2 Chronicles 32:22

KJV

Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all [other], and guided them on every side.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus the LORD {H3068} saved {H3467} Hezekiah {H3169} and the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389} from the hand {H3027} of Sennacherib {H5576} the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}, and from the hand {H3027} of all other, and guided {H5095} them on every side {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In this way ADONAI rescued Hizkiyahu and those living in Yerushalayim from Sancheriv the king of Ashur and from everyone, caring for them in every respect.

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hands of King Sennacherib of Assyria and all the others, and He gave them rest on every side.

American Standard Version

Thus Jehovah saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 32:22 serves as a powerful declaration of Yahweh's decisive and comprehensive intervention, detailing how the LORD miraculously delivered King Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the overwhelming military might of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. This pivotal verse not only highlights God's immediate salvation from an existential threat but also underscores His ongoing, pervasive protection and guidance from all other adversaries, thereby affirming His supreme sovereignty, unwavering faithfulness, and providential care for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the climactic summary of Judah's miraculous deliverance from the Assyrian invasion, concluding the dramatic narrative presented in [2 Chronicles 32](/2_chronicles/32 "2 Chronicles 32 - Hezekiah's Faith and God's Deliverance"). The preceding verses meticulously detail Sennacherib's formidable campaign, his successful capture of fortified cities in Judah, and his subsequent siege of Jerusalem. Crucially, the narrative emphasizes Sennacherib's arrogant and blasphemous taunts, challenging the LORD's power and equating Him with the defeated gods of other nations ([2 Chronicles 32:9-19](/2_chronicles/32-9-19 "2 Chronicles 32:9-19 - Sennacherib's Taunts and Blasphemy")). In response to this existential threat and direct challenge to divine honor, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah fervently prayed to God ([2 Chronicles 32:20](/2_chronicles/32-20 "2 Chronicles 32:20 - Hezekiah and Isaiah's Prayer")). Immediately following their supplication, the narrative records the astonishing, supernatural intervention of the Angel of the LORD, who annihilated the vast Assyrian army overnight ([2 Chronicles 32:21](/2_chronicles/32-21 "2 Chronicles 32:21 - The Angel of the LORD Strikes the Assyrian Army")). Therefore, [2 Chronicles 32:22](/2_chronicles/32-22 "2 Chronicles 32:22 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem") functions as the definitive statement of this divine triumph, setting the stage for Hezekiah's subsequent prosperity and the enduring theological lessons derived from this pivotal event.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in [2 Chronicles 32](/2_chronicles/32 "2 Chronicles 32 - Hezekiah's Faith and God's Deliverance") occurred during the reign of King Hezekiah (c. 715-686 BC), specifically around 701 BC. At this time, the Neo-Assyrian Empire, under the formidable King Sennacherib, stood as the dominant superpower in the ancient Near East, renowned for its ruthless military campaigns, systematic deportations, and the brutal destruction of conquered cities. Sennacherib's own annals boast of his conquests, including the capture of 46 fortified cities of Judah and the siege of Jerusalem, where he claimed to have "imprisoned Hezekiah... like a bird in a cage." Jerusalem was the last remaining stronghold, and its fall seemed inevitable, mirroring the fate of the Northern Kingdom of Israel decades earlier ([2 Kings 17:5-6](/2_kings/17-5-6 "2 Kings 17:5-6 - Fall of Samaria and Exile of Israel")). Culturally, the Assyrian king's taunts were strategically designed to erode the confidence of Jerusalem's inhabitants in their God, suggesting that Yahweh was no more powerful than the defeated deities of other nations. This dire historical backdrop underscores the sheer human impossibility of Jerusalem's survival, making God's intervention a profound and undeniable demonstration of His unique power, covenant faithfulness, and sovereignty over all earthly empires.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme powerfully articulated by [2 Chronicles 32:22](/2_chronicles/32-22 "2 Chronicles 32:22 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem") is **Divine Deliverance**. This was not a victory achieved through Judah's military prowess or strategic cunning, but through God's direct, supernatural action, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty over earthly powers and His unparalleled ability to save against overwhelming odds. Closely intertwined is the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**. Despite the dire circumstances and the Assyrian king's blasphemous arrogance, God remained faithful to His promises to protect His chosen city, Jerusalem, and His people who trusted in Him, reinforcing the enduring covenant established with David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The narrative also powerfully illustrates the **Power of Prayer**, as the deliverance was a direct and immediate answer to the fervent supplications of Hezekiah and Isaiah ([2 Chronicles 32:20](/2_chronicles/32-20 "2 Chronicles 32:20 - Hezekiah and Isaiah's Prayer")). Finally, the concluding phrase "and guided them on every side" introduces the theme of **Comprehensive Divine Protection and Guidance**, suggesting that God's care extends beyond immediate crises to encompass ongoing, holistic provision and security for His people in all circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the proper name of God, Yahweh (H3068), derived from the root "to be" (הָיָה), signifying "the Self-Existent or Eternal One." Its use here emphatically identifies the agent of salvation as the covenant God of Israel, distinguishing Him from the impotent gods of other nations and underscoring His unique power and faithfulness to His people.
