What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 32:29?

He made cities for himself

“[Hezekiah] made cities for himself” (2 Chronicles 32:29a)

• The king expands Judah’s infrastructure, showing responsible stewardship that follows his earlier reforms (2 Chron 31:20–21; Proverbs 21:5).

• Building new cities strengthens defense and economy after God’s deliverance from Assyria (2 Chron 32:22–23; Isaiah 37:36).

• The verse highlights tangible fruit of obedience, echoing earlier examples such as Solomon’s store cities (2 Chron 8:4–6) and Joseph’s preparation in Egypt (Genesis 41:48–49).

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and he acquired herds of sheep and cattle in abundance

“He acquired herds of sheep and cattle in abundance” (32:29b)

• Livestock symbolize agricultural prosperity in the land promised to Israel (Deuteronomy 28:4, 11).

• Abundance reflects blessing that follows covenant faithfulness; compare Abraham (Genesis 24:35) and Job’s restoration (Job 42:12).

• Strategic diversification—cities plus herds—shows wise management, reminiscent of Jacob dividing his flocks (Genesis 30:43).

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for God gave him very great wealth

“for God gave him very great wealth” (32:29c)

• Scripture credits God alone as the source (1 Chronicles 29:12; Deuteronomy 8:17–18).

• The causal “for” roots every previous achievement in divine favor, guarding against pride that later tripped Hezekiah (32:25–26).

• Material blessing validates God’s promise to reward those who “seek first His kingdom” (Matthew 6:33) yet warns that prosperity must remain God-centered (Proverbs 3:9–10).

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summary

The verse traces a simple progression: Hezekiah expands his realm, multiplies resources, and enjoys extraordinary prosperity—all explicitly attributed to the Lord. Obedience and trust open the door to blessing, yet the text keeps the focus on God as the giver, reminding readers to handle every gain with gratitude and humility.