pick” in the middle, matching vv. 3–4, 30. The channel still carries water from Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam. • Lachish Reliefs: Excavated in Sennacherib’s palace at Nineveh, they depict the siege of Lachish (v. 9). Massive Assyrian siege ramps uncovered at Lachish confirm the biblical description. • Taylor Prism: Sennacherib boasts, “As to Hezekiah, I shut him up like a caged bird in Jerusalem.” The prism lists 46 conquered cities, paralleling v. 1, yet silently admits failure to capture Jerusalem. • Herodian-era tombs labeled “sons of Hezekiah” near the Temple Mount may recall v. 33, showing that royal burials continued in the vicinity even after the original City of David tombs filled up. Cross-Scripture Connections • Parallel Accounts: 2 Kings 18–20 and Isaiah 36–39 supply added detail—especially Hezekiah’s dialogue with the envoys and the prophet Isaiah’s prayers. • Angel of the LORD: Similar one-night victories appear in Exodus 12:12–13; 2 Kings 19:35, highlighting God’s power to save without human swords. • Pride after blessing: Compare with King Asa’s lapse (2 Chronicles 16) and Uzziah’s pride (2 Chronicles 26). 1 Corinthians 10:12 echoes the warning: “If you think you are standing firm, be careful.” • Testing of Hearts: God “left him to test him” (v. 31). See Deuteronomy 8:2 and 2 Chronicles 14:11 for the principle that trials reveal reliance on God. • Mocking God: Goliath (1 Samuel 17); the false prophets before Elijah (1 Kings 18); and those around the cross (Matthew 27:39–44) show the pattern of human arrogance meeting divine response. Assyrian Strategy vs. Judah’s Defense Assyria used psychological warfare—loud speeches in the common language (v. 18)—alongside siege ramps and mass deportations. Hezekiah counters with: 1. Water security (blocking springs, Siloam Tunnel). 2. Fortification (repairing the outer wall and building the Millo). 3. Leadership encouragement (“There are more with us…”). The combination of practical steps and prayer embodies faithful stewardship. Key Themes 1. Faith in Crisis: Real faith does not ignore danger; it works, plans, and calls on God. 2. God’s Honor: Sennacherib’s challenge is directly against the LORD (vv. 16–19), making the battle God’s. 3. Prayer Changes Outcomes: Two men pray (Hezekiah & Isaiah, v. 20); an empire’s army collapses (v. 21). 4. Success Testing the Heart: Victory and riches bring a subtler test than siege engines. 5. Divine Mercy: Even after pride, repentance (v. 26) brings delay of judgment—hope for every believer. Practical Takeaways • When threatened, combine planning with prayer. Bolting the doors without bending the knees leaves the vital work undone. • Do not measure odds solely by visible numbers (cf. 2 Kings 6:16). “With us is the LORD our God” (v. 8) still echoes in every believer’s conflict. • After answered prayer, guard the heart. Blessing can dull dependence faster than adversity ever could (Deuteronomy 8:10–14). • Leadership matters: Hezekiah’s courage infects the people; Sennacherib’s arrogance demoralizes his own troops. • God is not mocked. Dismissal of the living God may sound bold, yet Psalm 2 assures us He “laughs” at proud rulers. Christ-Centered Reflection Hezekiah’s role as interceding king points forward to Christ, the perfect King who prays on behalf of His people (John 17). The sudden deliverance from an overpowering foe previews the ultimate victory won at the cross, where the enemy was defeated in a single decisive act (Colossians 2:15). Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 37This chapter provides a parallel account of Hezekiah's prayer and God's deliverance from the Assyrians. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. James 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Teaching Points Hezekiah's Preparation and FaithHezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and that he intended to make war on Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:2). Hezekiah took practical steps to prepare for the siege, such as stopping the water supply outside the city and strengthening the walls (verses 3-5). Despite the threat, Hezekiah encouraged his people, saying, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him (2 Chronicles 32:7). Divine Intervention Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah prayed and cried out to heaven (verse 20). In response, the LORD sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king (2 Chronicles 32:21). The Consequences of Pride After the victory, Hezekiah's heart became