2 Chronicles 32:21

And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

And the LORD {H3068} sent {H7971} an angel {H4397}, which cut off {H3582} all the mighty men {H1368} of valour {H2428}, and the leaders {H5057} and captains {H8269} in the camp {H4264} of the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}. So he returned {H7725} with shame {H1322} of face {H6440} to his own land {H776}. And when he was come {H935} into the house {H1004} of his god {H430}, they that came forth {H3329} of his own bowels {H4578} slew {H5307} him there with the sword {H2719}.

Then ADONAI sent an angel, who cut down the valiant warriors, the leaders and the officers in the king of Ashur's camp, so that he had to return shamefaced to his own country. When he entered the house of his god, his own sons, whom he himself had fathered, put him to death with the sword there.

and the LORD sent an angel who annihilated every mighty man of valor and every leader and commander in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons struck him down with the sword.

And Jehovah sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains, in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth from his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 32:21 vividly recounts the dramatic and miraculous downfall of the Assyrian King Sennacherib and his formidable army, who had besieged Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. This verse serves as the climax of God's powerful intervention on behalf of His faithful servant and His covenant people.

Context

This verse is the culmination of a tense period in Judah's history. King Hezekiah had undertaken significant religious reforms, seeking to restore the worship of the LORD. However, his efforts were met with the massive invasion by the Assyrian Empire, led by King Sennacherib, who had already conquered many nations and captured fortified cities in Judah. Sennacherib's arrogance escalated into direct blasphemy against the God of Israel, claiming He was no different from the gods of other nations whom Assyria had easily subdued. In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah cried out to God in prayer, trusting in His divine power rather than military might or political alliances. This verse details God's swift and decisive answer to their prayers, paralleled in 2 Kings 19:35-37 and Isaiah 37:36-38.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention and Deliverance: The most striking theme is God's direct and miraculous intervention. A single angel, sent by the LORD, decimated the Assyrian army, demonstrating God's supreme power over all earthly forces. This act underscores His commitment to defend His people when they trust in Him.
  • God's Sovereignty over Nations: Despite Assyria being the dominant superpower of its time, God effortlessly brought about its humiliation and the death of its king. This event unequivocally declares that no earthly kingdom or ruler can stand against the Almighty God.
  • Consequences of Arrogance and Blasphemy: Sennacherib's pride and mockery of the living God led directly to his downfall. His "shame of face" upon returning home and his eventual assassination by his own sons illustrate the severe consequences of defying the Lord.
  • Faithfulness Rewarded: Hezekiah's unwavering faith and prayer in the face of overwhelming odds were honored by God, proving that trusting in the Lord is the ultimate security.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shame of face" (Hebrew: boshet panim) emphasizes the profound humiliation and disgrace Sennacherib experienced. It was not merely a defeat but a public and personal disgrace for a king who boasted of invincibility. Furthermore, "they that came forth of his own bowels" is a vivid Hebrew idiom referring to his own sons, highlighting the tragic and ironic nature of his death at the hands of his own offspring within the very temple of his false god, Nisroch.

Practical Application

This powerful narrative offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Deliverance: When facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, whether personal struggles or global crises, this verse reminds us that God is able to deliver in ways beyond our comprehension. Our role is to pray and trust, as Hezekiah did.
  • God Defends His Honor: The story serves as a sober warning against arrogance, especially against God or His people. God will not be mocked, and ultimately, His justice prevails.
  • The Futility of False Idols: Sennacherib's death in the house of his god underscores the impotence of idols and the ultimate triumph of the one true God over all false deities.
  • Hope in Adversity: For those who put their faith in the Lord, this account is a source of immense hope, demonstrating that God is a shield and protector who actively intervenes on behalf of those who are His.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 76:5 (3 votes)

    The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.

  • Isaiah 37:36 (3 votes)

    Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

  • Isaiah 37:38 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

  • Job 9:4 (2 votes)

    [He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?

  • Isaiah 10:33 (2 votes)

    Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature [shall be] hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.

  • Isaiah 10:34 (2 votes)

    And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.

  • Proverbs 11:2 (2 votes)

    ¶ [When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom.