2 Chronicles 32
1599 Geneva Bible
32 1 Sennacherib invadeth Judah. 3 Hezekiah prepareth for the war. 7 He exhorteth the people to put their trust in the Lord. 9 Sennacherib blasphemeth God. 20 Hezekiah prayeth. 21 The Angel destroyeth the Assyrians and the king is slain. 25 Hezekiah is not thankful toward the Lord. 33 His death.
1 After these things faithfully described, (A)Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered into Judah, and besieged the strong cities, and thought to [a]win them for himself.
2 When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that his [b]purpose was to fight against Jerusalem,
3 Then he took counsel with his princes and his nobles, to stop the water of the fountains without the city: and they did help him.
4 So many of the people assembled themselves, and stopped all the fountains, and the river that ran through the midst of the country, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
5 And [c]he took courage, and built all the broken wall, and made up the towers, and another wall without, and repaired [d]Millo in the [e]city of David, and made many [f]darts and shields.
6 And he set captains of war over the people, and assembled them to him in the broad place of the gate of the city, and [g]spake comfortably unto them, saying,
7 Be strong and courageous: fear not, neither be afraid for the king of Assyria, neither for all the multitude that is with him: (B)for there be more with us, then is with him.
8 With him is an [h]arm of flesh, but with us is the [i]Lord our God for to help us, and to fight our battles. Then the people were confirmed by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
9 (C)After this, did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem (while he was [j]against Lachish, and all his dominion with him) unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying,
10 Thus saith Sennacherib the king of Assyria, Wherein do ye trust, that ye will remain in Jerusalem, during the siege?
11 Doth not Hezekiah entice you to give over yourselves unto death by famine and by thirst, saying, The Lord our God shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria?
12 Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places, and his [k]altars, and commanded Judah, and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?
13 Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the people of other countries? were the gods of the nations of other lands able to deliver their land out of mine hand?
14 Who is he of all the [l]gods of those nations (that my fathers have destroyed) that could deliver his people out of mine hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of mine hand?
15 Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor seduce you after this sort, neither believe ye him: for none of all the gods of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of [m]mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your gods deliver you out of mine hand?
16 And his servants spake yet more against the Lord God, and against his [n]servant Hezekiah.
17 He wrote also letters, blaspheming the Lord God of Israel, and speaking against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other countries could not deliver their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand.
18 Then they [o]cried with a loud voice in the Jews speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to fear them and to astonish them, that they might take the city.
19 Thus they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, even the [p]works of man’s hands,
20 But Hezekiah the King, and the Prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz [q]prayed against this and cried to heaven.
21 And the Lord sent an Angel, which destroyed all the valiant men, and the princes and [r]captains of the host of the king of Assyria: so he returned [s]with shame to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his [t]own bowels, slew him there with the sword.
22 So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria, and from the hand of all others, and [u]maintained them on every side.
23 And many brought offerings unto the Lord to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah, so that he was [v]magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.
24 (D)In those days Hezekiah was sick unto the death, and prayed unto the Lord, who spake unto him, and gave him [w]a sign.
25 But Hezekiah did not render according to the reward bestowed upon him: for his heart [x]was lifted up, and wrath came upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.
26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself (after that his heart was lifted up) he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.
27 Hezekiah also had exceeding much riches and honor, and he got him treasures of silver, and of gold, and of precious stones, and of sweet odors, and of shields, and of all pleasant vessels:
28 And of store houses for the increase of wheat and wine and oil, and stalls for all beasts, and [y]rows for the [z]stables.
29 And he made him cities, and had possession of sheep and oxen in abundance: for God had given him substance exceeding much.
30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper water springs of [aa]Gihon, and led them straight underneath toward the city of David Westward: so Hezekiah prospered in all his works.
31 But because of the ambassadors of the princes of Babel, which sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him to [ab]try him, and to know all that was in his heart.
32 Concerning the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the Prophet the son of Amoz, in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
33 So Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the highest sepulcher of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death, and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.
Footnotes
- 2 Chronicles 32:1 Hebrew, break them up.
- 2 Chronicles 32:2 Hebrew, face.
- 2 Chronicles 32:5 Hebrew, he was strengthened.
- 2 Chronicles 32:5 He made a double wall.
- 2 Chronicles 32:5 Read 2 Sam. 5:9.
- 2 Chronicles 32:5 Some read, swords or daggers.
- 2 Chronicles 32:6 Hebrew, he spake to their heart.
- 2 Chronicles 32:8 That is, the power of man.
- 2 Chronicles 32:8 This declareth that Hezekiah did ever put his trust in God, and yet made himself strong and used lawful means, lest he should seem to tempt God.
- 2 Chronicles 32:9 While he besieged Lachish.
- 2 Chronicles 32:12 Thus the wicked put no difference between true religion and false, God and idols: for Hezekiah only destroyed idolatry, and placed true religion. Thus the Papists slander the servants of God: for when they destroy idolatry, they say that they abolish religion.
