2 Chronicles · Chapter 32

V. 1. After, &c.-An emphatical preface, signifying, that notwithstanding all his zeal for God, God saw fit to exercise him with a sore trial. And God ordered it at this time, that he might have an opportunity of shewing himself strong, on the behalf of his returning people. It is possible, we may be in the way of our duty, and yet meet with trouble and danger. God permits this, for the trial of our confidence in him, and the manifestation of his care over us.

Verse 1. After these things] God did not permit this pious prince to be disturbed till he had completed the reformation which he had begun.

Verse 1. After these things, and the establishment thereof — An emphatical preface, signifying, that notwithstanding all his zeal for God, God saw fit to exercise him with a sore trial. And God ordered it at this time, that he might have an opportunity of showing himself strong on the behalf of his returning people. It is possible we may be in the way of our duty, and yet meet with trouble and danger. God permits this, for the trial of our confidence in him, and the manifestation of his care over us. It was well ordered, however, by the Divine Providence, that this trouble did not come upon Hezekiah and his kingdom till the reformation was finished and established; for, if it had come sooner, it might, and probably would, have put a stop to that good work. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came, and entered into Judah — He was now, as Nebuchadnezzar was afterward, the terror, and scourge, and great oppressor of that part of the world, who aimed to raise a boundless monarchy for himself, upon the ruins of all his neighbours. His predecessor, Shalmaneser, had lately made himself master of the kingdom of Israel, and carried the ten tribes captive; and Sennacherib thought, in like manner, to win Judah to himself. Thus pride and ambition put men upon grasping at universal dominion.

Verse 1. Sennacherib king of Assyria, Our knowledge of the once great and flourishing empire of the Assyrians, is very imperfect. Berosus, a native of Chaldea, has written the most; Herodotus, and Diodorus Siculus, are the principal authors who afford fragments of its history. Nineveh was the capital, and it contained one hundred thousand infants; and of course a population of not less than five hundred thousand inhabitants. We are ignorant of the extent of the Assyrian empire; but it embraced the Caspian sea, for many of the ten tribes were placed in Armenia, and on the river Gozan, which runs into the Caspian. The whole of Babylon, of Persia, of Damascus or Syria, of Samaria and Galilee, was now under its power. According to Plato, Troy itself once bore their yoke: but the seat of empire was not yet transferred to Babylon. Considering the present victorious character of the empire, we are the less surprised that Sennacherib should boast that no god of any nation was able to deliver the people out of his hand: ver. 15.

SENNACHERIB’S INVASION AND DEFEAT, 1-23.

1. And the establishment thereof — Literally, and this truth; allusion to the “good and right and truth,” (2 Chronicles 31:20,) which Hezekiah wrought. Sennacherib… came — Verses 1-8 are to be understood of Sennacherib’s first invasion of Judah, and are parallel with 2 Kings 18:13-16, where see notes. A comparison of the two passages will show that this is largely supplementary to Kings, informing us of the provision Hezekiah made for defending his capital against the Assyrian invader.

Verse 2. When Hezekiah saw] This was in the fourteenth year of the reign of Hezekiah; and at first the Jewish king bought him off at the great price of three hundred talents of silver, and thirty talents of gold; and even emptied his own treasures, and spoiled the house of the Lord, to gratify the oppressive avarice of the Assyrian king. See the whole account, 2 Kings 18:13, &c.

SENNACHERIB’S INVASION AND DEFEAT, 1-23.

1. And the establishment thereof — Literally, and this truth; allusion to the “good and right and truth,” (2 Chronicles 31:20,) which Hezekiah wrought. Sennacherib… came — Verses 1-8 are to be understood of Sennacherib’s first invasion of Judah, and are parallel with 2 Kings 18:13-16, where see notes. A comparison of the two passages will show that this is largely supplementary to Kings, informing us of the provision Hezekiah made for defending his capital against the Assyrian invader.

V. 3. To stop-And withal to draw the waters by secret pipes underground to Jerusalem.

Verses 3, 4. To stop the waters of the fountains — To fill them up with earth and other things cast into them, that it might not be known there was any water there, and withal to draw the waters by secret passages and pipes to Jerusalem. And the brook that ran through the midst of the land — The brook Kidron, which being but small, except when much rain fell, they easily filled up the spring of it. Saying, Why should the kings of Assyria find much water — Which was scarce in that country, and the want of it might greatly distress the Assyrian army.

