Hezekiah's Defense Against Sennacherib and Divine Deliverance
2 Chronicles 32:1-23
2 C.32.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אחרי: PREP
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והאמת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- סנחריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ביהודה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויחן: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- הבצרות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבקעם: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,3,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:13 (verbal): Direct parallel narrative: Sennacherib king of Assyria comes up into Judah and takes the fortified cities—same event and similar wording as 2 Chronicles 32:1.
- Isaiah 36:1 (verbal): Isaiah's account of the Assyrian invasion opens with Sennacherib coming against the fortified cities of Judah; closely parallels Chronicles' report.
- 2 Kings 18:17 (structural): Describes Assyrian envoys (Tartan, Rabsaris, Rabshakeh) being sent to Jerusalem and speaking to the people—corresponds to Chronicles' note that the king 'spoke' against the fortified cities.
- 2 Kings 19:32-36 (thematic): Prophetic declaration and the miraculous defeat of Sennacherib complete the narrative initiated in 2 Chronicles 32:1, showing the outcome of the Assyrian threat.
Alternative generated candidates
- After these things and this faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered Judah; he encamped against the fortified cities and resolved to take them for himself.
- After these things and after these deeds, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered Judah; he encamped against the fortified cities and said, “Besiege them and bring them to me.”
2 C.32.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- סנחריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופניו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+pr3ms
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:13 (verbal): Parallel narrative of Sennacherib's campaign against Judah; both passages report the Assyrian king's advance and hostile intent toward Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 36:1-2 (verbal): Isaiah's account of the same invasion: Sennacherib comes up against the fortified cities of Judah—corresponding description of the Assyrian threat directed at Jerusalem.
- 2 Kings 18:17 (structural): Describes the Assyrian king sending envoys to Jerusalem (the Tartan, Rabsaris, Rabshakeh); part of the same sequence that follows Sennacherib's approach noted in 2 Chronicles 32:2.
- Isaiah 37:33 (thematic): God's response/promise concerning Sennacherib's attempt on Jerusalem—serves as the theological outcome to the military threat announced in 2 Chronicles 32:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and that his purpose was to do battle against Jerusalem.
- When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and that his intent was to make war against Jerusalem,
2 C.32.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויועץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- שריו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3m
- וגבריו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- לסתום: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- מימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- העינות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מחוץ: PREP
- לעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויעזרוהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl,obj:3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:17–19:37 (structural): Parallel narrative of Hezekiah’s confrontation with the Assyrian siege and Rabshakeh’s taunts; contextually corresponds to Hezekiah’s defensive measures (including water-security) described in Chronicles.
- Isaiah 36–37 (structural): Isaiah’s account parallels Chronicles’ story of Sennacherib’s campaign against Judah and Hezekiah’s preparations and reliance on God; both describe the same events of siege and city defense.
- 2 Kings 20:20 (verbal): Summarizes Hezekiah’s works, explicitly mentioning the pools and water conduits—language closely related to Chronicles’ note that he stopped and secured springs and brought water into the city.
- Genesis 26:18–19 (thematic): Isaac’s reopening of wells that had been stopped by the Philistines echoes the theme of controlling water sources in contested territory—demonstrating the strategic importance of securing springs and wells in the ancient Near East.
Alternative generated candidates
- He consulted with his princes and mighty men to stop the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him.
- he consulted with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the springs that were outside the city, and they helped him.
2 C.32.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקבצו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- ויסתמו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- המעינות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- הנחל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- השוטף: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בתוך: PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- למה: ADV
- יבואו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ומצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:17–19:37 (structural): Parallel narrative of Sennacherib’s campaign against Judah and Hezekiah’s preparations for siege; Chronicles 32’s account corresponds closely to these chapters in Kings (same historical episode).
- 2 Kings 20:20 (verbal): Summarizes Hezekiah’s waterworks—making a pool and conduit bringing water into the city—complementary to Chronicles’ note that springs and outlets were stopped and water redirected for defense.
