2 Chronicles 32:9 - Meaning and Application

The story of Sennacherib’s rage and blasphemy, Hezekiah’s prayer, and Jerusalem’s rescue by the destruction of the Assyrian army is told in fuller detail in 2 Kings 18 and 19. Here it is shorter, but still long enough to show three things.

First, it shows the evil and malice of the church’s enemies. Sennacherib was busy attacking Lachish, but when he heard that Hezekiah was strengthening Jerusalem and encouraging his people to hold firm, he sent messengers and letters to frighten them into surrender. He tried to turn the people away from their king, and he used low and shameful tactics, unworthy of a crowned ruler.

He lied about Hezekiah, saying that he was leading the people to ruin and hunger, and that he had already wronged them by removing the high places and altars (2 Chronicles 32:11-12). He also claimed that resisting Assyria would only bring disaster on the whole city (2 Chronicles 32:15). In this way, he tried to break the people’s loyalty and make them distrust their king.

Sennacherib also showed great disrespect toward the God of Israel, here called the God of Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:19), because Jerusalem was the place God had chosen for his name and had especially protected. This proud blasphemer compared the living God, the Maker of heaven and earth, with the idols of the nations, which were only the work of human hands. He acted as if the eternal God had no more power than a stone or a tree trunk.

He boasted about defeating the gods of other nations, then argued, “How can your God deliver you?” and even, “How much less can your God deliver you?” (2 Chronicles 32:13-15). He and his servants mocked the Lord God of Israel in writing and in speech (2 Chronicles 32:16-17, 19). God notices what is said against his people too, and he will call the blasphemers to account.

All of this was meant to shake the people’s trust in God. That is how David’s enemies tried to weaken him too, saying there was no help for him in God (Psalm 3:2; Psalm 11:1; Psalm 42:10; Psalm 71:11). Satan still works this way in temptation. He tries to destroy our faith in God’s full power, because if faith fails, we lose ground. If faith stands firm, we stand firm too (Luke 22:32).

Second, this shows the duty and the blessing of God’s people in trouble, to pray and cry out to heaven. Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah did this together (2 Chronicles 32:20). It was a blessed time when the king and the prophet joined in prayer. If anyone is troubled or afraid, let him pray. Prayer commits the matter to God and helps us take courage in him.

Prayer is called crying to heaven because in prayer we look to God as our Father in heaven. He sees the children of men from there, and there he has set his throne. When people pray like this, they are not speaking into the air, but appealing to the One who rules above all.

Third, this shows the power and goodness of God. He can restrain his enemies, however high they are, and help his friends, however weak they are. The blasphemies of the enemy stir him against them (Deuteronomy 32:27), and the prayers of his people draw him to their side.

The Assyrian army was struck down by an angel, and the strongest soldiers, the leaders, and the captains fell first, those who had challenged human swords and thought themselves untouchable. God loves to humble the proud and overconfident. The Targum says that the Word of the Lord sent Gabriel to carry out the judgment, and that it happened with lightning on the Passover night, the same night when the angel had destroyed Egypt’s firstborn. Whatever the exact manner, the ruin was sudden and complete.

Sennacherib was then cut off by the sword of his own sons (2 Chronicles 32:21). He was first shamed, then killed. Evil keeps after sinners, and when they escape one danger, they often run into another they do not see.

By this great work, God was shown to be the protector of his people. He saved Jerusalem not only from Sennacherib, but from every other threat as well (2 Chronicles 32:22). A deliverance like this was a promise of more mercy to come. It also says that God guided them, which means he guarded them on every side. God protects his people by directing them, showing them what to do, and so keeping them from what is planned or done against them.

Many then brought gifts to the Lord when they saw his great power in defending his people. Even outsiders were moved to seek his favor, and enemies were made to fear his wrath, and both brought gifts to his temple. Hezekiah was also honored as one whom heaven specially favored and cared for. Many brought presents to him too (2 Chronicles 32:22-23), showing respect for him and hoping to gain his goodwill. When God blesses someone, enemies are lost and friends are won.