Table of Contents
Historical and Theological Background of 2 Chronicles 32
The thirty-second chapter of 2 Chronicles captures one of the most dramatic events in Judah’s history. It presents the reign of King Hezekiah at a time when Judah was threatened by the most powerful empire of the day — Assyria. Hezekiah, who had devoted himself to religious reform and covenant faithfulness, suddenly faced the terrifying prospect of destruction at the hands of King Sennacherib, whose armies had already conquered countless nations.
The chapter is not only a historical account but also a theological testimony to the sovereignty of God over nations, the power of prayer, the necessity of faith in adversity, and the danger of pride even in times of success. It is a rich text that connects with other Scriptures, including Isaiah 36–39 and 2 Kings 18–20, which offer parallel accounts.
Assyria was the dominant superpower in the eighth century BC, known for its ruthless military tactics and psychological warfare. Its capital, Nineveh, symbolized cruelty, arrogance, and idolatry. Sennacherib’s invasion was not just political but spiritual, as he mocked the God of Israel. In contrast, Hezekiah’s faith and prayer with the prophet Isaiah revealed the reality of God’s living power against human pride.
Theologically, 2 Chronicles 32 teaches about divine sovereignty, the effectiveness of prayer, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the dangers of pride after blessing. It shows that God honors faith, resists arrogance, and delivers His people in His own way.
Verse by Verse Commentary
2 Chronicles 32:1
“After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself.”
The phrase “after these things” connects back to Hezekiah’s reforms in chapters 29–31, where he restored temple worship, cleansed the priesthood, and led Judah back to covenant faithfulness. One might expect peace after obedience, but instead, trials arose. This shows a biblical principle: faithfulness often attracts opposition.
Sennacherib’s invasion was strategic. Judah’s fenced cities, or fortified towns, were designed for defense, but the Assyrian army was known for breaking through such fortresses with advanced siege weapons. Historically, Sennacherib’s campaign is recorded in the Taylor Prism, an Assyrian inscription that boasts of shutting up Hezekiah “like a bird in a cage.”
This verse highlights that faithfulness to God does not guarantee the absence of trials. Instead, trials test the reality of faith.
2 Chronicles 32:2–5
“And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem, he took counsel… he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken.”
Hezekiah demonstrated wisdom and courage. Instead of panicking, he took counsel with his leaders. His first action was to stop water supplies outside the city so the Assyrians would not have access. Archaeologists today identify this with Hezekiah’s tunnel, a remarkable engineering achievement that redirected the Gihon spring inside the city walls (2 Kings 20:20).
The king also repaired walls, built towers, and strengthened defenses. The Hebrew word for “strengthened” (chazaq) carries the sense of seizing courage and making firm. Hezekiah modeled leadership that balanced faith and practical action. Trust in God does not mean negligence; it works hand in hand with preparation.
2 Chronicles 32:6–8
“And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together… Be strong and courageous, be not afraid… for there be more with us than with him.”
Hezekiah encouraged the people with words rooted in Scripture. His call to “be strong and courageous” echoes God’s command to Joshua in Joshua 1:9 and Moses’ encouragement to Israel in Deuteronomy 31:6.
The key theological statement is in verse 8: “With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God.” This contrast between human strength (“arm of flesh”) and divine power is central to biblical faith. Jeremiah 17:5–7 makes a similar point about trusting man versus trusting God.
The people “rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah.” This shows the power of godly leadership to strengthen the faith of others in times of fear.
2 Chronicles 32:9–15
“After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem… to persuade them, saying, Thus saith Sennacherib… Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places…?”
Here the Assyrian strategy shifted to psychological warfare. Sennacherib mocked Hezekiah’s reforms, misunderstanding them. By removing idols and centralizing worship in Jerusalem, Hezekiah had strengthened faith, but Sennacherib interpreted it as religious weakness.
The Assyrian envoys listed Sennacherib’s victories over other nations, claiming their gods could not save them. His logic was clear: if mighty nations fell, Judah’s God would also fail. This reasoning, however, was flawed because the gods of the nations were idols, but the LORD is the living God.
This arrogance paralleled Goliath’s boast against Israel (1 Samuel 17:45). It showed how worldly power underestimates divine reality.
2 Chronicles 32:16–19
“And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah.”
The envoys escalated their insults. They wrote letters railing against God. They spoke deliberately in Hebrew to demoralize the people on the walls, hoping fear would cause surrender.
This tactic reveals that the enemy often seeks to plant fear and doubt in the minds of believers. Words are weapons. The contrast is between Sennacherib’s blasphemous letters and Hezekiah’s faithful prayers.
