2 Chronicles 32
Meaning of 2 Chronicles 32
2 Chronicles 32 is a scripture from the Old Testament of the Bible located in the book of 2 Chronicles.
This scripture recounts the invasion of Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, who came and attacked the fortified cities of Judah, putting Jerusalem under siege in the days of Hezekiah, King of Judah.
King Hezekiah faced this challenge spiritually by encouraging the people to put their trust in God. He also took practical steps such as fortifying the city, securing the water supply, and preparing weapons.
Sennacherib, on his side, tried to undermine the faith of the people in God by sending his officials to spread propaganda, saying that God could not save them. But the people did not respond to his taunts.
In response to Hezekiah and prophet Isaiah’s prayer, God delivered the city of Jerusalem. An angel of God struck the Assyrians, and their king had to withdraw in disgrace and was later killed by his own sons.
The rest of the chapter talks about Hezekiah’s illness, his recovery, and the sign given by God, his pride, and his repentance. God again mercifully forgave him.
The chapter ends by briefly summarizing the rest of Hezekiah’s reign and his death, noting that his deeds were great because he was faithful to the Lord.
2 Chronicles 32 kjv
2 Chronicles 32 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible describes events during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah.
At the start, it recounts how King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded and attempted to besiege Judah. Hezekiah prepared for this by blocking off the springs outside the city and undertaking considerable works to strengthen its defenses. He encouraged his people by reminding them that although the Assyrians had ‘the arm of flesh’ they had God on their side.
In verses 9 to 19, Sennacherib sent messages to intimidate the people of Judah. His words belittled their trust in God and their king. He declared that no gods of any nations or kingdoms had been able to deliver their people from his hands, and falsely claimed the God of Israel could not save them either.
Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah prayed and cried out to heaven about this. In response, the Lord sent an angel that killed every mighty warrior, leader and commander in the Assyrian camp, forcing Sennacharib to withdraw in disgrace.
The chapter continues by describing Hezekiah’s illness and miraculous recovery. He was prideful after his healing, but humbled himself later. It also tells of the king’s various works, his great wealth and fame, and the tunnel he built to bring water into the city of Jerusalem.
The chapter concludes with Hezekiah’s death. Despite his mistakes, he is remembered as a good king who was faithful to God. His son, Manasseh, succeeded him as king.
2 Chronicles 32 nkjv
2 Chronicles 32 is part of the Old Testament in the Holy Bible. It is part of a series of books that narrate the history of the kings of Israel and Judah. The New King James Version (NKJV) is a translation of the Bible that approaches the text more literally than some other versions for a more modern, up-to-date understanding.
In 2 Chronicles 32, the narrative focuses on the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, particularly the invasion by Sennacherib, King of Assyria. Here’s a summary of the chapter:
1. The chapter starts with the invasion of Judah by Assyrian King Sennareth when Hezekiah was at the peak of his power.
2. Seeing the threat, Hezekiah takes precautions – he decides to cut off the water supply from the springs outside the city so that the Assyrian army wouldn’t have access to it.
3. He rebuilds the damaged wall and erects another one outside it. He also makes military reinforcements and encourages his people, telling them not to fear the Assyrian king or his army because they have the Lord on their side.
4. Sennacherib, confident of his military might, mocks their trust in God. He sends letters to the people of Jerusalem to sow fear and doubt, trying to convince them that their God won’t be able to save them, just as the gods of other nations he conquered couldn’t protect those nations.
5. Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah pray fervently to God about this and God responds by sending an angel that destroys the Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to retreat in disgrace.
6. The latter part of the chapter states how God blessed Hezekiah, giving him wealth and honor. But when envoys from Babylon come to meet him, he starts to become a little prideful, showing them all his treasures. God uses this event to test him, knowing his heart.
7. At the end of his life, regardless of the mistakes he made, Hezekiah is still remembered as a good king, one who trusted, obeyed, and was faithful to God.
This chapter underscores the theme of faith in God amidst threatening circumstances and shows how God protects, blesses, and deals with his people.
2 Chronicles 32 niv
2 Chronicles 32 is located in the Old Testament of the Bible. This chapter details the attempt by King Sennacherib of Assyria to conquer Jerusalem. Despite having successfully captured the fortified cities of Judah, Sennacherib’s efforts to take Jerusalem are thwarted.
The story begins when King Hezekiah sees Sennacherib advancing toward Jerusalem and, understanding the threat, he consults with his officers. They decide to cut off the water supply outside the city to deprive the Assyrian forces. Hezekiah also works to repair broken sections of the city wall, build towers, and manufacture weapons.