* **saved (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** The verb (H3467) means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe," "to free or succor," or "to bring salvation." In this context, it signifies a complete and decisive act of liberation from a dire, life-threatening situation. The Piel perfect form emphasizes the completed and effective nature of this divine act, highlighting God's role as the ultimate rescuer and deliverer.
* **guided (Hebrew, _nâhal'_):** This verb (H5095) means "to run with a sparkle," hence "to flow," and transitively, "to conduct," "to protect," or "to sustain." Its application here extends beyond mere rescue, indicating God's ongoing, active superintendence and provision for His people after the immediate crisis. It suggests that God not only removed the threat but continued to shepherd, direct, and sustain them, ensuring their well-being and security.
* **on every side (Hebrew, _çâbîyb'_):** This adverbial phrase (H5439) literally means "around," "on all sides," or "in every direction." When combined with "guided," it conveys a profound sense of comprehensive and pervasive protection. It indicates that God's care was not limited to one specific threat or direction but encompassed all potential dangers, providing an all-encompassing shield and ensuring the safety and security of Jerusalem from every quarter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem":** This opening clause unequivocally identifies the agent of salvation as "the LORD" (Yahweh), the covenant God of Israel, thereby discrediting any notion that human strength, military strategy, or political maneuvering was responsible for the deliverance. The beneficiaries are clearly stated as King Hezekiah, representing the leadership and the Davidic dynasty, and "the inhabitants of Jerusalem," signifying the entire community residing in the capital. This highlights the miraculous nature of the deliverance, emphasizing that it was a divine act of rescue from an otherwise insurmountable foe.
* **"from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria":** This specifies the immediate, formidable, and humanly overwhelming threat. The phrase "the hand of" is a common biblical idiom representing power, authority, control, and destructive intent. Thus, God saved them from the overwhelming might, dominion, and destructive purpose of the most powerful earthly ruler of their time, underscoring the LORD's absolute supremacy over all human empires and their boasts.
* **"and from the hand of all [other]":** This phrase significantly broadens the scope of God's deliverance beyond the specific, immediate threat posed by Sennacherib. The bracketed "[other]" in the KJV clarifies that God's salvation extended to protection from any and all other potential enemies, adversaries, or dangers that might arise in the future. This emphasizes the completeness and totality of God's protective care, implying that His deliverance was not a one-off event but a comprehensive safeguard against all forms of opposition.
* **"and guided them on every side":** This final clause moves beyond mere rescue to describe God's ongoing, holistic providence and care. The word "guided" implies active leadership, direction, and sustained provision, while "on every side" signifies an all-encompassing, pervasive protection. It assures the reader that God's care for His people was not limited to the moment of crisis but extended to their sustained well-being, providing security, peace, and direction from all directions and against all future threats, ensuring their flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Contrast** is prominently featured, juxtaposing the overwhelming earthly power and terrifying might of Sennacherib and his vast army with the singular, decisive, and effortless power of the LORD. This highlights the futility of human strength and arrogance when confronted with divine omnipotence. The repeated phrase "from the hand of" (used in relation to Sennacherib and "all other") functions as a form of **Anaphora** or **Parallelism**, emphasizing both the source of the initial threat and God's comprehensive power to deliver from any and all such sources, past, present, or future. Furthermore, "the hand of Sennacherib" is an example of **Metonymy**, where "hand" stands for the power, authority, and oppressive force of the king, representing his entire military and political might. Finally, the concluding phrase "guided them on every side" uses **Hyperbole** to convey the absolute and pervasive nature of God's protection, suggesting a level of comprehensive care and security that transcends ordinary human experience and capability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth of [2 Chronicles 32:22](/2_chronicles/32-22 "2 Chronicles 32:22 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem") resonates deeply with core biblical theology, affirming God's unwavering sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness, and His active, providential involvement in the affairs of His people. It serves as a powerful testament to the fact that divine deliverance is not contingent on human strength, strategic prowess, or numerical superiority, but solely on God's omnipotence and His unyielding commitment to those who trust in Him. This narrative reinforces the theme of God as a mighty warrior ([Exodus 15:3](/exodus/15-3 "Exodus 15:3 - The LORD is a warrior")) and an unassailable refuge for His people ([Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength")), demonstrating that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, His power is more than sufficient to save. It underscores the vital importance of prayer and humble reliance on God, as Hezekiah's fervent supplication was met with a miraculous display of divine might. This event became a foundational narrative for future generations, reminding them of God's unique ability to protect His chosen city and people, echoing His promise to never leave or forsake them ([Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Promise to Never Leave or Forsake")).