- 2 Chronicles 32:14 This is his blasphemy, that he will compare the living God to vile idols.
- 2 Chronicles 32:15 When man hath prosperity, he swelleth in pride, and thinketh himself able to resist and overcome even God himself.
- 2 Chronicles 32:16 Herein we see that when the wicked speak evil of the servants of God, they care not to blaspheme God himself: for if they feared God, they would love his servants.
- 2 Chronicles 32:18 Their words are written, 2 Kings 18:19.
- 2 Chronicles 32:19 Which were invented, made and authorized by man.
- 2 Chronicles 32:20 This showeth what is the best refuge in all troubles and dangers.
- 2 Chronicles 32:21 To the number of an hundred fourscore and five thousand, as 2 Kings 19:35, 36.
- 2 Chronicles 32:21 Hebrew, with shame of face.
- 2 Chronicles 32:21 Meaning, Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons.
- 2 Chronicles 32:22 Or, governed.
- 2 Chronicles 32:23 Thus after trouble God sendeth comfort to all them that patiently wait on him, and constantly put their trust in his mercies.
- 2 Chronicles 32:24 To confirm his faith in God’s promise, who declared to him by his Prophet that his life should be prolonged fifteen years.
- 2 Chronicles 32:25 He was lifted up with the pride of his victory and treasures, and showeth them for an ostentation to the ambassadors of Babylon.
- 2 Chronicles 32:28 Or, ranges and partitions.
- 2 Chronicles 32:28 Or, racks.
- 2 Chronicles 32:30 Which also was called Shiloah [Siloam], whereof mention is made, Isa. 8:6; John 9:7.
- 2 Chronicles 32:31 Here we see the cause, why the faithful are tempted, which is to try whether they have faith or no, and that they may feel the presence of God, who suffereth them not to be overcome by tentations, but in their weakness ministereth strength.
2 Chronicles 32
New Century Version
Assyria Attacks Judah
32 After Hezekiah did all these things to serve the Lord, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and attacked Judah. He and his army surrounded and attacked the strong, walled cities, hoping to take them for himself. 2 Hezekiah knew that Sennacherib had come to Jerusalem to attack it. 3 So Hezekiah and his officers and army commanders decided to cut off the water from the springs outside the city. So the officers and commanders helped Hezekiah. 4 Many people came and cut off all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. They said, “The king of Assyria will not find much water when he comes here.” 5 Then Hezekiah made Jerusalem stronger. He rebuilt all the broken parts of the wall and put towers on it. He also built another wall outside the first one and strengthened the area that was filled in on the east side of the old part of Jerusalem. He also made many weapons and shields.
6 Hezekiah put army commanders over the people and met with them at the open place near the city gate. Hezekiah encouraged them, saying, 7 “Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid or worried because of the king of Assyria or his large army. There is a greater power with us than with him. 8 He only has men, but we have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” The people were encouraged by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
9 After this King Sennacherib of Assyria and all his army surrounded and attacked Lachish. Then he sent his officers to Jerusalem with this message for King Hezekiah of Judah and all the people of Judah in Jerusalem:
10 Sennacherib king of Assyria says this: “You have nothing to trust in to help you. It is no use for you to stay in Jerusalem under attack. 11 Hezekiah says to you, ‘The Lord our God will save us from the king of Assyria,’ but he is fooling you. If you stay in Jerusalem, you will die from hunger and thirst. 12 Hezekiah himself removed your Lord’s places of worship and altars. He told you people of Judah and Jerusalem that you must worship and burn incense on only one altar.
13 “You know what my ancestors and I have done to all the people in other nations. The gods of those nations could not save their people from my power. 14 My ancestors destroyed those nations; none of their gods could save them from me. So your god cannot save you from my power. 15 Do not let Hezekiah fool you or trick you, and do not believe him. No god of any nation or kingdom has been able to save his people from me or my ancestors. Your god is even less able to save you from me.”
16 Sennacherib’s officers said worse things against the Lord God and his servant Hezekiah. 17 King Sennacherib also wrote letters insulting the Lord, the God of Israel. They spoke against him, saying, “The gods of the other nations could not save their people from me. In the same way Hezekiah’s god won’t be able to save his people from me.” 18 Then the king’s officers shouted in Hebrew, calling out to the people of Jerusalem who were on the city wall. The officers wanted to scare the people away so they could capture Jerusalem. 19 They spoke about the God of Jerusalem as though he were like the gods the people of the world worshiped, which are made by human hands.
20 King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz prayed to heaven about this. 21 Then the Lord sent an angel who killed all the soldiers, leaders, and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria. So the king went back to his own country in disgrace. When he went into the temple of his god, some of his own sons killed him with a sword.
22 So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the people in Jerusalem from Sennacherib king of Assyria and from all other people. He took care of them on every side. 23 Many people brought gifts for the Lord to Jerusalem, and they also brought valuable gifts to King Hezekiah of Judah. From then on all the nations respected Hezekiah.
