2 Chronicles 32:10

2 Chronicles 32:10 captures a pivotal moment during the Assyrian invasion of Judah, highlighting the psychological warfare employed by King Sennacherib against King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is part of Sennacherib's taunting message delivered to Jerusalem during his siege of the city around 701 BC. Having already devastated many fortified cities of Judah, the powerful Assyrian king, Sennacherib, now turned his attention to the capital. His words were a direct challenge to the faith and resolve of the inhabitants, designed to demoralize them into surrender. King Hezekiah had previously attempted to appease Sennacherib with tribute, but the Assyrian king's demands escalated, leading to this desperate siege. The account is also famously detailed in parallel narratives found in 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 36-37.

Key Themes

• Challenge to Trust: Sennacherib's primary aim was to undermine the people's trust, especially their trust in God. He questions the basis of their confidence ("Whereon do ye trust?"), implying that their reliance is futile and their situation hopeless.
• Psychological Warfare: The Assyrians were masters of intimidation and propaganda. This message was not merely a query but a deliberate threat, designed to sow fear and despair, aiming to achieve victory without a direct, costly assault.
• Divine Faithfulness: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader narrative of 2 Chronicles 32 ultimately reveals God's miraculous intervention, contrasting Sennacherib's human arrogance with divine power and protection.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "trust" used here is bāṭaḥ (בָּטַח), which conveys a strong sense of leaning on, relying on, or having confidence in something or someone. Sennacherib is essentially asking, "What is the basis of your confidence that you can withstand this siege?" He expects them to realize their human defenses are inadequate and that their trust in God (whom he mocks in subsequent verses) is foolish.

Significance and Application

Sennacherib's taunt in 2 Chronicles 32:10 resonates with the challenges believers often face today. When we are "in the siege" – facing overwhelming difficulties, health crises, or spiritual attacks – voices (internal or external) often question the foundation of our hope and trust. This verse reminds us:

• The Source of Our Trust: Our ultimate trust should never be in human strength, resources, or political alliances, but in the living God. King Hezekiah encouraged his people to remember that "with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles."
• Resisting Intimidation: Like the people of Jerusalem, we must discern and resist the psychological warfare of fear and doubt. The enemy (whether spiritual or circumstantial) often seeks to demoralize us by questioning our faith and the power of God.
• God's Deliverance: The historical outcome of this siege (God's dramatic intervention, saving Jerusalem) serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him, even when circumstances seem impossible. This narrative reinforces the biblical principle that some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we remember the name of the LORD our God.