3. To stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city — The object was thereby to distress the enemy, by preventing him from obtaining water near the city. He probably not only hid the springs from view, but drew off the water by secret aqueducts into the city.

Verse 4. Stopped all the fountains] This was prudently done, for without water how could an immense army subsist in an arid country? No doubt the Assyrian army suffered much through this, as a Christian army did eighteen hundred years after this. When the crusaders came, in A.D. 1099, to besiege Jerusalem, the people of the city stopped up the wells, so that the Christian army was reduced to the greatest necessities and distress.

Verses 3, 4. To stop the waters of the fountains — To fill them up with earth and other things cast into them, that it might not be known there was any water there, and withal to draw the waters by secret passages and pipes to Jerusalem. And the brook that ran through the midst of the land — The brook Kidron, which being but small, except when much rain fell, they easily filled up the spring of it. Saying, Why should the kings of Assyria find much water — Which was scarce in that country, and the want of it might greatly distress the Assyrian army.

4. The brook that ran through the midst of the land is probably the Gihon, and the work wrought on it identical with what is more fully described in verse 30. See also 2 Kings 20:20, note.

Verse 5. Raised it up to the towers] He built the wall up to the height of the towers, or, having built the wall, he raised towers on it.

Verse 5. He built up all the wall that was broken — Which Joash, king of Israel, had broken down, and which had not since been repaired. And raised it up to the towers — Either as high as the towers, or tops of the wall; or from the gate of Ephraim as far as the two towers, which were at the corner-gate, having been raised there for the defence of it. So that the wall, that had been broken down, was all rebuilt. See 2 Chronicles 25:23. And repaired Millo — Of which see note on 1 Kings 9:15.

5. The wall that was broken — What particular part of the walls, and when and how they were broken, is not told. Rawlinson suggests that they had fallen by neglect and carelessness in the reign of Ahaz, or by the natural process of decay, and were hastily repaired with the ruins of neighbouring houses. Isaiah 22:10. Raised it up to the towers — The Hebrew text reads, literally, he brought up upon the towers, but the meaning is obscure. The text seems to be defective, and the most plausible emendation is, he raised up towers upon it; that is, he built towers upon the wall. Perhaps he merely fortified the towers which Uzziah had built. 2 Chronicles 26:9. Another wall without — Thought by some to be the wall of the lower city, but the reference is uncertain. Millo — The ancient fortress or rampart which David built on Zion. See note on 2 Samuel 5:11.

Verse 6. Set captains of war over the people-in the street of the gate of the city] That is, the open places at the gate of the city, whither the people came for judgment, &c.

6. The street of the gate of the city — This is indefinite, but may most naturally be understood of a broad open space in front of the principal gate of the city, perhaps the northern gate, or “gate of Ephraim.” 2 Kings 14:13; Nehemiah 8:16. Spake comfortably — Encouragingly. Compare chap. 30:22, note. Hezekiah’s words of faith and encouragement, as here given, do not well accord with his submission and payment of treasure to the invader, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:14-16. But the records are by no means contradictory. Together they furnish a lesson of human weakness. The people for awhile were encouraged by Hezekiah’s words, (verse 8,) but when Sennacherib had captured “all the fenced cities of Judah,” (2 Kings 18:13,) they probably became disheartened, and Hezekiah himself trembled for the safety of his capital, and was glad to hire the invader to depart.

Verse 7. There be more with us than with him] We have more power than they have. (These words he quotes from the prophet Elisha, 2 Kings 6:16.) This was soon proved to be true by the slaughter made by the angel of the Lord in the Assyrian camp.

SENNACHERIB’S INVASION AND DEFEAT, 1-23.

1. And the establishment thereof — Literally, and this truth; allusion to the “good and right and truth,” (2 Chronicles 31:20,) which Hezekiah wrought. Sennacherib… came — Verses 1-8 are to be understood of Sennacherib’s first invasion of Judah, and are parallel with 2 Kings 18:13-16, where see notes. A comparison of the two passages will show that this is largely supplementary to Kings, informing us of the provision Hezekiah made for defending his capital against the Assyrian invader.

SENNACHERIB’S INVASION AND DEFEAT, 1-23.

