2 Chronicles 32:18

Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that [were] on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.

Then they cried {H7121} with a loud {H1419} voice {H6963} in the Jews' speech {H3066} unto the people {H5971} of Jerusalem {H3389} that were on the wall {H2346}, to affright {H3372} them, and to trouble {H926} them; that they might take {H3920} the city {H5892}.

They were shouting loudly in the language of the Judeans to the people of Yerushalayim who were on the wall in order to terrify them and make them fearful, so that they could capture the city.

Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city.

And they cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ language unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:18 describes a critical moment during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, where the enemy employed psychological tactics against the city's defenders.

Context

This verse is set during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, when the powerful Assyrian Empire, led by King Sennacherib, invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem. After conquering many other fortified cities, Sennacherib's officials, particularly the Rabshakeh, were sent to intimidate the people of Jerusalem. Earlier in the chapter, Hezekiah had taken measures to fortify the city and, more importantly, encouraged his people to trust in the Lord, reminding them that "with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles" (2 Chronicles 32:8). Verse 18 details the Assyrians' specific attempt to undermine this faith and resolve.

Key Themes

  • Psychological Warfare: The primary intent of the Assyrians was not just military force, but to break the spirit of the defenders. By shouting in their native tongue, they sought to sow fear and panic, making the people doubt their king and their God. This strategy aimed to achieve victory without a costly direct assault.
  • The Power of Words: The Assyrians understood that words, especially threats delivered directly and clearly, could be as potent as weapons. Their loud cries in the "Jews' speech" (Hebrew) were designed to be understood by everyone on the wall, maximizing their terrifying effect.
  • Trust Versus Fear: This verse highlights the ongoing spiritual battle within the besieged city. The Assyrians tried to instill fear and despair, directly challenging the trust Hezekiah had urged the people to place in God. The ultimate outcome of the siege, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 32:21, demonstrates the triumph of faith over intimidation.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "in the Jews' speech" refers to the Hebrew language. This detail is significant because it shows the Assyrians' deliberate strategy: they wanted their threats to be understood directly by the common people, bypassing any potential translation or softening by Hezekiah's officials. It was a direct appeal to the fears of the populace, designed to create internal division and weaken their resolve.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 32:18 offers a timeless lesson about facing intimidation. In life, we often encounter "loud voices" that seek to "affright" and "trouble" us – whether they are the voices of doubt, fear, criticism, or overwhelming circumstances. Like the people of Jerusalem, we are called to discern these voices and, rather than succumbing to panic, to remember where our true strength and help come from. This verse encourages us to stand firm in faith, trusting in God's protection and provision, even when the enemy's tactics are designed to demoralize and defeat us. Just as Hezekiah reminded his people, our confidence should be in the Lord who fights our battles, not in our own strength or the absence of threats.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Samuel 17:10

    And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

  • Nehemiah 6:9

    For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands.

  • Isaiah 36:13

    Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.

  • 2 Kings 18:26

    Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand [it]: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that [are] on the wall.

  • 2 Kings 18:28

    Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spake, saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria:

  • 1 Samuel 17:26

    And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who [is] this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

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