2 Chronicles 32:20
“For this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.”
Hezekiah and Isaiah represent the union of royal and prophetic leadership. They turned to prayer, acknowledging that the crisis was spiritual. Their prayer is recorded more fully in Isaiah 37:14–20, where Hezekiah spread the blasphemous letter before the LORD.
This moment shows the biblical principle of intercession. In crises, true deliverance comes not from military power but from calling on God.
2 Chronicles 32:21
“And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour… so he returned with shame of face to his own land.”
The answer came dramatically. An angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night (2 Kings 19:35). The Hebrew emphasizes that God Himself acted; human effort did nothing.
Sennacherib returned to Nineveh humiliated. Later, while worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, he was assassinated by his own sons (Isaiah 37:38). This fulfilled divine justice. Pride led to shame, and blasphemy led to downfall.
2 Chronicles 32:22–23
“Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem… and many brought gifts unto the LORD.”
The victory was attributed solely to God. The people and surrounding nations recognized God’s hand. Jerusalem became a place of honor because God defended it. Hezekiah also received respect and gifts, reflecting God’s blessing.
This fulfilled God’s promise in Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
2 Chronicles 32:24–26
“In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.”
Hezekiah’s personal trial followed national victory. His sickness (2 Kings 20:1–11) brought him to the brink of death, but he prayed, and God added fifteen years to his life. The sign was the shadow going backward on the sundial of Ahaz.
However, success led to pride. Verse 25 notes that “Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him.” Pride is a recurring danger after blessing. Yet when he humbled himself, God’s wrath was delayed.
2 Chronicles 32:27–30
“And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour… he made treasuries also for silver, and for gold.”
Hezekiah prospered greatly. His wealth included silver, gold, spices, shields, and livestock. He also built storage cities and engineered water systems. The mention of the water conduit refers to his tunnel, still visible today in Jerusalem.
Prosperity was the fruit of God’s blessing, but also a test of character. Success can either glorify God or feed pride.
2 Chronicles 32:31
“Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors… God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.”
This verse is sobering. When envoys from Babylon came to inquire about the sign, Hezekiah proudly displayed his treasures (Isaiah 39:1–8). God allowed this to test his heart.
The phrase “God left him” does not mean abandonment but a temporary withdrawal to expose motives. Trials reveal weaknesses. Babylon later became the empire that carried Judah into exile, showing how small acts of pride can lead to future consequences.
2 Chronicles 32:32–33
“Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah… And Hezekiah slept with his fathers.”
Hezekiah’s reign ended with honor. He was buried with dignity, and the people respected him greatly. His legacy combined faith, prayer, reform, and deliverance, though also marred by moments of pride. His story illustrates the power of trust in God, the danger of pride, and the need for humility.
Theological Themes in 2 Chronicles 32
- God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
Assyria was the strongest empire, but one angel from God destroyed its army. No nation can stand against the LORD. - Faith Tested by Trials
Hezekiah’s faith was tested by invasion, sickness, and pride. Each trial revealed different aspects of his character and reliance on God. - Prayer as the Key to Deliverance
The turning point came when Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed. Prayer connects human weakness with divine strength. - The Danger of Pride
Both Sennacherib and Hezekiah show the destructive power of pride. Sennacherib fell in arrogance; Hezekiah nearly stumbled but repented. - God Honors Humility
When Hezekiah humbled himself, wrath was delayed. Humility invites grace.
Practical Lessons from 2 Chronicles 32
- Faith does not remove trials: Like Hezekiah, we may face opposition even when obedient.
- Prepare wisely but trust God: Build defenses, make plans, but know deliverance comes from the LORD.
- Encourage others with faith: Words of courage can strengthen an entire community.
- Do not fear intimidation: The enemy’s words are powerless compared to God’s promises.
- Pray in crisis: Prayer is not the last resort but the first weapon.
- Stay humble in success: Blessings can lead to pride unless we remain dependent on God.
- Recognize divine testing: God sometimes allows trials to reveal our hearts.
Cross References
- Isaiah 36–39: Parallel account of Sennacherib’s invasion and Hezekiah’s sickness.
- 2 Kings 18–20: Detailed record of Hezekiah’s reign and Babylonian envoys.
- Psalm 46: God as refuge during nations’ threats.
- Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous” echoed in Hezekiah’s speech.
- Exodus 14:13–14: God fighting for Israel at the Red Sea.
- Daniel 4:30–32: Pride leading to downfall, similar to Sennacherib.
- James 4:6: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
- 1 Peter 5:6–7: Humility before God brings help.