2 Chronicles 32 1

2 Chronicles 32:1 kjv

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.

2 Chronicles 32:1 nkjv

After these deeds of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered Judah; he encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them over to himself.

2 Chronicles 32:1 niv

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 Chronicles 32:1 esv

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 Chronicles 32:1 nlt

After Hezekiah had faithfully carried out this work, King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified towns, giving orders for his army to break through their walls.

2 Chronicles 32 verses

2 Chronicles 32 1 Meaning

This verse initiates the account of Sennacherib, the mighty king of Assyria, launching a full-scale invasion of Judah. It specifically states that this significant attack occurred "after these things" – referring to King Hezekiah's comprehensive religious reforms, including cleansing the temple, restoring Passover, and organizing priestly duties – and "the establishment thereof," implying these reforms were carried out in truth and faithfulness to God. Sennacherib's objective was to capture Judah's fortified cities and claim them for himself, signifying his ambition for complete conquest and control.

2 Chronicles 32 1 Context

The immediate context of 2 Chronicles 32:1 is the preceding chapters, 29-31, which detail King Hezekiah's significant religious revival. These chapters describe Hezekiah's actions to cleanse the defiled temple, restore proper worship of Yahweh, observe a unified Passover with all Israel, and organize the priesthood and levitical services, leading to a period of spiritual and material blessing for Judah. Historically, the Kingdom of Judah existed in the shadow of the rising and dominant Assyrian Empire. Sennacherib, known from both biblical and extra-biblical sources (including his own annals), ruled Assyria during a period of relentless expansion and consolidation of power, notably having destroyed the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) decades prior. The Chronicler's specific wording, "After these things, and the establishment thereof," holds profound theological weight. Unlike many invasions in Israel's history that served as divine punishment for idolatry and covenant breaking, this Assyrian assault comes after a period of national repentance and reform under Hezekiah. This frames the invasion not as a consequence of unfaithfulness, but potentially as a divine test, a refining process, or an opportunity for God to display His absolute sovereignty and power over the strongest earthly empire in defense of His faithful people and His holy city, Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 32 1 Word analysis

• After these things: `אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה` (`'achar haddevarim ha'elleh`). This phrase strongly connects the current event to the preceding narrative in 2 Chronicles 29-31. It highlights that Sennacherib's invasion followed King Hezekiah's thorough religious reforms and national revival. This timing is significant, setting it apart from other invasions that often served as immediate divine judgment for apostasy.
• and the establishment thereof: `וְהָאֱמֶת אוֹתָהּ` (`veha'emet 'otah`). This is a crucial phrase. `אֱמֶת` (emet) means 'truth,' 'faithfulness,' 'steadfastness,' or 'firmness.' It suggests that Hezekiah's reforms were genuinely rooted in truth and faithfulness to God, or that truth/faithfulness itself had been established in Judah. This contrasts sharply with the frequent causes for national calamity found elsewhere in Chronicles. It underscores the Chronicler's theological emphasis that this invasion was not a punishment for spiritual decline, but a test of their true spiritual foundation and an opportunity for God to demonstrate His deliverance to a people walking in faithfulness.
• Sennacherib king of Assyria: `סַנְחֵרִיב מֶלֶךְ אַשּׁוּר` (`Sanḥērîb melekh 'Ashur`). Identifies the primary antagonist. Sennacherib was a historical, powerful Assyrian emperor (705-681 BC). Assyria at this time was the dominant global power, known for its ruthless military campaigns, advanced siege technology, and policies of deportation. His presence underscores the immense human odds faced by Judah.
• came, and entered into Judah: `בָּא וַיָּבֹא בִּיהוּדָה` (`ba' vayyavo' biYehudah`). Describes the direct and full-scale invasion of the kingdom of Judah. This was not a minor raid but a serious military campaign, bringing the formidable Assyrian war machine into the heartland.
• and encamped against the fenced cities: `וַיִּחַן עַל־הֶעָרִים הַבְּצוּרוֹת` (`vayyichan 'al-he'arim habbetzurot`). "Fenced cities" refers to fortified, walled cities, built for defense. Encampment against them signifies a siege, an Assyrian specialty aimed at weakening resistance and asserting control region by region before moving to the capital. This illustrates the methodical nature of the invasion.
• and thought to win them for himself: `וַיֹּאמֶר לְבִקְעָם אֵלָיו` (`vayyo'mer lebiq'am 'elav`). Literally, "and he said to break them for himself" or "he purposed to cleave them for himself." This conveys Sennacherib's arrogant and resolute intent for total conquest and annexation. His goal was not just tribute but outright possession and control, motivated by personal ambition and pride in Assyrian might.

2 Chronicles 32 1 Bonus section

The Chronicler's unique emphasis on "the establishment thereof" (faithfulness/truth) highlights a theological difference from the parallel account in 2 Kings, which focuses more on the tribute payment and Hezekiah's initial capitulation (2 Kgs 18:14-16) before divine intervention. The Chronicler aims to show that true godliness, even under intense pressure, receives divine vindication. This event contributes significantly to Jerusalem/Zion theology, reaffirming its status as the divinely protected city, a foreshadowing of God's ultimate steadfastness with His people. The verse also serves as a potent reminder that obedience and prosperity do not guarantee immunity from hardship or opposition; rather, trials may come precisely to refine and deepen faith, demonstrating God's sufficiency even amidst the most daunting circumstances.

2 Chronicles 32 1 Commentary

This opening verse of 2 Chronicles 32 serves as a critical theological hinge in the Chronicler's narrative. The invasion by Sennacherib, the most powerful king of the ancient world, coming immediately after King Hezekiah’s zealous reforms and Judah’s spiritual renewal, presents a paradoxical challenge. Unlike earlier biblical accounts where invasions often follow periods of idolatry or national sin, this calamity strikes when Judah is in a state of revived faithfulness. This prompts the reader to look beyond conventional cause-and-effect and understand the deeper divine purpose. The Chronicler presents this as a profound test of faith for Hezekiah and Judah, not as punishment. It underscores God's sovereign control even over the proudest human empires (Isa 10:5-19), allowing this seemingly overwhelming threat to refine His people's trust and demonstrate His unparalleled power to protect His chosen city and His faithful remnant. The verse sets the stage for God's dramatic, miraculous intervention, proving that ultimate security lies in God, not in human fortifications or military strength.