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2 Chronicles 32 Jotham King of Judah

1 Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem
After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, thinking to conquer them for himself.

2 When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and that he intended to make war on Jerusalem,

3 he consulted with his officials and military staff about blocking off the water from the springs outside the city, and they helped him.

4 A large force of men assembled, and they blocked all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?” they said.

5 Then he worked hard repairing all the broken sections of the wall and building towers on it. He built another wall outside that one and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David. He also made large numbers of weapons and shields.

6 He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words:

7 “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.

8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

9 Later, when Sennacherib king of Assyria and all his forces were laying siege to Lachish, he sent his officers to Jerusalem with this message for Hezekiah king of Judah and for all the people of Judah who were there:

10 “This is what Sennacherib king of Assyria says: On what are you basing your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem under siege?

11 When Hezekiah says, ‘The Lord our God will save us from the hand of the king of Assyria,’ he is misleading you, to let you die of hunger and thirst.

12 Did not Hezekiah himself remove this god’s high places and altars, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before one altar and burn sacrifices on it’?

13 “Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of the other lands? Were the gods of those nations ever able to deliver their land from my hand?

14 Who of all the gods of these nations that my fathers destroyed has been able to save his people from me? How then can your god deliver you from my hand?

15 Now do not let Hezekiah deceive you and 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 the hand of my fathers. How much less will your god deliver you from my hand!”

16 Sennacherib’s officers spoke further against the Lord God and against his servant Hezekiah.

17 The king also wrote letters insulting the Lord, the God of Israel, and saying this against him: “Just as the gods of the peoples of the other lands did not rescue their people from my hand, so the god of Hezekiah will not rescue his people from my hand.”

18 Then they called out in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to terrify them and make them afraid in order to capture the city.

19 They spoke about the God of Jerusalem as they did about the gods of the other peoples of the world—the work of men’s hands.

20 King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this.

21 And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons cut him down with the sword.

22 So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all others. He took care of them on every side.

23 Many brought offerings to Jerusalem for the Lord and valuable gifts for Hezekiah king of Judah. From then on he was highly regarded by all the nations.

24 Hezekiah’s Pride, Success and Death
In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign.

25 But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.

26 Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.

27 Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver and gold and for his precious stones, spices, shields and all kinds of valuables.

28 He also made buildings to store the harvest of grain, new wine and oil; and he made stalls for various kinds of cattle, and pens for the flocks.

29 He built villages and acquired great numbers of flocks and herds, for God had given him very great riches.

30 It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Gihon spring and channeled the water down to the west side of the City of David. He succeeded in everything he undertook.

31 But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.

32 The other events of Hezekiah’s reign and his acts of devotion are written in the vision of the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

33 Hezekiah rested with his fathers and was buried on the hill where the tombs of David’s descendants are. All Judah and the people of Jerusalem honored him when he died. And Manasseh his son succeeded him as king.

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Analysis of 2 Chronicles Chapter 32

Second Chronicles 32 offers a crucial narrative in the Divine history of Judah, where the faith and leadership of King Hezekiah are tested severely by the mighty Assyrian empire. This chapter provides profound insights into themes of faith, divine intervention, leadership, and the interplay between human actions and God’s will. In dissecting this chapter, we will delve into the significance of Hezekiah’s preparations, his faith, the formidable threat posed by Sennacherib, the ridicule and psychological warfare employed by the Assyrians, Hezekiah’s appeal to prophet Isaiah, and the divine intervention that ensued.

Hezekiah’s Preparations (Verses 1-8)

The opening verses of this chapter set the scene by stating, “After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah.” This immediately frames the juxtaposition of Hezekiah’s faithfulness with an imminent crisis. Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian threat is both strategic and faithful. He first reinforced his cities and ensured ample water supply was available by blocking off water sources to deprive the Assyrian army of resources. This practical step highlights the importance of preparation and wisdom even when relying on divine help.

Moreover, Hezekiah displayed remarkable leadership by building up the fortifications, creating weapons, and appointing military officers. His address to the people of Judah is filled with encouragement: “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 only is the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” This displays Hezekiah’s reliance on God, instilling hope and faith among his people, and underscoring the concept that divine power surpasses human might.

Sennacherib’s Threat and Blasphemy (Verses 9-19)

Sennacherib’s siege on Jerusalem is not merely a physical battle but a spiritual confrontation. Verses 9-19 depict Sennacherib’s messengers trying to undermine Judah’s faith and confidence. Sennacherib used intimidation and psychological warfare, questioning Hezekiah’s wisdom and faith: “On what are you basing your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem under siege?” This rhetorical question is meant to plant doubt in the minds of the people, undermining their trust in Hezekiah’s leadership and God’s protection.

Furthermore, Sennacherib’s confrontation reaches blasphemous levels as he compares the God of Israel to the gods of other nations he has conquered, thereby challenging God’s power and authority. “Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ Did the gods of any nations ever deliver their land from the hand of the king of Assyria?” From a theological perspective, this is a crucial moment; Sennacherib directly insults the sovereignty and uniqueness of the God of Israel, setting the stage for a divine response.

