2 Chronicles 32:23 kjv
And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.
2 Chronicles 32:23 nkjv
And many brought gifts to the LORD at Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations thereafter.
2 Chronicles 32:23 niv
Many brought offerings to Jerusalem for the LORD and valuable gifts for Hezekiah king of Judah. From then on he was highly regarded by all the nations.
2 Chronicles 32:23 esv
And many 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.
2 Chronicles 32:23 nlt
From then on King Hezekiah became highly respected among all the surrounding nations, and many gifts for the LORD arrived at Jerusalem, with valuable presents for King Hezekiah, too.
2 Chronicles 32 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Chron 32:22 | Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all others... | Immediate context of God's deliverance |
| 2 Chron 32:29 | Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made himself treasuries... | Confirms Hezekiah's wealth |
| Ps 76:10 | For the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will restrain. | Even enemy's aggression brings glory to God |
| Isa 2:2 | It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD...shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it... | Prophecy of future nations bringing honor to Jerusalem |
| Isa 60:6 | ...they shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD. | Prophecy of nations bringing wealth/praise to Jerusalem |
| Zech 14:16 | Then everyone who survives of all the nations...shall go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts... | Nations coming to Jerusalem to worship God |
| Mal 1:11 | For from the rising of the sun to its setting My name will be great among the nations... | God's name to be revered among all nations |
| 1 Sam 2:30 | ...those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed. | God honors those who honor Him (like Hezekiah) |
| Ps 46:10 | "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" | God's promise of universal exaltation |
| Exod 15:14-16 | The peoples have heard; they tremble; pangs have seized the inhabitants of Philistia...The chiefs of Edom are dismayed; trembling grips the leaders of Moab... | Fear falling upon surrounding nations due to God's power |
| Josh 2:9-11 | I know that the LORD has given you the land...For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water...and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites... | Nations recognizing God's powerful acts (like Jericho) |
| Ps 68:29 | Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bring gifts to you. | Kings bringing gifts to God at Jerusalem |
| Ps 110:3 | Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power... | People willingly respond to divine power |
| Dan 4:1-3, 37 | King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples...It has seemed good to me to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me...Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and honor the King of Heaven... | A powerful pagan king acknowledging God's sovereignty |
| Gen 12:2-3 | ...I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great...and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. | God's promise to Abraham of universal renown and blessing |
| Deut 28:10 | And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you. | Nations seeing God's blessing on His people |
| Isa 49:7 | ...Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel... | Kings showing homage due to God's faithfulness |
| Matt 2:11 | And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts... | Gentile Magi bringing gifts and worship to the King of the Jews (Messiah) |
| Rev 21:24 | The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. | Future New Jerusalem receiving the glory of the nations |
| Ps 72:10-11 | May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute...May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! | Prophecy of universal tribute and service to the righteous king (Messiah) |
2 Chronicles 32 verses
2 Chronicles 32 23 Meaning
This verse describes the abundant material tributes brought to Jerusalem, acknowledging the LORD God and King Hezekiah. This influx of wealth and honor was a direct result of God's miraculous deliverance of Judah from the Assyrian army, which led to Hezekiah being highly esteemed and renowned among surrounding nations. It signifies the international recognition of the God of Israel's power and Hezekiah's divinely appointed authority and success, solidifying Judah's status and demonstrating that trusting in God leads to vindication and exaltation.
2 Chronicles 32 23 Context
Chapter 32 of 2 Chronicles describes Sennacherib, king of Assyria's invasion of Judah during Hezekiah's reign. After Hezekiah implemented religious reforms, he faced this severe external threat. The narrative highlights Hezekiah's human preparations, such as fortifying Jerusalem and cutting off water supplies, but ultimately emphasizes his and the prophet Isaiah's prayer and trust in the LORD (2 Chron 32:20). In response, God supernaturally intervened, sending an angel to destroy the vast Assyrian army (2 Chron 32:21-22), leading to Sennacherib's humiliated retreat and assassination. Verse 23 details the widespread positive aftermath of this miraculous deliverance: nations, awed by God's power demonstrated through His defense of Jerusalem, began bringing valuable tributes and gifts, directly leading to both God and Hezekiah's international recognition and honor.
2 Chronicles 32 23 Word analysis
- And many (וְרַבִּים, wə·rab·bîm): The conjunction "And" connects this outcome directly to God's previous intervention (v. 22). "Many" (from the root רבב, rabab, meaning 'to multiply, increase') signifies a significant number, implying diverse groups, possibly nations, individuals, or traders, not just Judahites, indicating widespread recognition and tribute. This points to the event having an international impact.
- brought gifts (מַשָּׂאוֹת, maś·śā·’ō·wṯ): This Hebrew word massa'ot refers to 'tribute,' 'offerings,' or 'burdens.' It's not merely a casual present but carries the implication of acknowledgment of superiority or a vassal's payment to an overlord. Here, it denotes valuable offerings brought as an act of homage and appeasement, likely out of fear and awe after witnessing God's unparalleled power. The offering is presented to God first, underlining divine sovereignty.
