2 Chronicles 32:15

KJV

Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore let not {H3808} Hezekiah {H2396} deceive {H5377} you, nor persuade {H5496} you on this manner, neither yet believe {H539} him: for no god {H433} of any nation {H1471} or kingdom {H4467} was able {H3201} to deliver {H5337} his people {H5971} out of mine hand {H3027}, and out of the hand {H3027} of my fathers {H1}: how much less shall your God {H430} deliver {H5337} you out of mine hand {H3027}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't let Hizkiyahu mislead you or delude you this way, don't believe him. For no god of any nation or kingdom has ever been able to rescue his people from me or my ancestors; how much less will your God rescue you from me!'"

Berean Standard Bible

So now, do not let Hezekiah deceive you, and do not let him mislead you like this. Do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or from the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you from my hand!”

American Standard Version

Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you after this manner, neither believe ye him; for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of my hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of my hand?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Chronicles 32:15, Sennacherib, the arrogant king of Assyria, delivers a chilling message to the people of Jerusalem during his siege, attempting to dismantle their faith and loyalty to King Hezekiah. He dismisses Hezekiah's encouragement as deceptive and asserts that just as no god of any other conquered nation could deliver its people from the Assyrian might, so too would Judah's God be powerless to rescue them from his overwhelming hand. This verse captures the essence of Sennacherib's psychological warfare, aiming to instill fear and despair by equating the unique, sovereign God of Israel with the impotent idols of the pagan world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a direct challenge issued by Sennacherib, King of Assyria, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 32:9-19. It immediately follows King Hezekiah's efforts to fortify the city and rally his people, assuring them of God's presence and power for deliverance (2 Chronicles 32:1-8). Sennacherib's message, delivered through his officials, is a calculated attempt to undermine Hezekiah's leadership and the people's trust in God, aiming to secure a surrender without further bloodshed. The speech escalates in its blasphemy, culminating in this verse's direct assault on the character and power of YHWH. The narrative then shifts to the faithful response of Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, leading to God's dramatic intervention and the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army (2 Chronicles 32:20-23).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in 2 Chronicles 32 occurred in 701 BCE, during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah and Sennacherib of Assyria. The Assyrian Empire was at the zenith of its power, renowned for its brutal military campaigns, efficient siege warfare, and policy of deporting conquered peoples to prevent rebellion. Sennacherib had already devastated much of Judah, capturing fortified cities and laying siege to Jerusalem. In the ancient Near East, military victory was often interpreted as proof of the conquering nation's gods being superior to the defeated nation's gods. Sennacherib's boast was rooted in this worldview, leveraging his past successes against other nations and their deities to intimidate Jerusalem. His strategy was not just military but also psychological, seeking to break the will of the people by convincing them that their God, like the gods of other nations, was no match for Assyrian might.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **arrogance of human power** when it stands in opposition to divine sovereignty, as Sennacherib attributes all his victories solely to himself and his ancestors, completely disregarding God's providential hand in history. Secondly, it underscores the **uniqueness and incomparable nature of YHWH** compared to the impotent idols of the nations. Sennacherib's attempt to equate the God of Israel with pagan deities sets the stage for a dramatic demonstration of YHWH's absolute power and distinction, as seen in His miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem in [2 Chronicles 32:21](/2_chronicles/32-21 "2 Chronicles 32:21 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem"). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies the constant spiritual battle between **faith and fear**. Sennacherib's speech is designed to sow doubt and panic, challenging the people to abandon their trust in God. Hezekiah's steadfast faith, as described in [2 Chronicles 32:7-8](/2_chronicles/32-7 "2 Chronicles 32:7-8 - Hezekiah's Encouragement"), stands in stark contrast to the fear Sennacherib attempts to instill. Ultimately, the narrative demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His power to deliver them from seemingly insurmountable odds, reinforcing the theme of **divine deliverance** against all human boasts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deceive (Hebrew, _nāšā'_):** This verb means "to lead astray," "to beguile," or "to delude." Sennacherib uses it to accuse Hezekiah of intentionally misleading the people of Jerusalem, implying that Hezekiah's promises of God's deliverance are false and designed to trick them into futile resistance. The charge is a direct attack on Hezekiah's integrity and leadership, aiming to erode the people's trust in their king.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yad_):** Appearing three times in this single verse, the word "hand" is used idiomatically to signify power, control, authority, and possession. Sennacherib's repeated assertion that no god could deliver people "out of mine hand" emphasizes his perceived absolute dominion and irresistible might. It paints a picture of complete subjugation, where the conquered are entirely at his mercy, with no hope of escape from his grasp.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _naṣal_):** This verb means "to rescue," "to snatch away," or "to set free." It is the central challenge Sennacherib poses to YHWH. He claims that no deity has been able to perform this act of liberation against his power, setting up the ultimate test of YHWH's ability to "deliver" His people from the Assyrian threat. The word highlights the critical nature of the conflict: whether God is truly able to save His people from the most formidable earthly power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him:"** Sennacherib initiates his psychological assault by directly targeting King Hezekiah's credibility. He warns the people against Hezekiah's message of hope and divine protection, framing it as a deliberate deception. This threefold injunction—"deceive," "persuade," "believe"—aims to completely discredit Hezekiah in the eyes of his subjects, severing the bond of trust between king and people and leaving them vulnerable to despair.
* **"for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers:"** This clause forms the empirical basis of Sennacherib's argument. He appeals to his (and his predecessors') undisputed military successes, particularly their conquests of numerous nations and their respective deities. In the ancient Near Eastern worldview, the defeat of a nation implied the defeat or inferiority of its gods. Sennacherib boasts that no god, regardless of nation or kingdom, has ever proven capable of rescuing its people from Assyrian might, thus presenting a history of irresistible power as proof of his gods' (and by extension, his own) supremacy.
* **"how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?"** This rhetorical question is the devastating climax of Sennacherib's speech. It is designed not to elicit an answer, but to force a conclusion of utter hopelessness and despair upon the people of Jerusalem. Based on his flawed premise—that YHWH is merely another local deity comparable to the impotent idols he has already vanquished—he concludes that YHWH is even less likely to succeed where other gods have failed. This statement is a direct blasphemy against the unique and sovereign God of Israel, intended to break the morale of the besieged city and compel their surrender.

