2 Chronicles 32:1

KJV

¶ After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {H310} these things {H1697}, and the establishment {H571} thereof, Sennacherib {H5576} king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} came {H935}, and entered {H935} into Judah {H3063}, and encamped {H2583} against the fenced {H1219} cities {H5892}, and thought {H559} to win {H1234} them for himself.

Complete Jewish Bible

After these events and this faithfulness of [Hizkiyahu's], Sancheriv king of Ashur came, invaded Y'hudah and besieged the fortified cities, thinking that he would break in [and capture] them.

Berean Standard Bible

After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself.

American Standard Version

After these things, and this faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fortified cities, and thought to win them for himself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 32:1 introduces a dramatic turning point in the reign of King Hezekiah, immediately following a period of profound spiritual revival and national restoration. It records the formidable arrival of Sennacherib, the powerful king of Assyria, who invaded the territory of Judah, strategically encamping against its fortified cities with the explicit intent of conquering them for his sprawling empire. This verse sets the stage for a pivotal confrontation between overwhelming human might and the sovereign power of God, testing the faith of Hezekiah and the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks an abrupt and significant shift in the narrative of 2 Chronicles. Chapters 29-31 detail Hezekiah's extensive and zealous religious reforms, including the cleansing and rededication of the temple ([2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Temple Reforms")), the restoration of proper worship, the re-establishment of the Levitical priesthood, and a nationwide celebration of Passover, drawing people from both Judah and the remnants of Israel ([2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - The Great Passover Celebration")). The "establishment thereof" in 2 Chronicles 32:1 directly refers to the successful implementation and firm rooting of these spiritual initiatives. Thus, the invasion by Sennacherib is presented not as a consequence of national apostasy but as a trial that immediately follows a period of obedience and spiritual flourishing, setting up a profound theological tension and highlighting the testing of faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 32:1 refer to Sennacherib's campaign against Judah in 701 BC, a well-documented historical event corroborated by Assyrian annals. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, renowned for its brutal military tactics, efficient siege warfare, and policy of mass deportation. By this time, the northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to Assyria in 722 BC, with its inhabitants exiled. Judah, as the last remaining Hebrew kingdom, faced the full, terrifying might of this empire. Sennacherib's objective in invading Judah was strategic: to secure his western frontier, suppress rebellious vassal states, and expand his control over vital trade routes. The "fenced cities" (fortified cities) of Judah were critical military targets, as their capture would systematically weaken the kingdom's defenses and pave the way for the ultimate conquest of Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the subsequent narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Trial After Revival**, demonstrating that spiritual faithfulness does not guarantee an absence of hardship; sometimes, God permits severe trials even after periods of great obedience and blessing, perhaps to refine faith or reveal His power. Secondly, it underscores **The Threat of Overwhelming Human Power**, with Sennacherib representing the pinnacle of earthly might and ambition, challenging the very existence of God's covenant people. This sets up a dramatic contrast between human strength and divine sovereignty. Finally, while describing the onset of crisis, the verse subtly **Foreshadows Divine Intervention**, preparing the reader for God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem, which will be detailed later in the chapter ([2 Chronicles 32:21](/2_chronicles/32-21 "2 Chronicles 32:21 - The Lord's Deliverance of Judah")). This foreshadowing reinforces the overarching theme of God's ultimate control over history and His unwavering faithfulness to His people, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, as seen in the broader narrative of [Hezekiah's reign](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reign and Reforms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **After these things (אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה, _ʾaḥar haddĕbārîm hāʾēlleh_):** This phrase serves as a crucial chronological and thematic connector. It explicitly links the invasion to the preceding events—Hezekiah's comprehensive religious reforms, the cleansing of the temple, and the national celebration of Passover. This temporal marker emphasizes that the trial came *after* obedience, not because of disobedience, setting up the theological tension that the Chronicler intends to explore regarding God's testing and deliverance.
