2 Chronicles 32:23

KJV

And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And many {H7227} brought {H935} gifts {H4503} unto the LORD {H3068} to Jerusalem {H3389}, and presents {H4030} to Hezekiah {H3169} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}: so that he was magnified {H5375} in the sight {H5869} of all nations {H1471} from thenceforth {H310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Many people brought gifts to ADONAI in Yerushalayim and items of value to Hizkiyahu king of Y'hudah, so that from then on he was regarded highly by all the nations.

Berean Standard Bible

Many brought offerings to Jerusalem for the LORD and valuable gifts for Hezekiah king of Judah, and from then on he was exalted in the eyes of all nations.

American Standard Version

And many brought gifts unto Jehovah to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah king of Judah; so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the miraculous and decisive defeat of the formidable Assyrian army by divine intervention, 2 Chronicles 32:23 vividly portrays the widespread recognition and honor bestowed upon King Hezekiah and, more profoundly, upon the God of Israel. This verse details how numerous nations, having witnessed or heard of YHWH's unparalleled power demonstrated in Jerusalem's deliverance, brought tribute and gifts, thereby acknowledging both Hezekiah's divinely-ordained authority and the supreme sovereignty of the Lord, resulting in His name being greatly exalted among the peoples of the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate and profound consequence of the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the overwhelming Assyrian siege under Sennacherib, as recounted in [2 Chronicles 32:20-22](/2_chronicles/32-20-22 "2 Chronicles 32:20-22 - The Lord Delivers Jerusalem from Assyria"). After King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah cried out to God in fervent prayer, the Angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night, leading to Sennacherib's humiliated retreat and subsequent assassination. Verse 23, therefore, marks the triumphant climax of this narrative arc, showcasing the international recognition of God's power and Hezekiah's righteous leadership. It immediately precedes Hezekiah's personal crisis of illness and miraculous recovery (2 Chr 32:24-26), and the subsequent account of his immense wealth and building projects (2 Chr 32:27-30), all of which are presented by the Chronicler as further evidence of God's blessing and favor upon him and Judah. The Chronicler meticulously emphasizes that this global acknowledgment was a direct and undeniable result of YHWH's mighty, supernatural act.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in [2 Chronicles 32](/2_chronicles/32 "2 Chronicles 32 - Hezekiah's Reign and the Assyrian Invasion") occurred around 701 BC, a period dominated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was renowned for its brutal military campaigns, vast territorial control, and systematic subjugation of conquered peoples. Sennacherib's invasion of Judah was part of Assyria's broader strategy to consolidate power and suppress rebellions in the Levant. For a relatively small kingdom like Judah to withstand such a global superpower, especially after other fortified cities had fallen, was an astonishing and unprecedented feat. In the ancient Near East, the defeat of an army was often attributed not merely to military strategy but to the weakness of its gods or the superiority of the victor's deity. Thus, the miraculous destruction of Sennacherib's army would have been interpreted by surrounding nations as undeniable proof of YHWH's supreme power, far surpassing that of the Assyrian gods or any other regional deities. The bringing of "gifts" and "presents" was a common diplomatic and religious practice, signifying tribute, homage, and acknowledgment of a superior power or deity. This act by "many nations" underscores the widespread impact of God's intervention, transcending local political boundaries and establishing YHWH's renown.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Vindication**, demonstrating unequivocally that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and is capable of delivering His people against overwhelming, humanly insurmountable odds. The defeat of Assyria was not achieved by human might or military prowess but solely by divine intervention, thereby glorifying YHWH alone, as beautifully articulated in [Psalm 115:1](/psalm/115-1 "Psalm 115:1 - Not to Us, O Lord, But to Your Name Be Glory"). Secondly, it emphasizes the profound theme of **God Honoring Those Who Honor Him**. Hezekiah's unwavering faith, humble repentance, and fervent prayer in the face of existential crisis led directly to his own exaltation and international recognition, aligning perfectly with the divine principle articulated in [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those Who Honor Me I Will Honor"). Lastly, the powerful phrase "magnified in the sight of all nations" underscores the **Global Impact of God's Works**. God's actions in Jerusalem were not confined to Judah but served as a powerful, undeniable testimony to the surrounding world, spreading the fame of the God of Israel and His chosen king, thereby foreshadowing the universal recognition of God's glory described in passages like [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations Come to Your Light") and [Zechariah 8:22-23](/zechariah/8-22-23 "Zechariah 8:22-23 - Many Peoples and Strong Nations Will Come to Seek the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gifts (Hebrew, _minḥah'_ H4503):** This Hebrew term often refers to a tribute, an offering, or a present. While it can denote a bloodless sacrifice in a cultic context, here, in a diplomatic and political sense, it signifies homage, submission, or a token of respect from a lesser power to a greater one. The fact that these gifts were brought "unto the LORD" indicates a profound recognition of His divine supremacy and active intervention, acknowledging Him as the true and powerful God.
