2 Chronicles 32:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 32:21 powerfully narrates the miraculous and devastating defeat of the formidable Assyrian King Sennacherib and his army, who had besieged Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. This verse stands as the dramatic climax of God's direct and sovereign intervention, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to defend His faithful servant and His covenant people against overwhelming odds and blatant blasphemy, culminating in the humiliated return and ironic assassination of the arrogant king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic resolution to the narrative of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah, which begins earlier in the chapter with his capture of fortified cities and his subsequent siege of Jerusalem (`/2_chronicles/32-1-8` "2 Chronicles 32:1-8 - Sennacherib's Invasion"). The immediate preceding verses detail Sennacherib's escalating arrogance and direct blasphemy against the Lord, attempting to demoralize the people of Jerusalem and undermine their trust in God (`/2_chronicles/32-9-19` "2 Chronicles 32:9-19 - Sennacherib's Blasphemous Taunts"). In response to this existential threat and spiritual assault, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah united in fervent prayer, crying out to heaven for deliverance (`/2_chronicles/32-20` "2 Chronicles 32:20 - Hezekiah and Isaiah's Prayer"). Thus, 2 Chronicles 32:21 is not merely a historical report but the divinely orchestrated answer to their desperate plea, showcasing God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and the nations. The narrative then shifts to Hezekiah's subsequent prosperity and a brief account of his pride and repentance (`/2_chronicles/32-22-26` "2 Chronicles 32:22-26 - Hezekiah's Prosperity and Humility").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 32:21 are set against the backdrop of the late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was the preeminent military and political power of the ancient Near East. King Sennacherib (705-681 BCE) was one of Assyria's most formidable rulers, known for his brutal campaigns and the systematic destruction of conquered nations. His invasion of Judah in 701 BCE is well-documented in both biblical and Assyrian sources, including Sennacherib's own annals, which boast of trapping Hezekiah "like a bird in a cage" in Jerusalem, though notably omitting any claim of capturing the city. Culturally, the act of a king returning "with shame of face" was the ultimate disgrace, signifying a catastrophic failure of honor and power. The assassination of a king by his own sons, particularly within the sanctity of a temple, was a rare but documented phenomenon, often linked to succession disputes or divine judgment, and in this case, it underscores the impotence of Sennacherib's pagan deity, Nisroch, to protect him.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme highlighted in 2 Chronicles 32:21 is **Divine Intervention and Deliverance**, demonstrating God's absolute power to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable threats. The miraculous decimation of the Assyrian army by a single angel underscores God's sovereignty over all earthly powers and His commitment to defend His honor and His covenant. This event also powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Arrogance and Blasphemy**, as Sennacherib's defiant mockery of the living God (as seen in [2 Chronicles 32:19](/2_chronicles/32-19 "2 Chronicles 32:19 - Sennacherib's Blasphemy")) directly led to his humiliating defeat and ultimate demise. Furthermore, the narrative showcases the **Futility of Idolatry**, as Sennacherib's death in the temple of his god, Nisroch, starkly contrasts with the Lord's active defense of Jerusalem, highlighting the impotence of false deities. Finally, the account affirms that **Faithfulness is Rewarded**, as Hezekiah's unwavering trust and prayer in the face of overwhelming odds (as depicted in [2 Chronicles 32:20](/2_chronicles/32-20 "2 Chronicles 32:20 - Hezekiah and Isaiah's Prayer")) were honored by God, proving that true security lies in reliance upon the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher). In this context, it unequivocally denotes a celestial being, a direct emissary of God, highlighting that the destruction of the Assyrian army was not a natural disaster or human feat but a supernatural act of divine judgment. The singular "angel" emphasizes the immense power concentrated in a single divine agent, rendering the vast Assyrian army utterly helpless.
* **Shame (Hebrew, _bôsheth'_):** From בּוּשׁ; shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol; ashamed, confusion, greatly, (put to) shame(-ful thing). This vivid idiom, "shame of face," describes profound humiliation, disgrace, and public dishonor. For an ancient Near Eastern king, who derived legitimacy and authority from his military prowess and divine favor, returning home in such a state was the ultimate degradation. It signifies not just a military defeat but a complete loss of prestige and a public acknowledgment of his utter failure, a stark contrast to his earlier boasts.
* **Bowels (Hebrew, _mêʻeh'_):** From an unused root probably meaning to be soft; used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uterus (or of men, the seat of generation), the heart (figuratively). This is a graphic Hebrew idiom referring to one's own offspring or sons, often conveying a deep, visceral connection (hence "bowels" or "heart"). The detail emphasizes the deeply personal and ironic nature of Sennacherib's assassination. That his own flesh and blood would be the instruments of his death, particularly within the supposed sanctuary of his god's temple, underscores the complete unraveling of his power and the divine retribution against him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD sent an angel":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine agency behind the miraculous event. It is not Hezekiah's military strategy, Judah's strength, or a random occurrence, but a direct, intentional act of God. The singular "angel" emphasizes the overwhelming power of God, capable of achieving total victory through a single emissary.
* **"which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria":** This phrase details the target and scope of the divine judgment. The angel specifically targeted the elite, the "mighty men of valour," and the "leaders and captains," effectively decapitating the Assyrian military command structure and rendering the entire army impotent. The phrase "cut off all" indicates a comprehensive and devastating blow that incapacitated the formidable invading force.
* **"So he returned with shame of face to his own land":** This clause describes the immediate consequence for Sennacherib. His retreat was not a strategic withdrawal but a humiliating flight marked by profound disgrace. This "shame of face" stands in stark contrast to his earlier arrogance and boasts, highlighting the reversal of fortune orchestrated by God.
* **"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":** This final clause describes Sennacherib's ultimate demise, which occurred in his own land and, significantly, within the temple of his false god, Nisroch. The irony is palpable: the king who mocked the living God found no protection from his own deity, and the instruments of his death were his own sons. This detail underscores the futility of idolatry and the sovereign justice of the Lord, who ensures that even the most powerful earthly rulers are accountable to Him.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Chronicles 32:21 is rich with **Irony**. Sennacherib, the seemingly invincible king who boasted of his conquests and blasphemed the living God, is brought low not by a mighty army but by a single, unseen divine agent. His grand return is replaced by a retreat "with shame of face," and his ultimate end comes not on the battlefield but in the supposed sanctuary of his own god, at the hands of his own sons. This profound irony underscores the futility of human arrogance when confronted with divine power. The text also employs **Contrast**, setting the overwhelming might of the Assyrian Empire against the singular power of God's angel, and the boasting of Sennacherib against his eventual humiliation and ignominious death. This contrast highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. Furthermore, the description of the angel "cut off all the mighty men of valour" uses a form of **Hyperbole** or **Totalizing Language** to emphasize the completeness and miraculous nature of the destruction, ensuring the reader understands the overwhelming scale of God's intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dramatic events of 2 Chronicles 32:21 serve as a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty, His active intervention in human history, and His fierce commitment to defending His people and His own honor. This passage reveals a God who is not distant or passive but intimately involved in the affairs of His creation, capable of dismantling the most formidable human empires with effortless ease. It underscores the profound truth that true power resides not in military might, political prowess, or human arrogance, but solely in the Almighty Lord. The humiliation and death of Sennacherib, particularly at the hands of his own sons within the temple of his false god, vividly illustrates the consequences of defying the living God and the ultimate impotence of all idols and human systems when confronted with divine justice. This narrative assures believers that God remains a faithful deliverer, a protector of His covenant, and a righteous judge who will not tolerate blasphemy against His name.