proud, leading to God's wrath (verse 25). However, he repented, and God's wrath was averted during his lifetime (verse 26). Legacy and Impact Hezekiah's reign was marked by prosperity and honor, as he succeeded in everything he undertook (verse 30). His account is a testament to the blessings of faithfulness and humility before God. Practical Applications Trust in God's PowerIn times of overwhelming challenges, remember that there is a greater power with us (2 Chronicles 32:7). Trust in God's ability to deliver and protect. Prepare and Pray Like Hezekiah, take practical steps to address challenges but also prioritize prayer and seeking God's guidance. Guard Against Pride Success can lead to pride. Stay humble and give glory to God to avoid the pitfalls of self-reliance. Repentance and Restoration When we falter, genuine repentance can restore our relationship with God and avert His discipline. People 1. HezekiahHezekiah was the king of Judah who reigned during the time of the Assyrian invasion. He is noted for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to fortify Jerusalem against the Assyrian threat. Hezekiah's name in Hebrew, חִזְקִיָּהוּ (Chizqiyyahu), means "Yahweh strengthens." 2. Sennacherib Sennacherib was the king of Assyria who invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem. He is depicted as a proud and blasphemous ruler who defied the God of Israel. His name in Akkadian, Sin-ahhe-eriba, means "Sin has replaced the brothers." 3. Isaiah Isaiah was a prophet during the reign of Hezekiah. He provided counsel and assurance to Hezekiah, encouraging him to trust in the Lord for deliverance from the Assyrians. Isaiah's name in Hebrew, יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yeshayahu), means "Yahweh is salvation." 4. The commanders of the army These were the military leaders under King Hezekiah who helped prepare for the defense of Jerusalem. They played a role in organizing the city's defenses and encouraging the people. 5. The people of Jerusalem The inhabitants of Jerusalem who were encouraged by Hezekiah and Isaiah to trust in the Lord during the Assyrian siege. They are collectively mentioned as those who supported Hezekiah's efforts to fortify the city. Places 1. JerusalemDescription: Jerusalem is the central city of Judah and the location of the Temple. It is where King Hezekiah reigns and where he prepares for the Assyrian siege. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which is often associated with peace and completeness. BSB Reference: "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 Chronicles 32:1) 2. Lachish Description: Lachish is a fortified city in Judah that Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, was besieging. It was an important military site during Hezekiah's reign. BSB Reference: "Now Sennacherib received a report that Tirhakah king of Cush was marching out to fight against him. So he again sent messengers to Hezekiah with this order: 'Tell Hezekiah king of Judah: Do not let the God you depend on deceive you when He says that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.'" (2 Chronicles 32:9) 3. Assyria Description: Assyria is the empire ruled by Sennacherib, which poses a significant threat to Judah. The Assyrians are known for their military prowess and conquests. BSB Reference: "After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah." (2 Chronicles 32:1) Events 1. Sennacherib Invades JudahSennacherib, the king of Assyria, invades Judah and lays siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them. This event sets the stage for the conflict between Assyria and Judah. The Hebrew root for "invade" (בּוֹא, bo) implies a forceful entry or coming against. 2. Hezekiah's Preparations King Hezekiah takes proactive measures to protect Jerusalem by stopping the water from the springs outside the city and strengthening the city walls. He also constructs weapons and shields, preparing for the impending siege. The Hebrew word for "strengthen" (חָזַק, chazaq) conveys the idea of making something strong or firm. 3. Hezekiah Encourages the People Hezekiah gathers the people and encourages them, saying, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him." (2 Chronicles 32:7). The Hebrew term for "courageous" (אַמִּיץ, amitz) suggests being bold and resolute. 4. Sennacherib's Taunts Sennacherib sends messengers to taunt and intimidate the people of Jerusalem, questioning their reliance on God and Hezekiah. He attempts to undermine their faith by comparing the God of Israel to the gods of other nations he has defeated. The Hebrew root for "taunt" (חָרַף, charaph) implies reproach or scorn. 