2 Chronicles 32:20

KJV

And for this [cause] Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for this cause Hezekiah {H3169} the king {H4428}, and the prophet {H5030} Isaiah {H3470} the son {H1121} of Amoz {H531}, prayed {H6419} and cried {H2199} to heaven {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because of this, Hizkiyahu the king and Yesha'yahu the prophet, the son of Amotz, prayed and cried out to heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out to heaven in prayer,

American Standard Version

And Hezekiah the king, and Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, prayed because of this, and cried to heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 32:20 records a critical moment of national peril for Judah, where King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, faced with the overwhelming Assyrian threat and Sennacherib's blasphemous taunts, united in fervent, desperate prayer to God. This verse encapsulates their profound reliance on divine intervention rather than military might, setting the stage for God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a dramatic narrative detailing Sennacherib's invasion of Judah. Chapters 32:1-8 describe Hezekiah's preparations for defense, while 32:9-19 vividly portray Sennacherib's psychological warfare, including his envoys' public mockery of Judah's God and their attempts to undermine the people's faith. The Assyrian king's blasphemy, particularly in [2 Chronicles 32:19](/2_chronicles/32-19 "2 Chronicles 32:19 - Sennacherib's Blasphemy"), directly precedes and precipitates the desperate prayer of Hezekiah and Isaiah. This prayer is pivotal, immediately followed by God's miraculous intervention in [2 Chronicles 32:21](/2_chronicles/32-21 "2 Chronicles 32:21 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem"), where the angel of the Lord annihilates the Assyrian army. The Chronicler emphasizes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between their earnest supplication and God's powerful response, highlighting divine sovereignty over human arrogance. Parallel accounts are found in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Hezekiah's Prayer and Deliverance") and [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - The Assyrian Invasion and God's Deliverance").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a formidable military power known for its brutal conquest tactics and psychological warfare. Sennacherib's campaign against Judah in 701 BCE was part of Assyria's broader strategy to consolidate control over the Levant. Jerusalem, though fortified by Hezekiah, was a relatively small city-state against an empire that had already crushed numerous nations, including the northern kingdom of Israel. Culturally, the Assyrians often attributed their victories to their gods, and Sennacherib's taunts were designed to demoralize Judah by asserting the impotence of Yahweh compared to the Assyrian deities. For Hezekiah, a king renowned for his religious reforms and efforts to centralize worship of Yahweh, this crisis was not merely military but theological. His turning to Isaiah, God's prophet, for counsel and prayer was a testament to his piety and understanding of divine authority, a stark contrast to many previous kings of Judah who relied on political alliances or idolatry.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Prayer in Crisis**, demonstrating that in the face of overwhelming human power and seemingly insurmountable odds, the ultimate recourse for God's people is fervent prayer to Him. Hezekiah and Isaiah's actions exemplify a profound reliance on divine power over military might, a concept echoed throughout scripture (e.g., [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in the Lord")). Secondly, the **Sovereignty of God** is a dominant theme. Despite Sennacherib's boasts and the vastness of his empire, the narrative ultimately reveals God's absolute control over all nations and rulers, a truth consistently affirmed in the prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God Brings Princes to Nothing")). Thirdly, the **Importance of Righteous Leadership** is highlighted, as Hezekiah, a king who "did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God" ([2 Chronicles 31:20](/2_chronicles/31-20 "2 Chronicles 31:20 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign")), unites with God's prophet, Isaiah, to seek divine intervention. Their combined spiritual authority and shared faith model the kind of leadership God blesses, emphasizing that true national security lies in devotion to the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prayed (Hebrew, _vayitpallelū'_):** This verb comes from the root _palal_ (פָּלַל), meaning "to pray, intercede, mediate." It implies a deliberate, intentional act of addressing God, often with a sense of self-judgment or self-evaluation before the divine presence. In this context, it signifies a formal, earnest appeal, a turning to God as the ultimate judge and deliverer, acknowledging His authority and seeking His intervention. The Hithpael stem (reflexive/reciprocal) suggests a deep, personal engagement in the act of prayer.
* **cried (Hebrew, _vayyiz‘aqū'_):** Derived from the root _za'aq_ (זָעַק), this word means "to cry out, call for help, scream." Unlike _palal_, which can be a quiet, contemplative prayer, _za'aq_ denotes a loud, urgent, and often distressed appeal, indicative of extreme desperation and immediate need. It conveys a sense of alarm and an urgent plea for rescue from a dire situation. The combination with _palal_ emphasizes that their prayer was not merely formal but deeply heartfelt, intense, and born out of profound anguish and urgency.