* [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the LORD Strikes the Assyrian Camp")
* [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - Isaiah's Prophecy Fulfilled")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Plans of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of God's miraculous deliverance in 2 Chronicles 32:21 offers profound encouragement and timeless lessons for believers navigating the challenges of life. In a world often dominated by seemingly insurmountable problems, whether personal crises, societal injustices, or global threats, this passage reminds us that our ultimate trust must be placed not in human wisdom, political alliances, or our own strength, but in the omnipotent God who can act decisively and miraculously beyond our comprehension. Like Hezekiah, we are called to bring our fears and the blasphemies of the world before the Lord in prayer, trusting that He hears and will respond in His perfect timing and way. This narrative also serves as a sobering warning against arrogance and self-sufficiency, reminding us that pride precedes a fall, and that God will not be mocked. Our security and hope are found not in our achievements or status, but in humble reliance on the One who alone holds all power and authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the miraculous nature of God's intervention in this verse challenge our tendency to rely solely on human strategies or visible resources when facing overwhelming difficulties?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to exhibit a "Sennacherib-like" arrogance, trusting in your own abilities or worldly systems rather than God's sovereignty?**
* **What specific "battles" or "sieges" are you currently facing, and how does Hezekiah's response of prayer and trust, followed by God's dramatic deliverance, encourage you to approach them?**