* **Presents (Hebrew, _migdânâh'_ H4030):** This word, related to preciousness or a gem, refers to a valuable gift or present. In this context, it reinforces the idea of tribute. The bringing of "presents to Hezekiah" alongside gifts to the LORD underscores the dual recognition: the nations acknowledged Hezekiah's legitimate and divinely-backed authority as God's favored king, whose leadership had been vindicated by an unprecedented miracle.
* **Magnified (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_ H5375):** This primitive root means "to lift," "to bear," or "to carry." In this passive form, it conveys the idea of being exalted, elevated, or held in high esteem. Here, it implies that Hezekiah's reputation and prestige, as well as the renown of the God he served, were significantly increased and recognized by surrounding nations. It speaks to an increase in his perceived power, influence, and, crucially, divine favor, making him a figure of international renown.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem,"**: This initial clause highlights the primary theological outcome of the Assyrian defeat. The "many" nations, recognizing the divine hand in Jerusalem's deliverance, brought "gifts" (מִנְחָה) not merely as political tribute but as acts of religious homage. This signifies a profound acknowledgment of YHWH as the true and powerful God who intervened on behalf of His people. The destination "to Jerusalem" emphasizes that the city, as the dwelling place of YHWH's temple and the site of His miraculous intervention, became a focal point for this international recognition of divine power.
* **"and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah:"**: Alongside the homage paid directly to YHWH, valuable "presents" (מִגְדָּנָה) were also rendered to King Hezekiah. This dual act of tribute signifies the recognition of Hezekiah's legitimate, divinely-backed authority and his vindicated leadership. His steadfast faith and fervent prayer during the crisis were affirmed, and his status as a powerful, blessed monarch was solidified and acknowledged by other nations. This close relationship between God's glory and the honor bestowed upon His faithful servant is a recurring theme in the Chronicler's narrative.
* **"so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth."**: This concluding clause describes the profound and lasting impact of the divine intervention. The term "magnified" (נָשָׂא) indicates a significant increase in Hezekiah's (and by extension, YHWH's) international reputation, prestige, and perceived power. The phrase "in the sight of all nations" emphasizes the widespread, global awareness of this miraculous event, transforming a local deliverance into an international testimony to God's supremacy. "From thenceforth" signifies that this elevated status was not fleeting but had a lasting effect on his reign and the perception of Judah and its God among the surrounding peoples.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary techniques to convey its powerful message. Foremost is **Cause and Effect**, where the miraculous divine intervention (the cause, detailed in previous verses) directly leads to the international recognition and tribute (the effect) described here. This highlights God's direct and decisive agency in human affairs and the natural consequence of His mighty acts. The phrase "all nations" functions as **Hyperbole**, a deliberate exaggeration to emphasize the widespread and far-reaching impact of God's actions, rather than a literal enumeration of every single nation. This hyperbole serves to underscore the immense magnitude of God's power and the extensive reach of His glory. Furthermore, the verse acts as a profound **Theological Statement**, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unparalleled ability to elevate His chosen instruments. It is a clear declaration of YHWH's supremacy, powerfully demonstrated through a verifiable historical event, and His capacity to bring glory to Himself through the faithfulness of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the principle that God's powerful acts of deliverance not only save His people but also serve as a profound, public witness to the world, bringing undeniable glory to His name. The international recognition of Hezekiah and, more importantly, YHWH, underscores that God's salvation is never a private affair but has cosmic and universal implications. When God vindicates His faithful, His power is displayed for all to see, drawing attention to His unique sovereignty and truth. This public display transforms a local crisis into a global testimony, demonstrating that the God of Israel is indeed the God of all nations, capable of humbling the proud and exalting the humble. It is a testament to God's desire for His glory to be known throughout the earth.