Hezekiah and Isaiah’s Prayer (Verses 20-22)

In the face of this enormous threat, Hezekiah’s response is marked by humility and faith. He turns to prophet Isaiah, showcasing the importance of seeking prophetic counsel and divine guidance. Together, they pray to the Lord for deliverance. This act of prayer is an acknowledgment of human limitation and an invitation for God to intervene in the affairs of men.

The earnest prayers of Hezekiah and Isaiah highlight a fundamental biblical theme: reliance on God in times of crisis. Prayer becomes a conduit for divine intervention, reflecting a posture of dependence on God’s power rather than human ingenuity alone. Their prayer is answered when “the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king.” This miraculous deliverance underscores God’s sovereignty and power to save His people against insurmountable odds. The angelic intervention leads to a drastic turn of events, causing the Assyrians to retreat in disgrace.

Divine Intervention and Consequences (Verses 22-23)

The outcome of this divine intervention is significant: “So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem.” The deliverance not only protected Judah but also enhanced Hezekiah’s reputation, leading to increased gifts and offerings from surrounding nations. This demonstrates how God’s intervention can have far-reaching effects, extending beyond immediate salvation to alter political dynamics and influence neighboring regions positively.

Moreover, it confirms God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. When His people remain faithful, God’s protection and provision are assured. This encourages believers to maintain their faith and trust in God even in seemingly hopeless situations.

Hezekiah’s Pride and Humility (Verses 24-26)

Interestingly, the narrative transitions to a personal test of Hezekiah’s character. Hezekiah falls ill and is at the brink of death, but he prays, and God grants him a miraculous recovery, even giving him a sign. However, “Hezekiah’s heart was proud, and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore, the Lord’s wrath was on him and Judah and Jerusalem.”

This episode serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride, even for godly leaders. Pride can obscure the recognition of God’s hand in one’s life, leading to spiritual and communal consequences. Hezekiah’s subsequent humbling and repentance mitigated the full extent of divine wrath. This balance between divine blessing and human responsibility is a recurring biblical theme, emphasizing that divine favor requires continued humility and reliance on God.

Hezekiah’s Wealth and Achievements (Verses 27-31)

The chapter continues to describe Hezekiah’s immense wealth and achievements. His prosperity is portrayed in the context of his earlier faithfulness and God’s favor. However, the final verses provide an introspective look at a test of Hezekiah’s heart. When envoys from Babylon visit to inquire about the miraculous sign of his recovery, Hezekiah shows them all his treasures. The text critically notes that “God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.”

This moment prefigures a future downfall for Judah, as Babylon would eventually conquer Jerusalem and take these treasures. It underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance in spiritual integrity, even in times of prosperity and success. Every blessing carries with it a test of character, and Hezekiah’s moment of pride foreshadows dire consequences, illustrating the concept of spiritual tests and the need for continual humility and watchfulness.

Conclusion (Verses 32-33)

The chapter concludes with a summary of Hezekiah’s reign and his accomplishments, noting his faithfulness and the improvements he brought to Judah. Despite the challenges and moments of pride, Hezekiah is remembered as a good and faithful king who sought the Lord. His legacy is imprinted with divine deliverance, significant contributions to his nation’s spiritual and physical welfare, and moments of personal growth and humility.

Reflection and Applications

  • Leadership in Crisis: Hezekiah’s initial response to the Assyrian threat demonstrates effective and faithful leadership. He combined practical measures with profound faith, showing that reliance on God does not preclude wisdom and preparation. Leaders today can learn from Hezekiah’s example to balance strategic action with deep spiritual reliance.
  • Faith versus Fear: The psychological warfare employed by Sennacherib serves as a metaphor for the spiritual battles believers face. The enemy often seeks to undermine faith through doubt and fear. Hezekiah’s response through prayer and prophetic counsel highlights the power of faith to overcome fear.
  • Humility and Divine Blessing: Hezekiah’s initial prosperity and subsequent pride serve as a cautionary tale. Success and blessings should lead to greater humility and gratitude, not pride. Recognizing that all blessings come from God helps maintain a spirit of humility and continuous dependence on Him.
  • Divine Intervention: The miraculous deliverance by an angel illustrates God’s power to save and intervene in impossible situations. It reaffirms the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, offering hope and assurance of His continual presence and help.
  • Legacy and Responsibility: Finally, Hezekiah’s story is a reminder that a leader’s actions have lasting impacts. His mix of faithfulness and moments of pride affected Judah’s future. This underscores the importance of legacy and the responsibility leaders bear in shaping their community’s spiritual and physical well-being.

Overall, 2 Chronicles 32 offers a multifaceted exploration of faith, leadership, divine intervention, and human vulnerability. It encourages believers to maintain their faith amidst trials, to lead with wisdom and reliance on God, and to remain humble and vigilant in times of both prosperity and challenge.