- Isaiah 22:9–11 (thematic): Isaiah’s rebuke about counting houses and making a reservoir between the walls (and measures concerning the Old Pool) echoes the theme of controlling/redirecting water and preparing the city for siege.
- 2 Chronicles 32:30 (verbal): Later verse in the same chapter gives a more explicit description of stopping the upper outlet of the waters of Gihon and directing them to the west side of the City of David—same action as v.4 described in summary form.
Alternative generated candidates
- A great company gathered and stopped all the springs and the stream that ran through the land, saying, "Why should the kings of Assyria come and find many waters?"
- They gathered a great multitude and stopped all the springs and the stream that ran through the land, saying, “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find abundant waters?”
2 C.32.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתחזק: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,sg
- ויבן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- החומה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הפרוצה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- המגדלות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ולחוצה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- החומה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אחרת: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ויחזק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המלוא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומגנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chr 32:2-4 (verbal): Same episode in Chronicles — Hezekiah organizes labor, repairs breaches, builds towers and outer defenses; closely parallels wording and sequence of actions.
- 2 Kgs 20:20 (thematic): Summary of Hezekiah’s building projects in the Kings account (pools, conduit, and other works) — relates to his defensive and civic construction activities.
- Neh 2:17-18 (thematic): Nehemiah’s call to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls and the people’s response — thematically echoes the communal mobilization to repair and fortify the city.
- Neh 4:6 (thematic): Reports successful rebuilding and strengthening of the wall despite opposition (‘the people had a mind to work’) — parallels outcome and purpose of Hezekiah’s repairs.
- Isa 22:9-11 (allusion): Passage describes assessing houses and tearing down structures to strengthen the city wall — resonates with the theme of urban fortification and reworking city fabric for defense.
Alternative generated candidates
- He strengthened and repaired all the broken sections of the wall; he stationed himself at the towers and built another wall outside the city. He fortified the whole hill of the City of David and made shields and spears.
- He strengthened himself and rebuilt all the broken sections of the wall; he raised up towers and another wall outside the city, and he strengthened the Millo of the city of David. He made weapons and shields in abundance.
2 C.32.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- מלחמות: NOUN,f,pl,construct
- על: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויקבצם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- רחוב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- לבבם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:17-19 (structural): Parallel account of the Sennacherib episode in the Kings narrative—same historical context (envoys, public threats) and overlap with Hezekiah’s preparations and public discourse.
- Isaiah 37:6-7 (structural): Part of the Isaiah account of the Assyrian crisis that parallels Chronicles; here God’s reassurance about the city follows the scene of public addresses and leadership response.
- Nehemiah 4:13-14 (thematic): Nehemiah stations and organizes defenders at vulnerable points and gathers leaders to encourage them—parallel motif of appointing officers, posting guards at gates, and speaking words of encouragement.
- 2 Chronicles 20:20-22 (thematic): Jehoshaphat’s assembling and exhorting the people (including appointing those who will lead/encourage) reflects the same leadership practice of organizing and heartening the populace before a national crisis.
- Deuteronomy 20:1-4 (thematic): Prescriptive precedent for leaders addressing troops before battle—commands not to fear and assurances of divine presence mirror the exhortatory function of appointing captains and speaking to the people’s hearts.
Alternative generated candidates
- He set commanders of war over the people and assembled them at the gate of the city square; and he spoke encouragingly to their hearts, saying,
- He set commanders of war over the people, and gathered them to the public square by the city gate, and spoke to their hearts, saying,
2 C.32.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- חזקו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- ואמצו: CONJ+VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- תיראו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תחתו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- מפני: PREP
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ומלפני: CONJ,PREP
- כל: DET
- ההמון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- עמנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- מעמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 1:9 (verbal): Same exhortation 'Be strong and courageous' (חזק ואמץ) — a stock command encouraging Israel not to fear in the face of enemies.