5. Hezekiah and Isaiah Pray In response to Sennacherib's threats, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz pray and cry out to heaven for deliverance. This act of faith highlights their reliance on divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "pray" (פָּלַל, palal) indicates intercession or supplication. 6. The LORD's Deliverance The LORD sends an angel who annihilates the Assyrian army, causing Sennacherib to withdraw in disgrace. This miraculous deliverance demonstrates God's power and protection over His people. The Hebrew term for "angel" (מַלְאָךְ, malak) refers to a messenger or envoy of God. 7. Sennacherib's Death Upon returning to Assyria, Sennacherib is assassinated by his own sons while worshiping in the temple of his god. This fulfills the prophecy of his downfall and serves as a testament to God's justice. The Hebrew root for "assassinate" (נָכָה, nakah) means to strike or smite. 8. Hezekiah's Prosperity After the defeat of the Assyrians, Hezekiah enjoys a period of prosperity and honor. He is highly regarded among the nations, and his wealth and achievements are noted. The Hebrew word for "prosperity" (צָלַח, tsalach) conveys success or advancement. 9. Hezekiah's Pride and Humility Hezekiah becomes prideful due to his success, but he humbles himself after God's rebuke, averting God's wrath from Judah during his lifetime. This event underscores the importance of humility before God. The Hebrew root for "humble" (כָּנַע, kana) means to submit or bring low. 10. Hezekiah's Death Hezekiah's reign concludes with his death, and he is buried with honor among the kings of Judah. His son Manasseh succeeds him, marking the transition to the next chapter in Judah's history. The Hebrew term for "buried" (קָבַר, qabar) signifies the act of interment or entombment. Topics 1. Sennacherib's Invasion of JudahSennacherib, the king of Assyria, invades Judah and lays siege to its fortified cities, intending to conquer them. This event sets the stage for the subsequent acts of faith and divine intervention. The Hebrew root for "siege" (צור, "tsur") implies a form of encirclement or pressure, highlighting the dire situation Judah faced. 2. Hezekiah's Preparations for Defense King Hezekiah takes proactive measures to defend Jerusalem by stopping the water supply outside the city and strengthening the city walls. He also builds up military defenses and arms the people. This reflects a combination of practical wisdom and reliance on God, as seen in Hezekiah's leadership. 3. Hezekiah's Encouragement to the People Hezekiah encourages the people by reminding them of God's power and presence, saying, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him" (2 Chronicles 32:7). The Hebrew word for "courageous" (אמץ, "amats") conveys a sense of being resolute and firm in faith. 4. Sennacherib's Blasphemous Speech Sennacherib sends messengers to mock and blaspheme the God of Israel, attempting to undermine the people's faith by comparing the God of Israel to the gods of other nations. This act of blasphemy is a direct challenge to God's sovereignty and power. 5. Hezekiah and Isaiah's Prayer In response to the threat, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah pray and cry out to heaven for deliverance. This demonstrates the importance of prayer and reliance on God in times of crisis. The Hebrew root for "cry out" (זעק, "za'aq") indicates a fervent and earnest plea for divine intervention. 6. God's Deliverance of Jerusalem The LORD sends an angel who annihilates the Assyrian army, leading to Sennacherib's retreat. This miraculous deliverance underscores God's power and faithfulness to protect His people. The Hebrew term for "angel" (מלאך, "mal'akh") signifies a messenger or agent of God, emphasizing divine intervention. 7. Hezekiah's Prosperity and Pride After the deliverance, Hezekiah experiences great prosperity, but he becomes prideful, leading to God's wrath. However, Hezekiah humbles himself, and God's wrath is averted. This highlights the biblical principle of humility before God and the dangers of pride. 8. Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery Hezekiah falls ill, but after praying, God grants him recovery and extends his life. This event illustrates God's mercy and the power of prayer. The Hebrew root for "recover" (חיה, "chayah") means to live or revive, indicating restoration to health. 