1. And the establishment thereof — Literally, and this truth; allusion to the “good and right and truth,” (2 Chronicles 31:20,) which Hezekiah wrought. Sennacherib… came — Verses 1-8 are to be understood of Sennacherib’s first invasion of Judah, and are parallel with 2 Kings 18:13-16, where see notes. A comparison of the two passages will show that this is largely supplementary to Kings, informing us of the provision Hezekiah made for defending his capital against the Assyrian invader.

Verse 9. After this did Sennacherib] Having received the silver and gold mentioned above, he withdrew his army, but shortly after he sent Rab-shakeh with a blasphemous message. This is the fact mentioned here.

Verses 9, 10. After this did Sennacherib send his servants to Jerusalem — Of this and the following verses, see notes on 2 Kings 18:17, &c., and 19:10, &c. Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege, &c. — Or rather, why do ye stay till Jerusalem is besieged; or, resolve to stand a siege? For the city was not yet besieged.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verse 10. Thus saith Sennacherib] See all these circumstances largely explained 2 Kings 18:17-36.

Verses 9, 10. After this did Sennacherib send his servants to Jerusalem — Of this and the following verses, see notes on 2 Kings 18:17, &c., and 19:10, &c. Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege, &c. — Or rather, why do ye stay till Jerusalem is besieged; or, resolve to stand a siege? For the city was not yet besieged.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verses 11, 12. To give over yourselves to die by famine, &c. — It appears by this he did not intend to storm the city, but to keep them pent up till they were starved. Hath not Hezekiah taken away his high places, &c. — He speaks thus through his ignorance of the divine law, which enjoined them to worship only at Jerusalem.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verses 11, 12. To give over yourselves to die by famine, &c. — It appears by this he did not intend to storm the city, but to keep them pent up till they were starved. Hath not Hezekiah taken away his high places, &c. — He speaks thus through his ignorance of the divine law, which enjoined them to worship only at Jerusalem.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verse 15. How much less shall your God deliver you — Seeing I have destroyed so many nations, and some of them stronger than you, in spite of all their gods, it is not probable that your God should defend you? inasmuch as none of the others could defend their worshippers.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verse 17. Wrote also letters] See 2 Kings 19:9, 14.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verses 18, 19. That they might take the city — By a surrender of it into their hands. They spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people — They set the God of Israel, the Creator of heaven and earth, upon the same footing with the idols of the heathen.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verses 18, 19. That they might take the city — By a surrender of it into their hands. They spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people — They set the God of Israel, the Creator of heaven and earth, upon the same footing with the idols of the heathen.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

V. 21. The Lord sent an angel-The Jewish comment says the word of the Lord sent Gabriel to do this execution, and that it done with lightning, and in the passover night, the same night wherein the first-born in Egypt were slain.

Verse 21. The Lord sent an angel] See 2 Kings 19:36, and the note there.

House of his god] Nisroch.

They that came forth of his own bowels] His sons Adrammelech and Sharezer.

Verse 21. The Lord sent an angel — The Jewish comment, termed the Targum, says, The Word of the Lord (the Eternal Word) sent Gabriel to do this execution, and that it was done with lightning, and in the passover night, the same night wherein the firstborn in Egypt were slain. Which cut off the mighty men, and the leaders and captains — With a vast number of common soldiers, 2 Kings 19:35. They that came forth of his own bowels slew him — See 2 Kings 19:37. And with him the Assyrian empire began to fall, and never recovered its former strength. For the next year after Sennacherib’s death, the Medes revolted, being encouraged to it, no doubt, by this great loss at Jerusalem. And by their example, several other nations fell off from the Assyrians and asserted their independence.