- Deuteronomy 31:6 (verbal): Commands not to fear or be dismayed because God goes with Israel — provides the same rationale for courage that Chronicles expresses ('for with us is more than with him').
- 2 Kings 19:6-7 (quotation): Parallel passage in the Deuteronomic/Regnal tradition addressing Sennacherib's threat: urges not to fear because 'with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles,' a close narrative/theological echo of Chronicles 32:7.
- Isaiah 37:6-7 (allusion): Isaiah's prophetic response to Assyria similarly tells Hezekiah/people not to fear and promises divine intervention — Chronicles’ wording reflects this prophetic assurance against the Assyrian threat.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or dismayed because of the king of Assyria, nor because of all the multitude with him; for with us is more than with him."
- “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or dismayed because of the king of Assyria, nor because of all the multitude with him; for with us there are more than with him.”
2 C.32.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- זרוע: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועמנו: CONJ+PREP,1,pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- לעזרנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,pl
- ולהלחם: CONJ+VERB,inf
- מלחמתנו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,suff_1pl
- ויסמכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Jer.17.5 (verbal): Explicitly contrasts trusting in man and making 'flesh his arm'—the same image as 'arm of flesh' in 2 Chr 32:8, opposing human reliance to trust in the LORD.
- Ps.20.7 (thematic): Contrasts trust in military strength (chariots, horses) with trust in the LORD—thematically parallels the contrast between 'arm of flesh' and 'the LORD our God to help us.'
- Isa.37.36 (structural): Narrates God's decisive intervention against the Assyrian host in the same Hezekiah/Sennacherib episode—concrete fulfillment of 'the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.'
- Ps.118.6 (thematic): Declares 'The LORD is on my side; I will not fear,' expressing the same confident dependence on God for protection and victory found in 2 Chr 32:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- "He has merely an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people took confidence in the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
- “With him is a human arm; but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” The people took courage in the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
2 C.32.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אחר: PREP
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- סנחריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- ירושלימה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- לכיש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ממשלתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:17 (verbal): Near-verbatim parallel: Sennacherib is at Lachish and sends his officers to Jerusalem against Hezekiah and Judah — the same historical episode and wording as Chronicles.
- Isaiah 36:1 (verbal): Isaiah’s account of the same event: Sennacherib’s campaign and the sending of an envoy to Jerusalem (introducing Rabshakeh) closely parallels Chronicles’ description.
- 2 Kings 18:19 (thematic): Continues the Assyrian envoy episode in Kings — Rabshakeh’s speech to the men of Jerusalem and the challenge to Hezekiah are the immediate narrative parallel to the messengers sent in Chronicles 32:9.
- Isaiah 36:2–3 (structural): Isaiah’s scene-setting for the envoy’s appearance at Jerusalem (Rabshakeh standing at the conduit and speaking to the people) parallels Chronicles’ note about the Assyrian representatives coming to Jerusalem and frames the ensuing dialogue.
Alternative generated candidates
- After this Sennacherib king of Assyria sent his servants to Jerusalem while he was encamped at Lachish with all his princes, to Hezekiah king of Judah and to all Judah in Jerusalem, saying,
- After this, Sennacherib king of Assyria sent his servants to Jerusalem while he was at Lachish, with all his officials—over Hezekiah king of Judah and over all Judah who were in Jerusalem—saying,
2 C.32.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- סנחריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- על: PREP
- מה: PRON,int
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- בטחים: ADJ,m,pl
- וישבים: CONJ+VERB,qal,part,m,pl
- במצור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:31 (verbal): Direct parallel/near-quotation in the Deuteronomistic account — Sennacherib/Rabshakeh poses the same taunting question about what Jerusalem is trusting in.
- Isaiah 36:4 (verbal): Isaiah’s retelling of the Rabshakeh’s opening taunt; the same challenge to Jerusalem’s confidence appears in Isaiah’s narrative.