Hezekiah Dies
24 At that time Hezekiah became so sick he almost died. When he prayed to the Lord, the Lord spoke to him and gave him a sign.[a] 25 But Hezekiah did not thank God for his kindness, because he was so proud. So the Lord was angry with him and the people of Judah and Jerusalem. 26 But later Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem were sorry and stopped being proud, so the Lord did not punish them while Hezekiah was alive.
27 Hezekiah had many riches and much honor. He made treasuries for his silver, gold, gems, spices, shields, and other valuable things. 28 He built storage buildings for grain, new wine, and oil and stalls for all the cattle and pens for the sheep. 29 He also built many towns. He had many flocks and herds, because God had given Hezekiah much wealth.
30 It was Hezekiah who cut off the upper pool of the Gihon spring and made those waters flow straight down to the west side of the older part of Jerusalem. And Hezekiah was successful in everything he did. 31 But one time the leaders of Babylon sent messengers to Hezekiah, asking him about a strange sign that had happened in the land. When they came, God left Hezekiah alone to test him so he could know everything that was in Hezekiah’s heart.[b]
32 Hezekiah’s love for God and the other things he did as king are written in the vision of the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. This is in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 33 Hezekiah died and was buried on a hill, where the graves of David’s ancestors are. All the people of Judah and Jerusalem honored Hezekiah when he died, and his son Manasseh became king in his place.
Footnotes
- 32:24 sign See Isaiah 38:1–8. It tells the story about the sign and how the Lord gave Hezekiah fifteen more years to live.
- 32:31 God . . . heart See 2 Kings 20:12–19.
2 Chronicles 32
English Standard Version Anglicised
Sennacherib Invades Judah
32 (A)After these things and these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them for himself. 2 And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and intended to fight against Jerusalem, 3 he planned with his officers and his mighty men to stop the water of the springs that were outside the city; and they helped him. 4 A great many people were gathered, and they stopped all the springs and (B)the brook that flowed through the land, saying, “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find much water?” 5 He set to work resolutely and built up (C)all the wall that was broken down and raised towers upon it,[a] and outside it he built another wall, and he strengthened the (D)Millo in the city of David. He also made weapons and shields in abundance. 6 And he set combat commanders over the people and gathered them together to him in the square at the gate of the city and spoke (E)encouragingly to them, saying, 7 (F)“Be strong and courageous. (G)Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, (H)for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is (I)an arm of flesh, (J)but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
Sennacherib Blasphemes
9 After this, Sennacherib king of Assyria, who was besieging Lachish with all his forces, sent his servants to Jerusalem to Hezekiah king of Judah and to all the people of Judah who were in Jerusalem, saying, 10 “Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria, ‘On what are you trusting, that you endure the siege in Jerusalem? 11 Is not Hezekiah misleading you, that he may give you over to die by famine and by thirst, when he tells you, “The Lord our God will deliver us from the hand of the king of Assyria”? 12 (K)Has not this same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, “Before one altar you shall worship, and on it you shall burn your sacrifices”? 13 Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of other lands? Were the gods of the nations of those lands at all able to deliver their lands out of my hand? 14 Who among all the gods of those nations that my fathers devoted to destruction was able to deliver his people from my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you from my hand? 15 Now, therefore, do not let Hezekiah deceive you or mislead you in this fashion, and 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 out of my hand!’”
16 And his servants said still more against the Lord God and against his servant Hezekiah. 17 And he wrote letters to cast contempt on the Lord, the God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, “Like the gods of the nations of the lands who have not delivered their people from my hands, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver his people from my hand.” 18 And they shouted it with a loud voice in the language of Judah to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them, in order that they might take the city. 19 And they spoke of the God of Jerusalem as they spoke of the gods of the peoples of the earth, which are the work of men's hands.
The Lord Delivers Jerusalem
20 Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed because of this and cried to heaven. 21 And the Lord sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with (L)shame of face to his own land. And when he came into the house of his god, some of his own sons struck him down there with the sword. 22 So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all his enemies, and he provided for them on every side. 23 And many (M)brought gifts to the Lord to Jerusalem and precious things to Hezekiah king of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from that time onward.
Hezekiah's Pride and Achievements
24 (N)In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death, and he prayed to the Lord, and he answered him and gave him a sign. 25 But Hezekiah (O)did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for (P)his heart was proud. Therefore (Q)wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem. 26 But Hezekiah (R)humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah.
27 And Hezekiah had very great riches and honour, and he made for himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of (S)costly vessels; 28 storehouses also for the yield of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds. 29 He likewise provided cities for himself, and flocks and herds in abundance, for God had given him very great possessions. 30 This same Hezekiah (T)closed the upper outlet of the waters of (U)Gihon and directed them down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. 31 And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, (V)who had been sent to him to enquire about (W)the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, (X)in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.
32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his good deeds, behold, they are written (Y)in the vision of Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, (Z)in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 33 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the (AA)upper part of the tombs of the sons of David, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his place.
Footnotes
- 2 Chronicles 32:5 Vulgate; Hebrew and raised upon the towers
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The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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