Ver. 21. Cut off all the mighty men of valour. Herodotus, when travelling in Egypt, records the destruction of the Assyrian army in a hieroglyphical manner. While Sennacherib, whom he calls king of the Arabs and Assyrians, was besieging Pelusium, Sethon, a priest in the temple of Vulcan, being greatly alarmed and distressed, retired to his temple, and bewailed the calamity. While engaged in these devotions, he fell asleep, and dreamed that he saw his god, who exhorted him to take courage, assuring him that no harm should happen to him, provided he went to meet the Arabs, for he would send him succour. He obeyed, and was followed, not by the soldiers, but only by tradesmen, artisans, and mechanics. On his arrival before Pelusium, an infinite number of field rats invaded the camp that same night, and eat up all their belts, bowstrings, and leather quivers, so that next morning, unable to use their armour, they took to flight, and lost abundance of people. In memory of this action, they erected in the temple of Vulcan a statue of stone which represents this king holding a rat in his hand, with this inscription: WHOSOEVER THOU ART THAT SEEST ME, LEARN TO FEAR THE GODS. Euterpe.—It is not improbable that many Assyrians were slain before Pelusium, as well as before Jerusalem. Sacred and profane history agree that the scourge was in one night, consequently it was supernatural, and not a disease of camp or climate. But the priest’s going in distress to the temple, and the promise of deliverance, are in perfect accordance with Hezekiah in the temple, and the promise of deliverance from the Lord by Isaiah the prophet. Berosus the Babylonian historian says, “that Sennacherib having war in Egypt, and by returning from this war having offended his army, he left it under the command of Rabshakeh, and it was destroyed the first night they sat down before the city, and one hundred and eighty five thousand men wasted away.” This author attributes the destruction of the army to the effects of the Simoons, or hot winds. Josephus speaks to the same effect, that while Sennacherib fought against the Egyptians and the Ethiopians, he left his general to besiege Jerusalem; and he also seems to convey an idea that this signal visitation happened while the king of the Assyrians was besieging Pelusium. Other commentators think that the Assyrians were now making a disgraceful retreat from Egypt towards their own country, and that Sennacherib was besieging Libnah and Lachish, two cities of Judah not far distant from each other.

Sennacherib was indeed spared, but it was only to carry the terrors of his ruin to Nineveh, for according to our Prideaux, he demanded of some about him to know the cause, that the irresistible God of heaven so favoured the Jewish nation; and he was answered that Abraham, from whom they were descended, by sacrificing his only son to the Lord, had purchased this protection to his progeny. Sennacherib replied, if that will do, I will spare two of my sons to gain him over to my interest. When Sharezer and Adrammelech heard that they were to be the victims, they resolved to prevent their own death by sacrificing their father. Whether this story be legendary or true, it shows that this king, who had made so dreadful a carnage of human nature, met with the same reward.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verses 22, 23. Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem — By this work of wonder he was glorified as the Protector and Saviour of his people; from the hand of Sennacherib, and of all others — For such a deliverance as this was an earnest of great mercy in store for them; and guided them on every side — That is, defended them from all their enemies; just as a shepherd doth his sheep, which he leads into places of safety. And many brought gifts unto the Lord — When they were convinced he had such wonderful power, having seen it exerted for the defence of his people, strangers were thereby induced to supplicate his favour, and those who had been enemies to him and his people, to deprecate his wrath; and both brought gifts to his temple, in token of their desire of the former, or fear of the latter. And presents to Hezekiah — In token of the esteem and honour in which they held him, and to obtain an interest in him. So that he was magnified in the sight of all nations — Or, of all those nations; namely, the nations which were not very remote from Canaan, and heard of these things.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verse 23. Many brought gifts unto the Lord] They plainly saw that Jehovah was the protector of the land.

And presents to Hezekiah] They saw that God was his friend, and would undertake for him; and they did not wish to have such a man for their enemy.

Verses 22, 23. Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem — By this work of wonder he was glorified as the Protector and Saviour of his people; from the hand of Sennacherib, and of all others — For such a deliverance as this was an earnest of great mercy in store for them; and guided them on every side — That is, defended them from all their enemies; just as a shepherd doth his sheep, which he leads into places of safety. And many brought gifts unto the Lord — When they were convinced he had such wonderful power, having seen it exerted for the defence of his people, strangers were thereby induced to supplicate his favour, and those who had been enemies to him and his people, to deprecate his wrath; and both brought gifts to his temple, in token of their desire of the former, or fear of the latter. And presents to Hezekiah — In token of the esteem and honour in which they held him, and to obtain an interest in him. So that he was magnified in the sight of all nations — Or, of all those nations; namely, the nations which were not very remote from Canaan, and heard of these things.

Verses 9-23 are a brief summary of the events of Sennacherib’s second invasion. This is much more fully detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-19, 37, where see notes. The rest of the chapter (verses 24-33) is also an abbreviation of what is more fully recorded in 2 Kings 20.

Verse 24. Hezekiah was sick] See 2 Kings 20:1, &c., and the notes there.