* **heaven (Hebrew, _shamayim'_):** While literally referring to the sky, in biblical theology, "heaven" (שָׁמַיִם) frequently serves as a metonymy for God Himself, or for God's dwelling place, from which He exercises His divine power and sovereignty. To "cry to heaven" is to appeal directly to the ultimate divine authority, acknowledging that only God, who resides in the heavens, possesses the power to intervene in such an insurmountable earthly crisis. It signifies a direct, unmediated appeal to the transcendent God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for this [cause] Hezekiah the king":** The phrase "for this cause" directly links their prayer to the preceding narrative, specifically Sennacherib's blasphemous taunts and the existential threat to Jerusalem. Hezekiah, as "the king," bore the ultimate responsibility for the nation's well-being and spiritual integrity. His role here is not just as a political leader but as the spiritual head of Judah, demonstrating his personal piety and his understanding that national deliverance depended on divine favor.
* **"and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz":** The inclusion of Isaiah, God's appointed prophet, highlights the unity of spiritual and political authority in seeking God's face. Isaiah was God's mouthpiece, providing divine counsel and assurance throughout the crisis. Their joint prayer signifies a collective, authoritative appeal to God, demonstrating that both the throne and the prophetic office were aligned in their absolute reliance on the Lord.
* **"prayed and cried to heaven":** This clause encapsulates the intensity and nature of their supplication. The dual verbs "prayed" (_palal_) and "cried" (_za'aq_) convey both a deliberate, intercessory appeal and a desperate, urgent cry for help. Their prayer was directed "to heaven," signifying that their appeal was made directly to God, the sovereign ruler of the universe, acknowledging that only He possessed the power to deliver them from the seemingly insurmountable Assyrian threat.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the stark contrast between the immense, blasphemous power of Sennacherib's Assyrian army and the humble, desperate prayer of two men, a king and a prophet, turning to an unseen God. This highlights the theological point that God's power far surpasses any earthly might. The use of two verbs, "prayed" and "cried," constitutes **Synonymous Parallelism**, intensifying the description of their supplication. It emphasizes the earnestness, urgency, and depth of their appeal, suggesting it was not a casual request but a fervent, heart-wrenching plea. Furthermore, "heaven" serves as a **Metonymy** for God Himself, or for God's divine throne and authority. By crying "to heaven," Hezekiah and Isaiah are appealing directly to the ultimate divine power, underscoring God's transcendence and His capacity to intervene from His celestial dwelling. This also sets up the **Dramatic Irony** of the subsequent verses, where the reader knows God will miraculously intervene, while Sennacherib remains oblivious to the true power to which Hezekiah and Isaiah appeal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that genuine reliance on God in times of extreme crisis is met with divine intervention. It underscores that human wisdom, military might, or political maneuvering are ultimately insufficient when faced with overwhelming odds. Instead, the united, fervent prayer of righteous leaders, acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His deliverance, is the true pathway to salvation. The narrative emphasizes that God is not a distant deity but one who hears the desperate cries of His people and acts decisively on their behalf, often in miraculous ways that defy human explanation. This event serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His unwavering commitment to defend His people and His own honor against those who defy Him.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Power of Righteous Prayer")
* [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon Me in the Day of Trouble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 32:20 offers a timeless blueprint for navigating overwhelming challenges, both personal and communal. In a world often characterized by anxiety, fear, and a tendency to rely on human solutions, Hezekiah and Isaiah's example calls believers to a radical dependence on God. When faced with situations that seem insurmountable—whether personal crises, national dilemmas, or spiritual attacks—our first and most potent response should be fervent, united prayer. This passage reminds us that God is not limited by our circumstances or the power of our adversaries. It encourages us to humble ourselves, confess our helplessness, and "cry to heaven" with absolute trust in His power and faithfulness. The combined prayer of the king and prophet also highlights the importance of corporate prayer and the power of spiritual leaders uniting in supplication, demonstrating that there is strength and divine favor in collective intercession. It challenges us to cultivate a life of prayer, recognizing it not as a last resort, but as our primary and most effective weapon in the spiritual battle.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What seemingly insurmountable challenges are you facing today that require a "crying out to heaven" kind of prayer?**
* **How does the unity of Hezekiah and Isaiah in prayer inspire your approach to corporate prayer within your community or church?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on human strategies or resources instead of turning to God in desperate prayer during a crisis?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's character and His willingness to intervene on behalf of His people?**