### FAQ
**Was the entire Assyrian army literally destroyed, or was it a more targeted decimation?**

Answer: The text states that the angel "cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria." While it's debated whether "all" implies every single soldier or a comprehensive decimation of the fighting elite, the clear implication is a catastrophic and miraculous blow that rendered the formidable Assyrian army utterly ineffective and forced Sennacherib's immediate and humiliating retreat. Historical accounts and the parallel biblical narratives ([2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the LORD Strikes the Assyrian Camp") mentions 185,000 casualties) confirm a massive loss of life and a complete incapacitation of the invading force, demonstrating God's overwhelming power.

**Who was Nisroch, the god in whose temple Sennacherib was killed?**

Answer: Nisroch was an Assyrian deity, likely a local or specific manifestation of a more prominent Assyrian god, possibly Nusku (a god of light and fire) or Assur (the chief god of the Assyrian pantheon). His temple served as a place of worship and refuge for Sennacherib. The detail that Sennacherib was assassinated in the "house of his god" is highly significant, as it underscores the utter impotence of this pagan deity to protect its worshipper, especially in contrast to the living God who actively intervened to save Hezekiah and Jerusalem. This highlights the futility of idolatry.

**Why were Sennacherib's own sons involved in his assassination?**

Answer: The biblical account states "they that came forth of his own bowels slew him." Historical records outside the Bible corroborate that Sennacherib was indeed assassinated by two of his sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, in 681 BC, after his return to Nineveh. While the exact motives are not fully detailed in the biblical text, it was likely related to succession disputes or political intrigue within the Assyrian royal family. From a theological perspective, the involvement of his own sons adds a layer of profound irony and divine retribution, fulfilling Isaiah's earlier prophecy that Sennacherib would "fall by the sword in his own land" ([Isaiah 37:7](/isaiah/37-7 "Isaiah 37:7 - Prophecy of Sennacherib's Death")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic deliverance of Jerusalem in 2 Chronicles 32:21, orchestrated by a single angel of the Lord, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and decisive victory of God over all His enemies, fully realized in Jesus Christ. Just as God defended His people against the overwhelming might and blasphemous arrogance of Sennacherib, so too has He, in Christ, triumphed over the far greater spiritual foes of sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The angel's unseen power to "cut off" the Assyrian army prefigures Christ's supreme authority, by which He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them" on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Sennacherib's "shame of face" and ignominious death in the temple of his false god serve as a stark premonition of the ultimate futility of all human pride, idolatry, and rebellion against God, culminating in the day when "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Christ")). Christ, the true King, not only delivers His people from external threats but also from the internal bondage of sin, offering a deliverance far more profound and eternal than any physical rescue, ensuring that those who trust in Him "will not be put to shame" ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - Whoever Believes in Him Will Not Be Put to Shame")) but will share in His everlasting glory.

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 76:5

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

Isaiah 37:36

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

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

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

Isaiah 10:33

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

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

Proverbs 11:2

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