Furthermore, Hezekiah encourages his people not to fear the Assyrians, reminding them that with God on their side, they have a power greater than any human force.
In response, Sennacherib sends letters to the people of Judah, blaspheming against God and discouraging them. He claims that God will not protect them, leveraging the fact that no other gods have saved nations under his wrath.
Despite this, the people of Judah choose to trust Hezekiah and their God. Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah pray earnestly to God, who responds by sending an angel that annihilates the Assyrian troops, forcing Sennacherib to retreat.
Later, while he worships in the temple of his god, Sennacherib is killed by his sons.
The chapter concludes with a focus on Hezekiah. It tells of his sickness and subsequent healing following his prayers to God. His wealth and achievements, including a water tunnel he had constructed, are mentioned. Hezekiah dies and is succeeded by his son Manasseh.
The NIV (New International Version) only adjusts the language to be more contemporary and easier to understand, but the message and story remain the same. It reminds readers of God’s ability to defend and protect his faithful followers.
What is 2 Chronicles 32 all about?
2 Chronicles 32 details the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, specifically focusing on his response to the Assyrian King Sennacherib’s attempts to invade Jerusalem.
At the beginning of the chapter, Sennacherib invades Judah and plans to take over Jerusalem. In response, Hezekiah develops a strategic plan attempting to thwart this by cutting off the Assyrians’ water supply. He also fortifies the city and stocks up on weapons and shields.
In the midst of crisis, Hezekiah rallies his people by providing encouragement and reminding them of God’s strength and power. He assures them that with God on their side, they have more strength than Sennacherib and his human forces.
Sennacherib falsely claims that God sent him to destroy Jerusalem, and he attempts to dissuade the residents from trusting in Hezekiah’s promises of divine protection. He sends letters to the people of Jerusalem, mocking God and suggesting their faith in Him will lead to their downfall.
However, Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah pray to God about this situation. God answers their prayers and sends an angel to slaughter the Assyrian troops. Sennacherib is then killed by his own sons upon returning to Assyria.
King Hezekiah gets severely ill but prays to God and is healed. He becomes prideful which leads him to momentarily stop trusting God, but he repents of his pride, and God forgives him.
This chapter concludes with a summary of Hezekiah’s reign, including his successful projects like constructing a water tunnel and reinforcing the city walls. Ultimately, Hezekiah dies and his son Manasseh succeeds him.
So overall, 2 Chronicles 32 depicts Hezekiah’s spiritual strength, his trust in God during hardships, and his success as a ruler, despite brief lapses into pride and self-reliance.
What does 2 Chronicles 32 teaches?
2 Chronicles 32 is a chapter in the Bible that primarily teaches about faith, trust in God, the consequences of pride, and divine deliverance.
Here are the key lessons drawn from this chapter:
1. Faith and Trust in God: King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah prayed and cried out to heaven when the city of Jerusalem was threatened by Assyrian King Sennacherib. Their faith and trust in God resulted in divine intervention, and the city was saved.
2. Pride Leads to Downfall: King Sennacherib was confident with his mighty army and did not hesitate to mock the God of Israel. His arrogance and ignorance of God’s power led to his disastrous defeat and eventual assassination by his own sons.
3. Divine Deliverance and Protection: God’s divine intervention not only saved King Hezekiah and the city of Jerusalem from the hands of the Assyrians but also led to the prosperity of Jerusalem. Even in the threat of a powerful enemy, God’s protection was upon the city and its people.
4. The Consequences of Pride (Again on Hezekiah’s Part): Despite God’s providence, Hezekiah fell into the trap of pride. After surviving a deathly illness, he showed off his wealth to Babylonian envoys, which led to the prophecy of the eventual Babylonian captivity. This teaches us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Hence, 2 Chronicles 32 teaches the importance of faith, humility and reliance on God in the face of trials and adversities, and the destructive nature of pride.
A Sermon on 2 Chronicles 32
2 Chronicles 32 recounts the invasion of Judah by Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and King Hezekiah’s response and reliance on God. While also reflecting on Hezekiah’s health crisis, the chapter emphasizes steadfast faith in God amidst adversities.
A sermon on 2 Chronicles 32 might focus on several key aspects:
1. Spiritual Preparedness: Verses 1-8 tell the story of Hezekiah’s strengthening of the city by blocking springs, building walls, and preparing weapons and soldiers. This can be considered as spiritual readiness, telling us that we must also fortify ourselves spiritually, prepare for the trials we might face by staying connected to God, immersing ourselves in His word, and seeking His wisdom.