9. Hezekiah's Wealth and Achievements The chapter concludes with a summary of Hezekiah's wealth, achievements, and the construction projects he undertook, reflecting his effective leadership and God's blessing upon his reign. Themes 1. Divine Protection and DeliveranceThis theme highlights God's protection over His people. In 2 Chronicles 32:7-8, Hezekiah encourages the people by saying, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." The Hebrew word for "help" (עָזַר, 'azar) emphasizes God's active assistance and deliverance. 2. Faith and Trust in God Hezekiah's faith is a central theme, as he trusts in God's power rather than human strength. This is evident in his prayer and actions, as seen in 2 Chronicles 32:20: "King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this." The Hebrew root for "cried out" (צָעַק, tsa'aq) conveys a deep, earnest plea for divine intervention. 3. God's Sovereignty Over Nations The narrative demonstrates God's control over the affairs of nations. In 2 Chronicles 32:21, it states, "And the LORD sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king." The Hebrew term for "angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal'akh) signifies a messenger or agent of God's will, underscoring His supreme authority. 4. The Futility of Human Pride Sennacherib's pride and blasphemy against God are met with divine judgment. 2 Chronicles 32:19-21 describes how his arrogance leads to his downfall. The Hebrew word for "blasphemed" (נָאָץ, na'ats) indicates a contemptuous defiance against God, which ultimately proves futile. 5. Repentance and Humility Hezekiah's humility is highlighted after his initial pride. In 2 Chronicles 32:26, it says, "Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; so the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah." The Hebrew root for "repented" (נָחַם, nacham) suggests a change of heart and turning back to God. 6. The Importance of Wise Leadership Hezekiah's leadership is portrayed as wise and God-fearing. His actions in preparing for the Assyrian siege, as described in 2 Chronicles 32:2-5, demonstrate strategic foresight and reliance on God. The Hebrew word for "strengthened" (חָזַק, chazaq) in verse 5 implies fortifying both physically and spiritually. Answering Tough Questions 1. If Sennacherib’s army was supernaturally destroyed, why do Assyrian records (e.g., Sennacherib’s Prism) not mention any defeat? (2 Chronicles 32:21) Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's preparation for the Assyrian invasion demonstrate his leadership skills and faith in God? 2. In what ways does Sennacherib's letter challenge the faith of Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem? 3. How does the divine intervention by God illustrate His sovereignty and power? 4. In what ways can Hezekiah's pride be a cautionary tale for us today? 5. How can you apply the lessons of Hezekiah's trust in God to your own life? 6. What does Hezekiah's illness and recovery teach us about the power of prayer and repentance? 7. How does the account of Hezekiah's wealth and achievements relate to our understanding of worldly success? 8. What would you do in a situation where your faith is openly challenged, like when Sennacherib sent his blasphemous letter? 9. How can we keep humility in the face of great success and honor, like Hezekiah failed to do? 10. In the face of adversity, how can we encourage others, like Hezekiah did with his people during the Assyrian siege? 11. How can we acknowledge God's kindness in our daily lives? 12. What are some practical ways we can prepare and strengthen our spiritual "defenses" like Hezekiah prepared Jerusalem? 13. How does the story of Hezekiah's illness and recovery inform our understanding of God's healing and mercy? 14. Can we identify elements of our life where we may act prideful, as Hezekiah did, and how can we correct it? 15. How can Hezekiah's actions during the Assyrian threat inspire our actions in current global crises? 16. How can Hezekiah's strategic decision to block off water sources apply to our spiritual life? 17. How does this chapter change or reinforce your understanding of divine intervention? 18. What would be a modern equivalent of Sennacherib's letter and how would you respond to it? 19. How does the conclusion of Hezekiah's life inspire you to live a life dedicated to God? 20. How does this chapter challenge your perspective on adversity, faith, and God's intervention? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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