* [Psalm 46:10](/psalm/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still and Know That I Am God")
* [Isaiah 45:22-23](/isaiah/45-22-23 "Isaiah 45:22-23 - Look to Me and Be Saved, All You Ends of the Earth")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34-35 "Daniel 4:34-35 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Hezekiah's magnification reminds us that our personal and communal faithfulness to God, especially in times of overwhelming challenge, can have far-reaching implications beyond our immediate circumstances. When we trust God completely, even when circumstances seem dire and human solutions are exhausted, His intervention not only brings us deliverance but also serves as a powerful, undeniable testimony to those around us, and even to the wider world. Our lives, when lived in humble dependence on God and marked by His miraculous interventions, become platforms for His glory to be displayed. This verse encourages us to view our struggles and God's subsequent deliverances not merely as private victories to be enjoyed, but as sacred opportunities for God's name to be "magnified" in the sight of others, drawing them to acknowledge His greatness, sovereignty, and goodness. It challenges us to consider how our unwavering faith and response to God's faithfulness can lead to a broader recognition of His power and goodness in our families, communities, and spheres of influence, ultimately pointing others to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's deliverance in our lives, whether personal or corporate, serve as a testimony to others about His power and faithfulness?**
* **In what ways can our unwavering trust and fervent prayer in times of crisis contribute to God's glory being "magnified" in the world around us?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the relationship between divine intervention and human recognition, and how can we ensure God receives all the glory for His mighty acts?**

### FAQ

**Why did nations bring gifts to Hezekiah *and* to the LORD?**

Answer: This dual act of bringing gifts reflects the common ancient Near Eastern understanding of kingship and divine power. In that cultural context, a king's authority and success were intrinsically linked to the power and favor of his god. Therefore, bringing tribute or "presents" to Hezekiah was an acknowledgment of his divinely-granted authority and the remarkable victory he had experienced. Simultaneously, bringing "gifts unto the LORD" was an act of profound homage to YHWH Himself, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of that power and the superior deity who had defeated the mighty Assyrian army. It was a comprehensive acknowledgment of both the human agent and the divine power behind the victory, signifying respect and submission to both the king and, more importantly, his God. This demonstrated a recognition that Hezekiah's success was not his own, but a direct result of YHWH's intervention.

**Was this "magnification" a permanent state for Hezekiah, or did his reign continue without further challenges?**

Answer: While [2 Chronicles 32:23](/2_chronicles/32-23 "2 Chronicles 32:23 - Nations Bring Gifts to Hezekiah and the Lord") states that Hezekiah "was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth," implying a lasting impact on his international standing and reputation, it does not mean his reign was devoid of further challenges or personal failings. Immediately following this verse, the narrative recounts Hezekiah's severe illness and miraculous recovery (2 Chr 32:24-26). Crucially, [2 Chronicles 32:25](/2_chronicles/32-25 "2 Chronicles 32:25 - Hezekiah's Pride and Humiliation") notes that "Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem." This indicates a period of pride and unfaithfulness after his great deliverance, which required humbling. So, while the *fame* of the Assyrian defeat and God's power was enduring, Hezekiah's personal spiritual state was not always perfectly aligned with this initial magnification. The ultimate and enduring "magnification" is always of God, not of man, as human kings are fallible.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's temporary "magnification" and the international recognition he received serve as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and eternal magnification of Jesus Christ. While nations brought gifts to Hezekiah as a tribute to his divinely-backed authority, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus, the true King of kings and Lord of lords, as He Himself declared in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). Just as God delivered Jerusalem through Hezekiah's prayer and the striking down of an enemy army, so too did God deliver humanity from the dominion of sin and death through the ultimate, self-sacrificial act of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This victory on the cross, followed by the glorious resurrection, is the greatest demonstration of God's power, far surpassing any earthly deliverance. As a result, Jesus, being "lifted up" on the cross and then exalted to the right hand of the Father, draws all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")), and His name is "magnified" above every name, so that "at the name of Jesus 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 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship")). The "gifts" brought to Christ are not merely material tributes, but the offering of lives in worship and obedience from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, acknowledging His supreme reign and redemptive work ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Worthy Is the Lamb")). In Christ, God's glory is eternally and universally magnified, fulfilling the promise of a King whose dominion would extend over all nations and whose reign would be without end.

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

2 Chronicles 17:5

Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.

2 Chronicles 1:1

¶ And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God [was] with him, and magnified him exceedingly.

Matthew 2:11

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

2 Chronicles 9:24

And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

Psalms 68:29

Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.

2 Samuel 8:10

Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And [Joram] brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:

2 Samuel 8:11

Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;