The street of the gate ... - Or, “the square at the gate” (compare 2 Chronicles 29:4 note). The gate intended is probably that of Ephraim 2 Chronicles 25:23 - the great northern gate, opposite the “Camp of the Assyrians “ - represented by the modern Damascus gate. read more
On the language, compare the marginal references, for details, see Isaiah 22:5-13; Isaiah 29:3. read more
Hezekiah’s political administration (32:1-33)To the writer of Chronicles, Hezekiah’s religious reforms were the most important feature of his reign. Politically, he was able to remain independent of Assyria, but only because God intervened in response to his faith (32:1-23; see notes on 2 Kings 18:13-19:37). He also made Judah prosperous. But pride in his achievements led him to become friendly with Babylon, the rising power in the region. It was a policy that later brought disaster upon Judah... read more
street = broad space. spake comfortably. Compare Isaiah 40:2 . read more
Be strong, &c. Hebrew "be ye strong", &c. See note on Deuteronomy 31:6 . multitude. Compared to raging waters (Psalms 46:2 , Psalms 46:3 ). read more
6. he . . . gathered them together . . . in the street—that is, the large open space at the gate of Eastern cities. Having equipped his soldiers with a full suit of military accoutrements, he addressed them in an animated strain, dwelling on the motives they had to inspire courage and confidence of success, especially on their consciousness of the favor and helping power of God. read more
2-8. when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib . . . was purposed to fight against Jerusalem—An account of the means taken to fortify Jerusalem against the threatened siege is given only in this passage. The polluting or filling up of wells, and the altering of the course of rivers, is an old practice that still obtains in the wars of the East. Hezekiah's plan was to cover the fountain heads, so that they might not be discovered by the enemy, and to carry the water by subterranean channels or pipes... read more
4. The invasion by Sennacherib 32:1-23In a few details this account differs from the one in 2 Kings 18-20 and Isaiah 36-37. It was after Hezekiah’s acts of faithfulness that God tested his trust (2 Chronicles 32:1). Many of Judah’s other good kings had followed God faithfully, only to abandon faith in Him later in life as a result of pride (e.g., Solomon, Uzziah, et al.). In this respect, Hezekiah failed too (2 Chronicles 32:25).Hezekiah’s preparations for Sennacherib’s siege did not indicate... read more
M. Hezekiah chs. 29-32In contrast to Ahaz, we can see Hezekiah’s love for Yahweh in how he cared for the temple. Ahaz’s reign was full of war, but Hezekiah enjoyed peace. God rewarded Hezekiah’s spiritual restoration of Judah with a remarkable military deliverance. Yet "good king" Hezekiah was not the completely faithful Son of David whose kingdom God had promised to establish forever (1 Chronicles 17:11-14)."He is the ’golden boy’ of Chronicles." [Note: Wilcock, p. 242.] The Chronicler gave... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 32:7
Several of the descriptive dramatic touches of Isaiah 22:4-14 are forcible and apt commentary to this verse. read more