- 2 Kings 19:10 (thematic): Part of the same Assyrian propaganda campaign — further threats and boasts by Sennacherib that carry the same purpose of undermining trust in Jerusalem’s defenses and allies.
- Psalm 20:7 (thematic): Contrasts human military confidence (chariots, horses) with trust in the LORD; thematically opposes the Assyrian taunt about reliance on worldly means of defense.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria: On what do you rely, that you sit in a siege in Jerusalem?
- “Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria: On what do you trust, that you remain under siege in Jerusalem?
2 C.32.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- הלא: PART
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מסית: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- לתת: VERB,qal,inf
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- למות: VERB,qal,inf
- ברעב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובצמא: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- יצילנו: VERB,hiph,imprf,3,m,sg
- מכף: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:12 (quotation): Almost identical wording — Rabshakeh accuses Hezekiah of persuading the people to surrender themselves to die by famine and thirst while claiming the LORD will deliver them from Assyria.
- 2 Kings 18:28 (verbal): Parallel account in the Deuteronomistic/Kings tradition — the Assyrian envoy repeats the same taunt against Hezekiah and Jerusalem.
- 2 Chronicles 32:10 (structural): Immediate context within the same chapter — the preceding taunt and challenge by the Assyrian commander set up the accusation found in v.11.
Alternative generated candidates
- Is it not Hezekiah who misleads you to give yourselves up to die by famine and thirst, saying, 'The LORD our God will deliver us from the hand of the king of Assyria'?
- Does not Hezekiah mislead you to surrender you to die by famine and thirst, saying, ‘The LORD our God will deliver us from the hand of the king of Assyria’?
2 C.32.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- הלא: PART
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסיר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- במתיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- מזבחתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ליהודה: PREP+PN,masc,sg
- ולירושלם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- לפני: PREP
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- תשתחוו: VERB,hitp,impf,2,m,pl
- ועליו: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- תקטירו: VERB,hif,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:4 (verbal): Direct parallel account of Hezekiah’s reforms — explicitly states he removed the high places and broke the altars, commanding Judah to worship at one place.
- 2 Kings 23:8 (thematic): Josiah’s reform: removal of high places and centralization of worship in Jerusalem, a comparable royal purification and centralizing of sacrificial worship.
- Deuteronomy 12:11 (structural): Law prescribing a single chosen place for Yahwistic worship and offerings — the legal precedent for centralizing sacrifices at one altar/temple.
- Leviticus 17:8-9 (thematic): Prohibition against offering sacrifices outside the tabernacle/meeting place, reinforcing the principle of one authorized cultic center that Hezekiah enforces by removing other altars.
Alternative generated candidates
- Has not Hezekiah removed his high places and his altars and said to Judah and Jerusalem, 'Before one altar you shall bow down and upon it you shall burn incense'?
- Did not Hezekiah remove his high places and his altars and say to Judah and to Jerusalem, ‘Before one altar shall you bow down, and on it shall you burn incense’?
2 C.32.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- הלא: PART
- תדעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- מה: PRON,int
- עשיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ואבותי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1s
- לכל: PREP
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- הארצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- היכול: VERB,qal,ptc,?,m,sg,def
- יכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- גוי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- להציל: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- ארצם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- מידי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Isa.36.13 (verbal): Almost word‑for‑word parallel in Isaiah's account of the Assyrian envoy's taunt: asks whether the gods of the nations were able to deliver their lands.
- 2 Kgs.18.33 (verbal): Parallel passage in the Deuteronomistic narrative: the same challenge about the inability of foreign gods to save their peoples.
- Ps.115.4-8 (thematic): Poetic denunciation of idols as powerless to speak, see, or save—echoes the theme that the gods of the nations cannot deliver their lands.