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength")
* [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the LORD Strikes Assyria")
* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Promise to Never Leave or Forsake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of God's miraculous deliverance in [2 Chronicles 32:22](/2_chronicles/32-22 "2 Chronicles 32:22 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem") offers profound encouragement and timeless principles for believers today. In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges, personal crises, and societal anxieties, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security and hope rest not in human institutions, economic stability, or military might, but in the sovereign power of God. Just as Hezekiah faced a "Sennacherib" that threatened to consume him and his people, we too encounter formidable adversaries—whether they be spiritual battles, financial distress, health crises, relational brokenness, or existential fears. This passage calls us to emulate Hezekiah's posture of humble prayer and unwavering trust, recognizing that God is capable of turning impossible situations into powerful testimonies of His faithfulness. The assurance that God "guided them on every side" extends beyond a singular act of rescue; it speaks to His comprehensive, ongoing providence in every aspect of our lives, offering peace and stability in an uncertain world. It invites us to surrender our fears and anxieties to the One who is truly our refuge, strength, and ever-present help, knowing that His protective hand encompasses all our circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the account of God's deliverance in [2 Chronicles 32:22](/2_chronicles/32-22 "2 Chronicles 32:22 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem") strengthen your faith when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust more deeply in God's comprehensive guidance "on every side"?**
* **What "Sennacheribs" (significant threats or fears) are you currently facing, and how can you emulate Hezekiah and Isaiah's posture of fervent prayer and trust in God's power?**

### FAQ
**Why did God intervene so dramatically for Hezekiah and Jerusalem?**

Answer: God's dramatic intervention was multifaceted. Primarily, it was a profound demonstration of His **covenant faithfulness** to His people and to the Davidic line, ensuring the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. Jerusalem was also His chosen city, where His temple resided, and its protection was vital to His redemptive plan for humanity. Furthermore, it was a powerful response to **Hezekiah's righteous leadership and fervent prayer** in conjunction with Isaiah ([2 Chronicles 32:20](/2_chronicles/32-20 "2 Chronicles 32:20 - Hezekiah and Isaiah's Prayer")), showcasing God's responsiveness to the humble and trusting supplication of His servants. Finally, it served as a decisive **demonstration of God's sovereignty** over all pagan nations and their false gods, publicly shaming Sennacherib's blasphemous boasts and affirming Yahweh as the one true and living God who alone controls the destinies of nations.

**What does "guided them on every side" imply beyond immediate salvation?**

Answer: The phrase "guided them on every side" (KJV) or "gave them rest on every side" (ESV/NIV) implies a comprehensive and sustained divine providence that extends far beyond the immediate rescue from Sennacherib. It suggests that God's care was not a one-time event but an ongoing, holistic, and protective oversight. This encompasses not only protection from external enemies and future threats but also His active leadership, direction, and sustenance in their daily lives, ensuring their well-being, peace, and security in every aspect. It speaks to God's continuous oversight and His unwavering commitment to providing for His people's needs and guiding them through all circumstances, ensuring their flourishing in the land and their ultimate security in His presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous deliverance of Hezekiah and Jerusalem from the "hand of Sennacherib" in [2 Chronicles 32:22](/2_chronicles/32-22 "2 Chronicles 32:22 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem") serves as a powerful Old Testament type and shadow, pointing forward to the ultimate and complete salvation accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as God supernaturally intervened to save His people from an overwhelming earthly foe, so too did He intervene in human history through the incarnation, life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of His Son to deliver humanity from a far greater and more pervasive enemy: sin, death, and the dominion of Satan. Jesus is the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a definitive and eternal victory that transcends any temporal military triumph. He is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who not only rescues His sheep from danger but also "guides them on every side," leading them beside still waters, restoring their souls, and guiding them through the valley of the shadow of death, providing comprehensive and eternal protection. The salvation offered through Christ is not merely a rescue from an external threat but a spiritual [redemption](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood") and reconciliation that brings profound peace with God and the promise of eternal life. In Him, believers find refuge from the spiritual "Sennacheribs" of this world, experiencing the comprehensive guidance and ultimate security of the [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant") that promises victory over every adversary and the assurance of His abiding presence ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise")).

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 37:39

But the salvation of the righteous [is] of the LORD: [he is] their strength in the time of trouble.

Psalms 37:40

And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Psalms 144:10

[It is he] that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.

Isaiah 31:4

For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, [he] will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

Isaiah 31:5

As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver [it; and] passing over he will preserve it.

Psalms 18:48

He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

Psalms 18:50

Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.