V. 25. Lifted up-For that prodigious victory over the Assyrians, for his miraculous restoration from sickness, and for the honour since done him by an embassy from the great king of Babylon. All which probably raised in him too great an opinion of himself, as if these things were done for his piety and virtues.

Verse 25. Hezekiah rendered not again] He got into a vain confidence, took pleasure in his riches, and vainly showed them to the messengers of the king of Babylon. See on 2 Kings 20:12, &c.

Verse 25. Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done him — Was not humble, grateful, and devoted to God, as in reason and duty he ought to have been, considering God’s marvellous interpositions in his favour, and the great and extraordinary deliverances he had wrought out for him and his kingdom; but God’s favour to him became the food and fuel of his pride. For his heart was lifted up — On account of that prodigious victory over the Assyrians, his miraculous restoration from sickness, and the honour since done him by an embassy from the great king of Babylon. All which, probably, raised in him too great an opinion of himself, as if these things were done for his piety and virtues. And instead of walking humbly with God, and giving the glory of all to him, he took, in part at least, the honour to himself, and vainly showed his riches and precious treasures to the Babylonish ambassadors, 2 Kings 20:12, &c. Therefore there was wrath upon him — For pride is a sin which God particularly hates, especially in his own people; and they that exalt themselves must expect to be abased, and put under humbling providences. Thus wrath came on David for his pride in numbering the people. And upon Judah and Jerusalem — Who were justly punished for Hezekiah’s sin, because they imitated him in it, as they confess in the next verse.

Verse 26. Humbled himself] Awoke from his sleep, was sorry for his sin, deprecated the wrath of God, and the Divine displeasure was turned away from him.

Verse 26. Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart — For the sins of the heart, though they should never show themselves in any external way, either by word or deed, must be acknowledged to God and repented of, if we would find mercy; and self-humiliation is a necessary branch of repentance. Both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem — Who humbled themselves with Hezekiah, either because they were conscious they had been guilty of the same sin, or, at least, feared they might share in the punishment. So that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah — In his days there were peace and truth; so much doth repentance avail to put by, or at least to put off, the tokens of God’s anger.

Verse 27. Pleasant jewels] hdmj ylk keley chemdah, desirable vessels or utensils.

27. Pleasant jewels — Rather, precious vessels. The reference may be to jewels or to splendid furniture.

28. Cotes for flocks — Rather, flocks for the stalls. He not only provided stalls for cattle, but cattle for the stalls.

V. 29. Provided-He repaired, fortified, and beautified them for the honour and safety of his kingdom.

Verse 29. He provided him cities — He repaired, fortified, and beautified them, for the honour and safety of his kingdom. And possessions of flocks and herds in abundance — The riches of those countries consisted chiefly in abundance of cattle.

V. 30. Stopped, &c.-A rivulet near Jerusalem consisting of two streams, the upper which was brought into one pool, called the upper pool, Isaiah 7:3, and the lower which was brought into another, called the lower pool, Isaiah 22:9. The former he diverted and brought by pipes into Jerusalem, which was a work of great art and labour.

Verse 30. The upper watercourse] He made canals to bring the waters of Gihon from the west side of Jerusalem to the west side of the city of David.

Verse 30. Hezekiah stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon — A rivulet near Jerusalem, consisting of two streams, the upper, which was brought into one pool, called the upper pool, (Isaiah 7:3,) and the lower, which was brought into another, called the lower pool, Isaiah 22:9. The former he diverted, and brought by pipes into Jerusalem, which was a work of great art and labour. And brought it straight down to the city of David — Whereas before it fetched a compass, and therefore might have been beneficial to the Assyrian host.

Ver. 30. The upper watercourse of Gihon, on the west of Jerusalem. This was a powerful spring, which made glad the city of God, and watered the temple. It flowed into the pool of Siloam, and of Bethesda. Hezekiah covered it in with a continuous arch and earth, lest, in case of a siege, the enemy should find it, and divert the stream. It supplied the prophets with figures of speech. “All my springs are in thee.” Psalm 87:7. Ezekiel 47:1. Revelation 22:1.

V. 31. Wonder that was done-Either the destruction of the Assyrians, or the going back of the sun. These miracles were wrought to alarm and awaken a stupid, careless world, and to turn them from dumb and lame idols to the living God. God left him-To himself, and suffered Satan to try him; that he might know he had infirmities and sins as well as virtues. O what need have great men, and good men, and useful men, to study their own follies and infirmities, and to beg earnestly of God, that he would hide pride from them!