- Ps.135.15-18 (thematic): Similar polemic against idols, emphasizing that images of nations' gods are helpless and cannot act to preserve their peoples.
- 1 Sam.5.2-7 (thematic): Narrative example of an ancient Near Eastern god (Dagon) being humbled before Israel's God, illustrating the motif that other gods fail to protect or prevail.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of the lands? Were the gods of those nations at all able to deliver their lands from my hand?
- Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of the lands? Were the gods of those peoples able to save their lands from my hand?
2 C.32.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הגוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- החרימו: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,pl
- אבותי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1cs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יכול: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להציל: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מידי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יוכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- להציל: VERB,qal,inf
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- מידי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:33 (verbal): Part of Rabshakeh’s taunt in the Assyrian campaign: asks which of the gods of the nations rescued their lands from the king of Assyria — nearly identical wording and intent.
- Isaiah 36:20-21 (quotation): Isaiah’s retelling of the same Assyrian taunt against trusting other gods; repeats the challenge that none of those gods could deliver their peoples from Assyria.
- 2 Kings 19:10-13 (thematic): Sennacherib’s boastful catalogue of conquered peoples and their gods who failed to save them — develops the same theme of the impotence of foreign deities.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Contrastive polemic against idols: emphasizes that images are powerless to speak or save, paralleling the Chronicles passage’s argument that the nations’ gods could not deliver their peoples.
Alternative generated candidates
- Which of all the gods of those nations that my fathers destroyed was able to deliver his people from my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you from my hand?
- Which of all the gods of these nations that my fathers destroyed was able to deliver his people from my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you from my hand?
2 C.32.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- אל: NEG
- ישיא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- חזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- יסית: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- כזאת: DEM,f,sg
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תאמינו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- יוכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- כל: DET
- אלוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- גוי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וממלכה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- להציל: VERB,qal,inf
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מידי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ומיד: CONJ+PREP
- אבותי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1cs
- אף: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- א: PRT
- להיכם: NOUN,m,pl,poss2mp
- לא: PART_NEG
- יצילו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- מידי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:33-34 (quotation): Rabshakeh's taunt in the parallel account: asks whether any gods of the nations have delivered their lands from Assyria's hand, using language very close to Chronicles (direct verbal parallel).
- Isaiah 36:20-22 (quotation): Isaiah's version of Rabshakeh's speech mocking the impotence of other gods and the futility of trusting Hezekiah — closely parallels the wording and argument in 2 Chronicles 32:15.
- Isaiah 37:11-12 (allusion): Assyrian boasting reiterated in Isaiah's prophetic response, citing the failure of other nations' gods to save them and challenging where the gods of those nations are — thematically linked to the taunt in Chronicles.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): A theological counterpoint: stresses that idols (foreign gods) cannot speak or save, thematically related to the claim in Chronicles that no god of any nation could deliver its people from Assyria's hand.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore, do not let Hezekiah mislead you, nor let him seduce you; do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand. How then can your God deliver you from my hand?
- Therefore do not let Hezekiah mislead you or persuade you in this manner; do not give credence to him. No god of any people or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand—how much less will your god deliver you from my hand.”
2 C.32.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ועוד: CONJ
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- על: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:22 (quotation): Direct parallel account in Isaiah of Rabshakeh’s words — servants speaking against the LORD and against Hezekiah; essentially the same wording as Chronicles’ report.
- 2 Kings 18:27 (verbal): Part of the Kings narrative of Rabshakeh’s taunting speech to Jerusalem’s defenders; shows the same hostile mockery directed at Hezekiah and the God of Israel.
- 2 Kings 19:10-13 (thematic): Sennacherib’s letter and messengers challenge Yahweh’s power and ridicule Hezekiah’s trust in God — the broader context of hostile speech against the LORD found in Chronicles 32:16.
- Isaiah 37:10 (thematic): Sennacherib’s provocation (‘Have the gods of the nations…?’) in Isaiah echoes the theme of enemy spokesmen insulting and testing the God of Israel and undermining confidence in Hezekiah.