* **establishment thereof (וְהָאֱמֶת, _wəhāʾĕmet_):** The Hebrew word _ʾĕmet_ typically means "truth," "faithfulness," or "firmness." In this context, it signifies the firm establishment or confirmation of Hezekiah's reforms. It suggests that the spiritual revival was not superficial but had taken root and was genuinely embraced by the people. The invasion, therefore, tests a faith that has been truly established, rather than a fleeting or superficial one.
* **fenced cities (הֶעָרִים הַבְּצֻרוֹת, _heʿārîm habbĕṣurôt_):** This refers to the fortified or walled cities of Judah. In ancient warfare, such cities were vital defensive strongholds, designed to withstand sieges and protect the populace. Sennacherib's strategy of encamping against them indicates a methodical and devastating campaign aimed at systematically dismantling Judah's defenses before a final assault on Jerusalem. It highlights the military might and strategic intent of the Assyrian king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ After these things, and the establishment thereof,"**: This opening clause establishes the immediate temporal and spiritual context, indicating that the events about to be described occurred subsequent to and in the wake of Hezekiah's successful and deeply rooted religious reforms and the restoration of true worship in Judah.
* **"Sennacherib king of Assyria came,"**: This introduces the primary antagonist, Sennacherib, the historically formidable ruler of the Assyrian Empire, emphasizing the immense geopolitical power and military threat he represented to the small kingdom of Judah. His arrival signifies the initiation of a major national crisis.
* **"and entered into Judah,"**: This specifies the geographical scope of the invasion, confirming that Sennacherib's forces breached the borders of Judah, moving beyond mere threats to a full-scale military incursion into the heartland of the kingdom.
* **"and encamped against the fenced cities,"**: This describes the initial phase of Sennacherib's military strategy, focusing on the fortified urban centers of Judah. "Encamped against" implies a siege, a deliberate and sustained military operation aimed at isolating, weakening, and eventually capturing these crucial defensive strongholds.
* **"and thought to win them for himself."**: This reveals Sennacherib's clear and ambitious objective. The phrase "thought to win them" (literally, "he said to break into them" or "to break them open") conveys his confident expectation and determined resolve to conquer these cities and incorporate them into his vast empire, thereby extending his dominion and asserting his absolute authority.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several potent literary devices in 2 Chronicles 32:1 to set the stage for the dramatic narrative that follows. **Juxtaposition** is paramount, as the verse immediately follows a detailed account of Hezekiah's spiritual revival and the nation's renewed covenant fidelity. This sharp contrast between spiritual flourishing and imminent military catastrophe creates a profound theological tension, challenging the simplistic notion that obedience always guarantees immediate earthly tranquility. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the immense scale of the impending conflict and the desperate need for divine intervention, which will be the central focus of the remainder of the chapter. The declaration of Sennacherib's intent to "win them for himself" also subtly employs **Irony**, as the reader, familiar with the Chronicler's overarching theological perspective, anticipates that human ambition will ultimately be thwarted by divine sovereignty. This sets up a **Confrontation** between the seemingly irresistible force of the Assyrian Empire and the unseen but ultimate power of Yahweh, whose faithfulness to His covenant people is about to be dramatically demonstrated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Chronicles 32:1 presents a profound theological paradox: a devastating national crisis erupting immediately after a period of fervent spiritual revival and obedience. This challenges the simplistic cause-and-effect understanding of blessing and suffering, suggesting that God's purposes in allowing trials are often deeper than immediate retribution or reward. It emphasizes that faithfulness does not exempt believers or nations from hardship, but rather, trials can serve as a crucible for refining faith, demonstrating God's power, and deepening reliance upon Him. The invasion serves as a test of Hezekiah's established faith and the nation's commitment, revealing whether their trust is truly in God or in their own strength or alliances. It underscores the truth that even in times of obedience, the people of God remain vulnerable to external threats, necessitating a constant dependence on divine protection rather than human might.