#### Literary Devices
Sennacherib's speech in 2 Chronicles 32:15 is rich with rhetorical and literary devices designed to intimidate and demoralize. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer but to instill a specific, despairing conclusion in the minds of the listeners, implying the futility of resistance. There is significant **Irony** in Sennacherib's boast; while he intends to diminish YHWH by comparing Him to pagan idols, his statement inadvertently highlights the very impotence of those idols, setting the stage for YHWH's dramatic demonstration of unique power. The speech also employs **Hyperbole** and **Boasting**, as Sennacherib exaggerates his own power and that of his ancestors, presenting their conquests as absolute and irresistible. Furthermore, Sennacherib engages in an **Ad Hominem** attack against King Hezekiah, attempting to discredit the king's message by portraying him as a deceiver, rather than addressing the truth of Hezekiah's faith. Finally, the entire argument rests on a **False Analogy**, equating the one true God, YHWH, with the manufactured, powerless deities of other nations, demonstrating Sennacherib's profound spiritual ignorance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Sennacherib's blasphemous challenge in 2 Chronicles 32:15 serves as a profound theological test, highlighting the stark contrast between human arrogance and divine sovereignty. His assertion that YHWH is no different from the vanquished gods of other nations directly confronts the biblical revelation of God's uniqueness and omnipotence. The narrative immediately following this verse demonstrates that God is not merely a tribal deity, but the Creator and Sustainer of all things, whose power transcends all earthly kingdoms and their false gods. This encounter underscores the critical theological truth that YHWH alone is God, incomparable in His power to deliver and His faithfulness to His covenant people. It is a powerful reminder that worldly power, no matter how formidable, is ultimately subject to the will of the Almighty.