### FAQ
**Why did both King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah pray together?**

Answer: The joint prayer of King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah underscores the critical importance of both political and spiritual leadership uniting in a time of national crisis. Hezekiah, as king, was the temporal head of Judah, responsible for its defense and well-being. Isaiah, as God's prophet, was the divine messenger, providing spiritual guidance and speaking God's word. Their combined prayer demonstrated a complete reliance on God from all levels of authority. It showed that the king, despite his military preparations, understood that true deliverance came from the Lord, and that the prophet, God's representative, was aligned with the king in seeking divine intervention. This unity presented a powerful, unified front of faith before God, emphasizing that the entire nation, through its leaders, was turning to the Lord for salvation from Sennacherib's blasphemous threats and overwhelming military power, as described in [2 Chronicles 32:19](/2_chronicles/32-19 "2 Chronicles 32:19 - Sennacherib's Blasphemy").

**What was the "cause" for their desperate prayer, and what was the outcome?**

Answer: The "cause" for their desperate prayer was the dire national emergency brought about by the Assyrian King Sennacherib's invasion and siege of Jerusalem. Specifically, it was triggered by Sennacherib's blasphemous taunts and letters, where he mocked Judah's God, Yahweh, claiming that the Lord was no more capable of delivering Jerusalem than the gods of other conquered nations had been able to save their people ([2 Chronicles 32:10-19](/2_chronicles/32-10 "2 Chronicles 32:10-19 - Sennacherib's Taunts")). This was not merely a military threat but a direct assault on the honor and sovereignty of God. Faced with this existential and spiritual crisis, Hezekiah and Isaiah "prayed and cried to heaven." The outcome was nothing short of miraculous: God heard their prayer. In [2 Chronicles 32:21](/2_chronicles/32-21 "2 Chronicles 32:21 - God's Miraculous Intervention"), an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, forcing Sennacherib to retreat in shame. This divine intervention saved Jerusalem and vindicated God's name, demonstrating His absolute power over all earthly rulers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 32:20, with its depiction of King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah crying out to heaven in a moment of national existential threat, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's intercession for his people foreshadows Christ, the ultimate and eternal Intercessor, who continually pleads on behalf of His church before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Eternal Intercessor")). Just as Hezekiah and Isaiah cried out in desperation, Jesus Himself, in His earthly ministry, "offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears" ([Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Prayers and Obedience")), most profoundly in the Garden of Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")) and on the cross, crying out to His Father. The deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib's overwhelming power points to Christ's victory over the far greater enemies of sin, death, and the devil. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has secured eternal deliverance for all who believe, providing a salvation infinitely more profound and lasting than any earthly rescue. In Christ, believers are empowered to "cry to heaven" with confidence, knowing that their prayers are heard and answered through His name and by His Spirit ([John 14:13-14](/john/14-13 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name")), and that He, our great High Priest, ever lives to make intercession for us ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")).

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

Psalms 91:14

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Psalms 91:15

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

2 Kings 19:2

And he sent Eliakim, which [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

2 Kings 19:4

It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up [thy] prayer for the remnant that are left.

2 Chronicles 14:11

And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, [it is] nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou [art] our God; let not man prevail against thee.

2 Kings 19:14

And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.

2 Kings 19:19

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