* [2 Kings 18:13](/2_kings/18-13 "2 Kings 18:13 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah")
* [Isaiah 36:1](/isaiah/36-1 "Isaiah 36:1 - Isaiah's Account of Sennacherib's Invasion")
* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Purpose in Leading Israel Through the Wilderness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sudden and severe trial introduced in 2 Chronicles 32:1, occurring immediately after a period of profound spiritual renewal, offers a crucial lesson for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual growth and obedience to God do not guarantee an absence of difficulties or "invasions" in our lives. Instead, God often permits challenges to follow seasons of blessing, not as punishment, but as opportunities to test the genuineness of our faith, to deepen our reliance on Him, and to reveal His mighty power in ways we might not otherwise experience. This verse encourages us to cultivate a robust faith that is not easily shaken by adverse circumstances, understanding that God's purposes are at work even when our immediate situation seems overwhelming. It calls us to prepare spiritually for opposition, just as Hezekiah prepared for the physical siege, by continually seeking God, strengthening our spiritual defenses, and trusting in His ultimate deliverance, regardless of the apparent strength of the "enemy."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when significant trials or difficulties arise in your life, especially after a period of spiritual growth or blessing?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of God's testing, and how might it reshape your perspective on suffering?**
* **In what practical ways can we "prepare" for life's inevitable "invasions" or challenges, while maintaining an unwavering trust in God's sovereign power and ultimate deliverance?**

### FAQ

**Why did God allow this invasion to happen to Judah immediately after Hezekiah's extensive reforms and the nation's spiritual revival?**

Answer: The Chronicler often presents a direct correlation between obedience and blessing, and disobedience and judgment. However, 2 Chronicles 32:1 introduces a more nuanced theological truth: God sometimes allows trials to come upon His people even after periods of faithfulness. This is not necessarily a sign of His displeasure, but often serves a deeper purpose. In Hezekiah's case, the invasion tested the genuineness and depth of their renewed faith, demonstrating that their reliance was truly on God and not merely on their spiritual achievements. It provided an opportunity for God to display His unique power and faithfulness in a miraculous deliverance, thereby magnifying His name and solidifying the covenant relationship. This aligns with principles seen elsewhere in Scripture, where God tests His people to reveal what is in their hearts and to teach them dependence on Him ([Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - God's Testing in the Wilderness")).

**What was the strategic significance of Sennacherib encamping against Judah's "fenced cities"?**

Answer: The "fenced cities" were Judah's fortified, walled cities, designed for defense and to protect the population. Sennacherib's strategy of encamping against them was a standard military tactic of the time, aimed at systematically weakening the kingdom's defenses. By capturing these strongholds, the Assyrians could secure supply lines, eliminate pockets of resistance, and isolate the capital city, Jerusalem. This methodical approach highlighted the overwhelming military might and strategic intent of the Assyrian Empire, emphasizing that Judah was facing a comprehensive and devastating campaign, not merely a border skirmish. The fall of these cities would have been a psychological blow and a practical precursor to any assault on Jerusalem itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The invasion of Sennacherib against Judah, coming immediately after Hezekiah's faithful reforms, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual "invasion" that humanity faces due to sin, and the ultimate victory achieved through Christ. Just as Judah's faithfulness did not exempt it from a formidable adversary, so too, the perfect obedience and sinless life of Jesus did not exempt Him from profound suffering and opposition. Indeed, His journey to the cross, the ultimate act of obedience, was a direct confrontation with the powers of darkness and death. Christ, the true King, entered a world held captive by sin, encamping against the "fenced cities" of human rebellion and spiritual bondage. Unlike Sennacherib, who sought to conquer for himself, Jesus came to "win" humanity back for God, not through military might, but through sacrificial love. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), facing the ultimate trial of the cross, yet emerging victorious. His triumph over sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) is the ultimate fulfillment of God's deliverance, far surpassing the historical rescue of Jerusalem. Through Him, believers are delivered from a far greater enemy, finding their true security and salvation in His established kingdom, a kingdom that no earthly power can ever "win" for itself. He is our sympathetic High Priest who understands our trials ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), and the victorious King who will ultimately conquer all opposition ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Victorious King")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 18:13

Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them.

2 Kings 18:37

Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with [their] clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

Isaiah 36:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, [that] Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them.

Isaiah 37:38

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

Micah 2:13

The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them.

Hosea 11:5

He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.

2 Kings 15:19

[And] Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.