Alternative generated candidates
- And his servants spoke against the LORD God and against his servant Hezekiah still more vehemently.
- Furthermore his servants spoke against the LORD God and against Hezekiah his servant.
2 C.32.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וספרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כתב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לחרף: INFN,qal,inf
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולאמר: VERB,qal,infc
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כאלהי: PREP
- גוי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- הצילו: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,pl
- עמם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- מידי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כן: ADV
- לא: PART_NEG
- יציל: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מידי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:20-21 (verbal): Rabshakeh’s taunting speech against the LORD and Israel in Isaiah’s account closely parallels the language here — mocking that no god of the nations has saved them, so Hezekiah’s God will not save Jerusalem.
- 2 Kings 18:32-35 (verbal): Parallel narrative in Kings reproduces the Assyrian envoy’s challenge to Hezekiah, including the claim that the gods of other peoples failed to deliver them from Assyria.
- Isaiah 37:10-11 (quotation): Isaiah’s later chapter repeats the Assyrian boast and question about the failure of other gods to deliver their lands, echoing the same taunt directed at the God of Israel.
- Psalm 115:2; Psalm 79:10 (thematic): These Psalms reflect the common taunt/complaint motif — nations mock or ask 'Where is their God?' when Israel suffers — the same theme of enemies deriding God’s power found in 2 Chronicles 32:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he wrote letters to blaspheme the LORD God of Israel and to speak against him, saying, "Like the gods of the nations of the earth, who did not deliver their peoples from my hand, so will not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people from my hand."
- They wrote letters to reproach the LORD God of Israel and to speak against him, saying, “As the gods of the nations of the lands have not delivered their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver his people from my hand.”
2 C.32.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יהודית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- עם: PREP
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- החומה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ליראם: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,3,m,pl
- ולבהלם: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf,3,m,pl
- למען: PREP
- ילכדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 19:35 (structural): Parallel account of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in the Deuteronomistic history; same historical episode of deliverance that frames the context for the shouting and encouragement in Chronicles.
- Isaiah 37:36 (structural): Isaiah’s version of the same event—God’s intervention against the Assyrian forces—corresponds to the broader narrative context in which Judah’s cries and defenses occur.
- Joshua 6:20 (verbal): The Israelites’ shout at Jericho leading to the capture of the city is a close verbal/thematic parallel: the use of a loud cry as part of siege warfare and the taking of a city.
- Nehemiah 4:20 (thematic): Instruction to respond to the sound of the trumpet and rally to defend Jerusalem—similar function to the Chronicles’ cry to those on the wall to encourage and coordinate the city’s defenders.
- 2 Chronicles 20:22 (thematic): Another instance in Chronicles where shouting/praise functions as a tactic in battle and leads to victory, paralleling the role of the crowd’s cry in bolstering defenders and affecting the outcome.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they cried out with a loud voice in the language of the people of Judah who were on the wall to frighten and disturb them, to capture the city.
- They called out in a loud voice in the Judean language to the people on the wall to frighten and to dismay them, that they might capture the city.
2 C.32.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כעל: PREP
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מעשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Isaiah 37:19 (verbal): Nearly identical wording and context — the Assyrian taunts are reported as speaking against the God of Jerusalem 'as against the gods of the peoples, the work of men's hands.' (Direct verbal parallel to 2 Chr 32:19).
- 2 Kings 18:34-35 (structural): Parallel narrative account of Rabshakeh's taunts — challenges the power of Jerusalem's God and ridicules other nations' gods, treating Israel's God as if he were merely one among man‑made deities.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Declares that idols are silver and gold and 'the work of men's hands,' contrasting the living God with lifeless, human‑made idols — echoes the motif that the gods of the nations are human creations.
