2 Chronicles 32 2

2 Chronicles 32:2 kjv

And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,

2 Chronicles 32:2 nkjv

And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come, and that his purpose was to make war against Jerusalem,

2 Chronicles 32:2 niv

When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and that he intended to wage war against Jerusalem,

2 Chronicles 32:2 esv

And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and intended to fight against Jerusalem,

2 Chronicles 32:2 nlt

When Hezekiah realized that Sennacherib also intended to attack Jerusalem,

2 Chronicles 32 verses

2 Chronicles 32 2 Meaning

2 Chronicles 32:2 describes King Hezekiah's immediate and discerning recognition of the grave danger posed by the approaching Assyrian King Sennacherib. Hezekiah perceived that Sennacherib had not merely arrived but harbored a clear, aggressive intent to wage war directly against Jerusalem, the capital city of Judah. This realization serves as the critical turning point in the narrative, prompting Hezekiah's defensive measures and profound spiritual response.

2 Chronicles 32 2 Context

Verse Context: This verse serves as the immediate precursor to Hezekiah's defensive actions, detailing the king's keen observation of Sennacherib's direct and hostile approach towards Jerusalem. It is the crucial realization that drives the narrative of preparation and reliance on God.

Chapter Context: Chapter 32 of 2 Chronicles recounts the Assyrian invasion under King Sennacherib, focusing primarily on Hezekiah's leadership, the preparations he undertook for Jerusalem's defense, the insolent challenge issued by Sennacherib, and God's miraculous intervention leading to the complete rout of the Assyrian army. The chapter also briefly mentions Hezekiah's subsequent illness, pride, and repentance. Verse 2 specifically initiates the description of Hezekiah's strategic response.

Historical Context: The events described in 2 Chronicles 32 took place in the late 8th century BCE (around 701 BCE). The Assyrian Empire, under Sennacherib, was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, known for its formidable military machine and brutal conquests. Many nations, including Judah under previous kings, had become tributaries to Assyria. Hezekiah, early in his reign, had initiated religious reforms and also rebelled against Assyrian suzerainty (2 Kgs 18:7), possibly encouraged by a new alliance with Egypt. Sennacherib had already overrun numerous fortified cities of Judah (2 Kgs 18:13), devastating the countryside before turning his attention to Jerusalem. The threat was not merely political but existential, as Jerusalem was not only the political capital but also the city where God's temple resided, believed to be inviolable. The biblical account is corroborated by Assyrian historical records (like the Taylor Prism), which detail Sennacherib's campaign and tribute extracted from Hezekiah, though they conspicuously omit the divine intervention that led to the Assyrian defeat before Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 32 2 Word analysis

• And when: Signifies an immediate consequence or prompt reaction to the circumstances described in verse 1.
• Hezekiah (חִזְקִיָּהוּ - Ḥizqiyahu): The righteous King of Judah, whose name means "Yahweh strengthens" or "My strength is Yahweh." This meaning resonates profoundly with the challenges he faced and the source of his ultimate deliverance. His character as a reformer (2 Chr 29-31) sets him apart, explaining why he looked to God.
• saw (רָאָה - ra'ah): More than mere physical observation, this implies acute discernment, understanding, and recognition of the gravity and implications of Sennacherib's presence. It highlights Hezekiah's role as a vigilant leader who correctly assessed the threat. This is a common biblical verb that can mean to perceive or comprehend.
• that Sennacherib (סַנְחֵרִיב - Sanḥeriv): The mighty King of Assyria (reigned 705-681 BCE), whose reputation for military conquest and terror preceded him. His presence was a tangible and immense threat to the sovereignty of Judah.
• was come: Indicates that the enemy was no longer distant or hypothetical, but physically present within Judah's territory, thus necessitating an urgent response. Sennacherib had already laid waste to many fortified cities.
• and that he was purposed (חָשַׁב - ḥashav): Denotes intentionality, planning, or deliberate design. Sennacherib's advance was not a random raid but a premeditated, calculated military campaign with a specific goal. This emphasizes the methodical and ruthless nature of the Assyrian war machine.
• to fight (לְהִלָּחֵם - le-hilḥēm): Clearly states the hostile intention: military conflict. It was a declaration of war aimed at conquering.
• against Jerusalem (עַל יְרוּשָׁלַיִם - 'al Yerushalayim): Pinpoints the specific target—the capital city and religious heart of Judah. This direct targeting of the holy city was both a military and a theological challenge, implying an assault on God Himself, who had chosen Jerusalem as the place for His dwelling.

Words-group analysis:

• Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come: This phrase establishes Hezekiah's personal awareness and intelligent assessment of the unfolding crisis. It is not second-hand information; he observed the undeniable reality of the threat. This is characteristic of effective leadership – directly confronting harsh realities.
• and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem: This clause details the nature of Sennacherib's arrival: a deliberate, direct, and aggressive act of war specifically targeting the divinely protected city. It was an assault on Judah's very core, forcing Hezekiah to take decisive action. This deliberate 'purposing' by an enemy stands in contrast to the later divine purpose revealed in God's intervention.

2 Chronicles 32 2 Bonus section

• The phrase "was purposed to fight" (חָשַׁב לְהִלָּחֵם - ḥashav le-hilḥēm) reveals Sennacherib's arrogant confidence in his own might and strategy. This human plotting ultimately clashes with the divine counter-plan, where God uses this very intent for His own purposes and ultimately brings about Assyria's humiliating defeat (Isa 10:5-7, Isa 37:29).
• The direct focus on Jerusalem foreshadows the theological battle within the physical conflict. Jerusalem was viewed as inviolable by many within Judah, being the city of God's temple. Sennacherib's intent to fight against it challenged God's perceived protective sovereignty, setting the stage for a spectacular divine vindication.
• This verse subtly sets up the contrast between earthly kings' grand plans (Sennacherib's purpose) and the Lord's ultimate, unthwartable will, which is revealed as the chapter progresses.

2 Chronicles 32 2 Commentary

2 Chronicles 32:2 serves as the dramatic onset of Judah's most perilous challenge during Hezekiah's reign. It strips away any illusion, presenting a stark reality: the powerful Assyrian king, Sennacherib, was not merely passing through but was irrevocably determined to conquer Jerusalem. Hezekiah's "seeing" is pivotal, demonstrating his kingly discernment and the recognition of an existential threat that could not be ignored or downplayed. This acute awareness laid the foundation for his ensuing blend of strategic military preparation and unwavering spiritual reliance on God, illustrating that human foresight and effort are necessary, yet ultimately insufficient without divine intervention.