2 Chronicles 32:13

Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the people of [other] lands? were the gods of the nations of those lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of mine hand?

Know {H3045} ye not what I and my fathers {H1} have done {H6213} unto all the people {H5971} of other lands {H776}? were the gods {H430} of the nations {H1471} of those lands {H776} any ways {H3201} able {H3201} to deliver {H5337} their lands {H776} out of mine hand {H3027}?

Don't you realize what I and my ancestors have done to all the peoples of the other countries? Were the gods of these nations able to do a thing to rescue their country from me?

Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of the lands? Have the gods of these nations ever been able to deliver their land from my hand?

Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the peoples of the lands? Were the gods of the nations of the lands in any wise able to deliver their land out of my hand?

Commentary

Second Chronicles 32:13 captures the arrogant boast of Sennacherib, King of Assyria, as he attempts to intimidate the people of Jerusalem and King Hezekiah during his siege of the city. This verse is part of a larger message delivered by his officials, designed to undermine the Judahites' trust in their God.

Context

This verse is spoken by Sennacherib, or more accurately, by his representatives, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It comes at a critical juncture when the Assyrian army, having already conquered many fortified cities of Judah, has surrounded Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). Sennacherib's strategy was not only military might but also psychological warfare, aiming to demoralize the people and convince them that resistance was futile. He presents a track record of overwhelming victories, asserting that no god of any nation has ever been able to deliver their people from his grasp. This specific taunt is echoed in other biblical accounts of this event, such as Isaiah 36-37 and 2 Kings 18-19.

Key Themes

  • Human Arrogance vs. Divine Sovereignty: Sennacherib's words exude extreme pride and self-exaltation. He attributes all his conquests to his own power and that of his fathers, completely disregarding any divine intervention or the uniqueness of Yahweh. This sets up a dramatic confrontation between human hubris and God's ultimate control.
  • The Impotence of Idols: The core of Sennacherib's argument is that the "gods of the nations" were powerless against his might. He intends to lump the God of Judah into this category of vanquished deities, implying that Yahweh is no different from the false gods of other defeated lands. This highlights the stark contrast between the lifeless idols worshipped by pagan nations and the living, omnipotent God of Israel.
  • Blasphemy and Challenge to God: By equating Yahweh with the defeated gods, Sennacherib directly challenges God's unique power and faithfulness to His people. This verbal assault is not just against Judah but against God Himself, setting the stage for divine intervention.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Know ye not" (KJV) functions as a rhetorical question, designed not to elicit information but to assert a supposed self-evident truth and to shame the listeners into submission. It's a condescending challenge, implying foolishness on the part of those who would dare to resist him or trust in a God he believes to be no more powerful than any other. The "gods of the nations" refers to the numerous pagan deities worshipped by the various peoples conquered by the Assyrian Empire, emphasizing the polytheistic worldview that contrasted sharply with Israel's monotheism.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that throughout history, human power and earthly kingdoms have often challenged the authority and existence of God. However, the narrative surrounding this event (culminating in God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem) demonstrates that no human force can ultimately stand against the Almighty. It encourages believers to place their trust in God, even when faced with overwhelming threats or seemingly insurmountable odds, knowing that His power far surpasses any earthly boast or military might. It also reinforces the truth that the God of the Bible is distinct from and infinitely superior to any human-made idol or philosophy.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 18:33

    Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?

  • 2 Kings 18:35

    Who [are] they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?

  • Jeremiah 10:16

    The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

  • Psalms 115:3

    But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

  • Psalms 115:8

    They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

  • Isaiah 37:18

    Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries,

  • Isaiah 37:20

    Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD, [even] thou only.
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