* [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The Lord is God; there is no other")
* [Psalm 115:3-8](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3-8 - Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases")
* [Isaiah 45:5-6](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5-6 - I am the Lord, and there is no other")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Sennacherib's boastful challenge to God's power in 2 Chronicles 32:15 resonates deeply with the spiritual battles believers face today. Just as the Assyrian king sought to instill fear and doubt in the hearts of Jerusalem's inhabitants, so too does the world, and indeed the enemy of our souls, often present overwhelming challenges and voices that question God's ability or willingness to deliver us from difficult circumstances. Whether it's a seemingly insurmountable financial crisis, a devastating health diagnosis, relational breakdown, or widespread societal anxieties, these "Sennacheribs" of our age can whisper lies, suggesting that our God is powerless against the "hand" of our problems. This verse calls us to remember that such boasts, when made against the Almighty God, are ultimately hollow. The subsequent miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 32:21](/2_chronicles/32-21 "2 Chronicles 32:21 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes Down the Assyrians"), serves as an eternal testament to God's unique power to save. When faced with seemingly insurmountable odds or voices that question God's sovereignty, we are called to emulate Hezekiah's response: to turn to God in prayer, to trust in His unique ability to deliver, and to refuse to be deceived by the boasts of this world or the enemy. Our faith is not in a god among gods, but in the one true God who is above all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Sennacheribs" or voices of doubt are challenging your faith in God's power to deliver in your current circumstances?**
* **How does Sennacherib's flawed logic (equating YHWH with pagan gods) mirror common misconceptions about God in today's world?**
* **In what practical ways can you "not believe" the deceptive messages that seek to undermine your trust in God?**
* **What specific promises of God can you cling to when faced with seemingly overwhelming odds, like the people of Jerusalem?**

### FAQ

**Who was Sennacherib, and what was his significance in this narrative?**

Answer: Sennacherib was the powerful king of Assyria (reigned 705-681 BCE), one of the most dominant empires of the ancient Near East. He is significant in this narrative as the primary antagonist, representing the epitome of human arrogance and military might challenging the sovereignty of God. His campaign against Judah, including the siege of Jerusalem in 701 BCE, is a pivotal event in biblical history, serving as a dramatic backdrop for demonstrating God's unique power and faithfulness to His people, as recorded in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion") and [Isaiah 36-37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-37 - Isaiah's Prophecy Against Assyria"). His boast in 2 Chronicles 32:15 is a direct blasphemy against YHWH, setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention.

**Why did Sennacherib compare the God of Israel to the gods of other nations?**

Answer: Sennacherib's comparison stemmed from the polytheistic worldview prevalent in the ancient Near East. In this context, military victories were often attributed to the superior power of a nation's gods over the gods of the defeated. Having conquered numerous nations and their deities, Sennacherib genuinely believed that YHWH was just another tribal god, no different from the impotent idols he had already overcome. His comparison was intended to demoralize the people of Jerusalem by suggesting that their God was equally powerless against the might of the Assyrian empire, thus undermining their faith and encouraging their surrender. He failed to grasp the unique nature of YHWH as the one true, sovereign God over all creation, not merely a local deity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Sennacherib's boastful challenge in 2 Chronicles 32:15, asserting his absolute power and the inability of any god to deliver from his "hand," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Sennacherib, the mighty earthly king, is a type of the worldly powers and spiritual forces that stand opposed to God and His people throughout history. His claim of irresistible dominion is ultimately shattered by God's miraculous intervention, foreshadowing the definitive victory achieved by Christ. In the New Testament, we see Jesus confronting the ultimate "hands" of oppression: sin, death, and the power of the devil. Unlike the pagan gods who were indeed powerless against Sennacherib, Jesus, the true God incarnate, entered the human condition and, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, decisively "delivered" humanity from the hand of darkness. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities") declares that Christ disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross. The "hand" of God's power is not seen in military conquest, but in the outstretched hands of Christ on the cross, accomplishing salvation. The rhetorical question, "how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?" is inverted by the Gospel: how much *more* has God delivered us through the mighty hand of His Son, Jesus, who has overcome the world and secured eternal victory for all who believe, ensuring that nothing can separate us from [the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord](/romans/8-39 "Romans 8:39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love").

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

Daniel 3:15

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

Exodus 5:2

And Pharaoh said, Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

Isaiah 36:18

[Beware] lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?

John 19:10

Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

John 19:11

Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

1 Kings 22:22

And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade [him], and prevail also: go forth, and do so.

2 Kings 19:10

Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.