2. The Power of Words: Verses 9-19 share how Sennacherib uses words to insult and intimidate Hezekiah and the people, hoping to make them lose their faith in God. This could be understood as the enemies’ attempt to weaken our faith with doubts and fears. It teaches us to remain firm in our faith, no matter what we hear or what others say about our faith.
3. Trust in God: Verses 20-22 records how Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah cry out to heaven, and God remarkably delivers them from the Assyrian army, showing His superiority over the false gods of the Assyrians. It is a vivid testimony that God is our fortress and deliverer, He hears our prayers, and will intervene on our behalf when we turn to Him in faith.
4. Gratitude and Pride: The final verses (24-33) recount Hezekiah’s severe illness, his recovery, and his dangerous brush with pride, showing that pride can be a stumbling block even for a faithful servant of God. Therefore, we must remain humble and thankful for God’s blessings.
So, a sermon on 2 Chronicles 32 can revolve around the themes of faith, trust in God’s deliverance, preparation for spiritual warfare, the power of words, humility and the dangers of pride. It accentuates the faithfulness and supremacy of God over our trials and tribulations.
Key people in 2 Chronicles 32
In 2 Chronicles 32, there are two key people of significance.
1. Hezekiah: Hezekiah was King of Judah during the time depicted in 2 Chronicles 32. He is known for leading a religious reform in his kingdom, and for his faithfulness to God. In this chapter, Hezekiah is under siege from the Assyrians. He takes steps to prepare his city for battle, digging a tunnel to bring water into the city, repairing the walls, and encouraging his people to have faith in God. He and the prophet Isaiah cry out in prayer to God, who sends an angel to destroy the invading Assyrian armies. Hezekiah falls ill and prays to God, who extends his life.
2. Sennacherib: Sennacherib was the King of Assyria. In the chapter, he lays siege to Jerusalem, boasting about his military victories and attempting to undermine the faith of King Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem in God’s ability to save them. He sends a letter to Hezekiah filled with blasphemy against God. His armies are defeated by the angel of the Lord and he eventually goes back to Nineveh where he is assassinated by his sons.
Real world examples on 2 Chronicles 32
The book of 2 Chronicles Chapter 32 is a passage in the Bible that recounts King Hezekiah of Judah’s defiance against Assyrian King Sennacherib, his journey of faith, his efforts to protect Jerusalem, his sickness, and eventual death.
Here are two real-world examples that could illustrate some themes from this chapter:
1. Dependence on God in the Face of Threats:
In the chapter, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah pray earnestly to God when Sennacherib invades Judah and threatens Jerusalem. Similarly, people in the real world often rely on their faith during troubling times. For instance, during unprecedented crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned towards prayer and strengthened their faith in a higher power, comparing to Hezekiah’s dependence on God during the attack.
2. Infrastructure Preparation for Crisis:
King Hezekiah’s act of obstructing the source of water outside the city to prevent the conquering Assyrians from having access is a strategy that can be compared to modern strategies of protecting crucial resources during times of crisis. A real-world example might be how countries protect and regulate their essential resources like oil, gas, or in some cases, clean drinking water during conflicts or war situations.
Remember, the applications and interpretations of religious texts can vary among different individuals and communities due to their unique perspectives, immediate conditions, and spiritual beliefs.
Brief Explanation of 2 Chronicles 32
2 Chronicles 32 recounts the story of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, and his invasion of Judah, a kingdom in the southern part of Canaan ruled by King Hezekiah. The chapter starts by describing how Hezekiah prepared for the invasion, such as repairing defenses and cutting off water supplies to hinder the Assyrian army.
Despite Sennacherib’s threats and boasts about his past victories, Hezekiah encouraged his people to have confidence in God. He emphasized that with God’s divine power, they are stronger than the Assyrians, who only have the power of a man.
Indeed, God delivered Judah from Sennacherib by sending an angel to annihilate the Assyrian army. Sennacherib returned in disgrace to Nineveh, his capital, where he was later assassinated by his sons.
After the successful defense, Hezekiah became excessively proud, which provoked God’s wrath. However, when Hezekiah humbled himself, God’s wrath was averted from Judah and Jerusalem during his lifetime.
The chapter ends with a description of Hezekiah’s riches and works, his conflicts with the leaders of Babylon, and his death. He was succeeded by his son Manasseh. This chapter’s overarching theme encourages readers to trust God during difficult times and to remain humble during times of success.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Chronicles 32
1. Who are the key figures in 2 Chronicles 32?
– The primary figures are King Hezekiah of Judah and King Sennacherib of Assyria.
2. Why did Sennacherib the King of Assyria, attack all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them?
– The Bible doesn’t give a specific reason. Historically however, the Assyrian Empire often sought to expand its territory and influence.