- to the Lord (לַיהְוָה, layhwh): Directing tribute to YHWH (Yahweh), the covenant God of Israel. This is highly significant, representing a polemic against the polytheistic practices and imperial cults of the Assyrians and other nations. It publicly affirmed YHWH's supremacy over all pagan deities who were proven powerless against Him. This demonstrated conversion, reverence, or acknowledgment by the bringers.
- at Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַם, yə·rū·šā·lam): The city chosen by God as His dwelling place, now seen as invincible due to divine protection. Its salvation solidified its sacred status and became a beacon of God's power, attracting international attention and reverence.
- and presents (וּמִנְחֹת, ū·min·ḥōṯ): This word, minchot (plural of mincha), often translates as 'offering,' 'tribute,' or 'gift.' While massa'ot might emphasize 'heavy burdens/tribute,' mincha often refers to 'a gift given to a superior' or even a 'grain offering.' Its usage here, distinct from gifts to the Lord, emphasizes their character as marks of respect or homage given to a king.
- to Hezekiah king of Judah (לְחִזְקִיָּהוּ מֶלֶךְ יְהוּדָה, lə·ḥiz·qî·yā·hū me·leḵ yə·hū·ḏāh): The presents are specifically directed to Hezekiah. This dual giving—to God and to the king—shows that Hezekiah's authority and prestige were recognized, but they were inextricably linked to and derived from God's power. Hezekiah became God's instrument and representative, reflecting God's glory.
- so that he was exalted (וַיִּשָׂא, way·yiś·śā’): The verb nasa (נשׂא) means 'to lift up,' 'to carry,' or 'to bear.' In this context, it is a passive construction (or hithpael, indicating reciprocal/reflexive action, often "to be exalted" by oneself or others). The phrasing implies that his exaltation was a consequence, an automatic response from those who witnessed God's hand, rather than a self-proclaimed status. He was lifted up in esteem and reputation.
- in the sight of all nations (לְעֵינֵי כָל־הַגּוֹיִם, lə·‘ê·nê ḵāl-hag·gō·w·yim): This highlights the universal reach and visibility of God's power and Hezekiah's newfound standing. It implies widespread acknowledgement beyond Judah's borders. This counters Assyria's claims of universal dominion and confirms that the God of Israel has ultimate sovereignty and renown.
- from then on (מֵאַחֲרֵי כֵן, mê·’a·ḥă·rê ḵên): Signifies a lasting impact and sustained honor, not a temporary fluctuation. It marked a new era of recognition for Judah and its God on the international stage.
- Word Group Analysis:
- "many brought gifts to the Lord at Jerusalem and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah": This phrase encapsulates the dual acknowledgment: first and foremost to the LORD, the true deliverer, and then to His appointed human instrument, Hezekiah. This flow of wealth and honor demonstrates the direct positive impact of God's miraculous intervention on the economic and political standing of Judah. It stands as a vivid testimony to the fear and awe that fell upon other nations after God destroyed the formidable Assyrian army.
- "so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from then on": This segment reveals the lasting and global consequence of God's action. Hezekiah's exaltation was a direct outcome of God exalting Himself through the dramatic rescue. This international recognition serves as powerful validation of YHWH's supreme power and covenant faithfulness, contrasting sharply with the earlier despair and the boasts of the Assyrians. It's a testimony to the world of the incomparable nature of the God of Israel.
2 Chronicles 32 23 Bonus section
This influx of wealth into Jerusalem contributed significantly to the material prosperity mentioned later in 2 Chron 32:27-29. While this prosperity was a clear sign of God's blessing in the immediate aftermath, it also hints at a future temptation, as wealth and honor could potentially lead to pride, as it later did for Hezekiah himself (2 Chron 32:25). The universal recognition implied by "all nations" aligns with broader Old Testament themes of God's ultimate desire for all peoples to acknowledge Him and His Messiah (as seen in later prophecies). The giving of tribute to the king in Jerusalem echoes prophecies about the future Messianic King receiving homage from all the earth (e.g., Ps 72), suggesting a shadow of God's kingdom come to earth.
2 Chronicles 32 23 Commentary
This verse encapsulates the profound consequences of divine intervention. Following God's miraculous destruction of Sennacherib's army, the nations recognized the overwhelming power of the LORD and, by extension, the authority of King Hezekiah. The tribute—"gifts" (massa'ot) and "presents" (minchot)—flowed into Jerusalem, not out of political maneuvering or military might on Judah's part, but out of recognition of God's undeniable demonstration of power. This international homage directed first to the LORD, and then to Hezekiah, underscored a critical theological truth: genuine exaltation and recognition stem from God's hand. It powerfully refutes any notion that human strength or idol worship could overcome the one true God, proving YHWH's sovereignty among the nations and His unwavering faithfulness to those who trust in Him. Hezekiah's widespread exaltation was a direct reflection of God honoring those who honor Him.