Verse 31. Of the ambassadors] See 2 Kings 20:13, and the observations at the end of that chapter. See Clarke “2 Kings 20:20”.

Verse 31. To inquire of the wonder done in the land — Either the destruction of the Assyrians, or the going back of the sun. These miracles were wrought to alarm and awaken a stupid, careless world, and to turn them from dumb and lame idols to the living God. God left him — To himself, and suffered Satan to try him, that he might know he had infirmities and sins as well as virtues. O, what need have great men, and good men, and useful men, to study their own follies and infirmities, and to beg earnestly of God, that he would hide pride from them!

Verse 32. The vision of Isaiah] See this prophet, chap. 36 to 39.

V. 33. Did him honour-It is a debt we owe to those who have been eminently useful, to do them honour at their death, when they are out of the reach of flattery, and we have seen the end of their conversation.

Verse 33. Chiefest of the sepulchres] This respect they paid to him who, since David, had been the best of all their kings.

I shall subjoin a few things from the Targum on this chapter. Ver. 1. “After these things which Hezekiah did, and their establishment, the Lord appointed by his WORD to bring Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and his army, into the land of Israel, that he might destroy the Assyrians in the land of the house of Judah, and smite their troops on the mountains of Jerusalem, and deliver all their spoils into the hands of Hezekiah and his people: wherefore Sennacherib came with immense armies, which could not be numbered; and having pitched his camps in the land of the tribe of Judah, besieged their fortified cities with his armies, hoping to overthrow them.”

Ver. 8. Hezekiah said-“His help is the strength of the flesh; but our auxiliary is the WORD of the Lord.”

Ver. 16. “His (Sennacherib’s) servants spoke blasphemy against the WORD of the Lord God.”

Ver. 18. In the Jews’ speech-“In the language of the holy house.” Ver. 21. “And the WORD of the Lord sent Michael, and the angel Gabriel, and destroyed them on the night of the passover with a destructive fire; and burnt up their breath within their bodies, and consumed every soldier, captain, and prince, in the army of the king of Assyria; and he returned with shame of face into his own land.”

The destruction of God’s enemies, and the support and salvation of the faithful, is in every instance in this Targum attributed to the WORD of the Lord, personally understood. See Clarke’s note on “2 Chronicles 34:27”.

Ver. 24. “In those days was Hezekiah sick near to death; but he prayed before the Lord who spoke to him by his WORD to preserve him and to add to his life fifteen years.”

Ver. 31. “The king of Babylon sent, that they might inquire concerning the miracle that had been done in the land; that they might see the two tables of stone which were in the ark of the covenant of the Lord which Moses had placed there with the two tables which he had broken on account of the sin of the calf which they made in Horeb. The WORD of the Lord permitted him to show them these; neither did he suffer for it; that he might try him, and see what was in his heart.”

THUS God speaks after the manner of men: he either brings, or permits them to be brought, into such circumstances as shall cause them to show their prevailing propensities; and then warns them against the evils to which they are inclined, after having shown them that they are capable of those evils. To know ourselves, and our own character, is of the utmost importance to our religious growth and perfection. He who does not know where his weakness lies, is not likely to know where his strength lies. Many, by not being fully acquainted with their own character, have been unwatchful and unguarded, and so become an easy prey to their enemies. Know thyself is a lesson which no man can learn but from the Spirit of God.

II CHRONICLES

Verse 33. All Judah did him honour at his death — They buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres, made as great burning for him as for Asa; or, which is a much greater honour, made great lamentation for him, as they afterward did for Josiah. Though it is to be feared that the generality of the people did not comply with those of their kings, who were pious, in their endeavours to reform the nation; yet they could not but praise those endeavours, and the memory of those kings was blessed among them. It is a debt we owe to those who have been eminently useful in their day, to do them honour at their death, when they are out of the reach of flattery, and we have seen the end of their conversation.

Ver. 33. Hezekiah was buried in the chiefest of the sepulchres. Both the Hebrew and the Greek read, the highest of the sepulchres.

33. In the chiefest of the sepulchres — Or, in the ascent of the sepulchres of the sons of David — This may mean either a slope or ascent leading to the royal sepulchre, or some elevation above the sepulchre — a higher place than that where the other kings were buried. Perhaps there was no more room in the sepulchre of David.