3. What did Hezekiah do to protect Jerusalem from the King of Assyria?
– Hezekiah strengthened his defenses by repairing the wall, building up towers, and creating a second wall. He also gathered weapons and warriors and inspired them with a speech. Moreover, he constructed a tunnel to bring water into the city to withstand a siege.
4. How did God save Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the attack of Sennacherib, the King of Assyria?
– According to 2 Chronicles 32:21, God sent an angel who destroyed all the mighty warriors, commanders, and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king, forcing him to return to his own land in disgrace.
5. What happened to King Sennacherib after failing to capture Jerusalem?
– Upon his return, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with the sword.
6. What is described about Hezekiah’s illness in 2 Chronicles 32?
– After the events with Sennacherib, Hezekiah fell severely ill to the point of death. He prayed to God, who answered him and gave him a sign. However, the specifics of his illness are not mentioned.
7. How is Hezekiah’s pride discussed in 2 Chronicles 32?
– The chapter speaks of a time when Hezekiah became prideful, and wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem. However, Hezekiah humbled himself and repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem, so the Lord’s wrath did not come upon them.
8. What is the summary of Hezekiah’s rule as described at the end of 2 Chronicles 32?
– Hezekiah’s reign is summarized as faithful and devoted. He sought the Lord and led reforms to worship God uniquely. His success came because he wholeheartedly followed God. His failures happened when he let pride enter his heart. But he was quick to repent. His trust in God was his underlying strength. All his actions, achievements and wealth were documented in The Vision of the prophet Isaiah.
Remember that interpretation can vary, and some of these questions could have different answers depending on one’s perspective or interpretation of the biblical text.
Possible References for 2 Chronicles 32
2 Chronicles 32 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible. It covers several important events from the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. Here are some of the key references you might find in 2 Chronicles 32:
1. Siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib: The chapter begins with Assyrian King Sennacherib invading Judah and intending to lay siege on Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:1).
2. Hezekiah’s Preparations: It also contains details of King Hezekiah’s efforts to defend Jerusalem by blocking the springs outside the city and repairing the walls (2 Chronicles 32:2-5).
3. Hezekiah’s Encouragement: Hezekiah encourages his people to be strong and not fear the Assyrian king or his army, using faith in God as his main means of encouragement (2 Chronicles 32:7-8).
4. Sennacherib’s Blasphemies: There are references to Sennacherib’s messages, in which he mocks the God of Israel and threatens the people of Jerusalem, boasting about his previous victories over other nations and their gods (2 Chronicles 32:9-19).
5. God’s Intervention and Hezekiah’s Prayer: After the people, led by Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, pray for help, an angel of the Lord kills the Assyrians, causing Sennacherib to break camp and return to Nineveh, where he’s killed by his sons (2 Chronicles 32:20-23).
6. Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery: The chapter later tells of Hezekiah’s illness and recovery, and the king’s pride which leads to wrath against him and Jerusalem. He humbles himself and the wrath of the Lord doesn’t come in his days (2 Chronicles 32:24-26).
7. Hezekiah’s Wealth and Works: It also accounts for the wealth and prosperity of King Hezekiah’s reign, and his engineering projects which brought water into the city of Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:27-30).
8. Mistakes of Hezekiah: There is a story of the envoys of Babylon, to whom Hezekiah shows all his treasures, which leads to a prophecy of destruction from Isaiah (2 Chronicles 32:31).
9. Death of Hezekiah: The chapter ends with the mention of the death and honor of King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:32-33).
These are some of the important references and they reflect on the religious, historical, and cultural context of the times of King Hezekiah. Each verse can be looked at more deeply for more theological and analytical understanding.
Conclusion on 2 Chronicles 32
2 Chronicles chapter 32 mainly revolves around the reign of King Hezekiah, his deeds and faith in God.
The conclusion of 2 Chronicles 32 describes the end of King Hezekiah’s life. He passed away and was succeeded by his son Manasseh. This conclusion speaks of how Hezekiah gained great wealth and honor, praying to God with sincerity and wholehearted dedication. It also talks about the miraculous events and wars Hezekiah had fought, including the successful defense against Assyrian King Sennacherib.
Despite his prosperity, Hezekiah fell into pride for a period, but humbled himself and repented for his pride later. Thus God’s wrath was averted from Judah and Jerusalem during Hezekiah’s lifetime.
The conclusion demonstrates the theme on the consequences of pride and the blessings of humility before God. It showcases the faith and devotion of Hezekiah, his strengths and his weaknesses, and above all, God’s grace and mercy upon the people.