- Jeremiah 10:3-5 (thematic): Mocks idolatrous practice (cutting and carving wood, fashioning images) and calls such gods the work of craftsmen — reinforces the idea that the gods of the peoples are human workmanship, as in 2 Chr 32:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- They spoke against the God of Jerusalem as against the gods of the peoples of the earth, the work of men's hands.
- They spoke against the God of Jerusalem as against the gods of the peoples of the land—the work of men’s hands.
2 C.32.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתפלל: VERB,hitpael,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישעיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמוץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנביא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- ויזעקו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Isaiah 37:14-20 (verbal): Hezekiah takes Sennacherib's letter, spreads it before the LORD and prays—language and action closely parallel Chronicles' statement that Hezekiah prayed and cried to heaven.
- 2 Kings 19:14-19 (verbal): Kings' narrative of the same crisis: Hezekiah's receiving the letter and his prayer in the house of the LORD; a near-duplicate account of the prayer mentioned in 2 Chr 32:20.
- Isaiah 37:21-35 (structural): Isaiah's prophetic reply and the LORD's promise of deliverance correspond to Chronicles' pairing of Hezekiah's prayer with Isaiah the prophet and the subsequent divine intervention.
- 2 Kings 19:35 (thematic): Describes the LORD's miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army (the angel striking the camp), the outcome effected after the prayer recorded in 2 Chr 32:20–22.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah son of Amoz the prophet prayed concerning this; and they cried to heaven.
- Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah son of Amoz the prophet prayed concerning this, and they cried out to heaven.
2 C.32.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויכחד: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- גבור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונגיד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במחנה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בבשת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לארצו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ומיציאי: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptcp,act,pl,m
- מעיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- הפילהו: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- בחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 19:35 (quotation): Nearly identical account: the LORD sends an angel who cuts off the mighty men in the Assyrian camp, causing Sennacherib to return in disgrace and die at home.
- Isaiah 37:36 (quotation): Parallel/alternate tradition of the same episode; repeats the detail that an angel struck down the Assyrian commanders in the camp.
- Exodus 12:23 (thematic): The angel of the LORD executes judgment in a camp at night (Passover plague motif): divine, angelic intervention as the means of deliverance/protection.
- 2 Samuel 24:15-16 (thematic): An angel of the LORD brings sudden death among people as divine judgment; motif of an angel striking the host and the crisis being halted at the temple/altar.
- Acts 12:23 (thematic): Sudden, divinely wrought death as punishment (Herod struck down by an angel/worms) — similar motif of immediate divine retribution upon a proud ruler.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD sent an angel, who struck in the camp of the king of Assyria all the mighty warriors, commanders, and princes; and he returned in shame to his own land. When he entered the house of his god, his sons struck him there with the sword.
- The LORD sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty warriors, commanders and princes in the camp of the king of Assyria. He returned with shame to his own land. He entered into the house of his god, and those who came forth from his bowels there fell by the sword.
2 C.32.22 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויושע: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מיד: PREP
- סנחריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ומיד: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- וינהלם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מסביב: ADV,loc
Parallels
- 2 Kings 19:34 (verbal): Near-identical narrative of the LORD delivering Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from Sennacherib — the same event reported with similar wording.
- Isaiah 37:36-38 (verbal): Isaiah’s account of the angel striking the Assyrian camp and Sennacherib’s subsequent fate; provides the prophetic/causal detail behind the deliverance in Chronicles.
- 2 Chronicles 32:20-21 (structural): Immediate context in Chronicles that links Hezekiah’s prayer and Isaiah’s prophecy with the miraculous rescue described in v.22 — same narrative unit.
- Psalm 48:3-8 (thematic): Poetic reflection on God’s protection of Zion and the failure of surrounding enemies; thematically parallels the motif of Yahweh defending Jerusalem from besieging powers.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all; and guided them on every side.
- Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all, and guided them round about.
2 C.32.23 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ורבים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,abs
- מביאים: VERB,hif,ptc,3,m,pl
- מנחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- לירושלם: PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
- ומגדנות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ליחזקיהו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וינשא: CONJ+VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- לעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- כל: DET
- הגוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מאחרי: PREP
- כן: ADV
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:7 (structural): Parallel account of Hezekiah’s reign in the books of Kings; both emphasize God’s favor and Hezekiah’s exemplary status among the kings of Judah (Chronicles adds the detail of nations bringing gifts).
- Psalm 68:29 (verbal): Explicitly links Jerusalem’s temple with foreign rulers bringing presents — language closely parallels ‘many bring gifts to the LORD to Jerusalem.’
- Psalm 72:10-11 (thematic): Speaks of distant kings (Tarshish, Sheba) bringing gifts and doing homage to the king — shares the motif of nations bringing tribute and honoring a divinely blessed ruler.
- Isaiah 60:5 (thematic): Describes nations and camels bringing wealth and gifts to Zion (and its ruler), echoing the image of Gentile nations bringing presents to Jerusalem and its king.
- 1 Chronicles 29:25 (structural): Within Chronicles’ own material this verse highlights a ruler’s fame spreading among the nations — parallels 2 Chronicles’ note that Hezekiah was exalted in the sight of all the peoples.
Alternative generated candidates
- Many brought tribute to the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah. And he was honored before all the nations thereafter.
- Many brought offerings to the LORD to Jerusalem and valuable presents to Hezekiah king of Judah. He was exalted in the sight of all the nations thereafter.
After these things Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered Judah; he encamped against the fortified cities and said to take them captive.
Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and that his face was set to wage war against Jerusalem.
Hezekiah consulted with his officials and his mighty men to stop up the waters of the springs that were outside the city, and they helped him.
A great company gathered and stopped all the springs and the stream that ran through the land, saying, "Why should the kings of Assyria come and find abundant waters?"
He strengthened himself, repaired all the broken sections of the wall, mounted towers on it and another outer wall, and he strengthened the Millo of the city of David. He made weapons and shields in abundance.
He assigned commanders of war over the people, gathered them at the street of the city gate, and spoke to their hearts, saying,
"Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or dismayed because of the king of Assyria or of all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him."
"With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people took confidence in the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
After this Sennacherib king of Assyria sent his servants to Jerusalem (while he was at Lachish with all his force) to Hezekiah king of Judah and to all Judah in Jerusalem, saying,
"Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria: On what do you set your trust, that you remain under siege in Jerusalem?
Is it not Hezekiah who has misled you to give you up to die by famine and thirst, saying, 'The LORD our God will save us from the hand of the king of Assyria'?
Did not Hezekiah remove his high places and his altars and say to Judah and Jerusalem, 'Before one altar shall you bow down, and on it shall you burn incense'?
Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of the lands? Were the gods of those nations able to deliver their lands from my hand?
Which of all the gods of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed was able to save his people from my hand? How then can your God deliver you from my hand? Now do not let Hezekiah mislead you, nor let him move you to trust in this way; do not believe him—no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand, so how can your God deliver you from my hand?
Moreover his officials spoke against the LORD God and against Hezekiah his servant. And they wrote letters to defile the LORD God of Israel and to revile him, saying, "As the gods of the peoples of the lands did not deliver their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver his people from my hand."
They cried out with a loud voice against the men of Jerusalem who were on the wall to frighten and dismay them, in order to capture the city.
They spoke concerning the God of Jerusalem as concerning the gods of the peoples of the earth, the work of men's hands.
Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah son of Amoz the prophet prayed about this, and they cried out to heaven. And the LORD sent an angel who destroyed all the mighty warriors, commanders and princes in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned in disgrace to his own land. He entered the house of his god, and his sons struck him there with the sword. And the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from all those who surrounded them.
Many brought gifts to the LORD to Jerusalem and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah; and he was exalted in the sight of all the nations thereafter.