2 Chronicles 32:25

KJV

But 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Hezekiah {H3169} rendered not again {H7725} according to the benefit {H1576} done unto him; for his heart {H3820} was lifted up {H1361}: therefore there was wrath {H7110} upon him, and upon Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, Hizkiyahu did not respond commensurately with the benefit done for him, because he had grown proud; thus he brought anger on himself and on Y'hudah and Yerushalayim as well.

Berean Standard Bible

But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

But 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 32:25 presents a stark spiritual assessment of King Hezekiah, revealing a profound lapse in gratitude despite receiving extraordinary divine favor. Following God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege and the extension of his own life, Hezekiah's heart was "lifted up" in pride. This spiritual arrogance led to a failure to acknowledge God as the source of his blessings, resulting in divine "wrath" that impacted not only the king but also the entire community of Judah and Jerusalem. The verse serves as a sober reminder that even great spiritual leaders are susceptible to the dangers of pride and ingratitude, and that personal sin can have far-reaching communal consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a triumphant account of God's miraculous intervention to save Jerusalem from the formidable Assyrian King Sennacherib. [2 Chronicles 32:20-23](/2_chronicles/32-20 "2 Chronicles 32:20-23 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem") describes how the Lord sent an angel who annihilated the Assyrian army, bringing immense honor to Hezekiah among the nations. Prior to this, Hezekiah had also experienced a divine healing from a fatal illness, with God extending his life by fifteen years (recorded in [2 Kings 20:1-11](/2_kings/20-1 "2 Kings 20:1-11 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery") and [Isaiah 38:1-8](/isaiah/38-1 "Isaiah 38:1-8 - Isaiah's Account of Hezekiah's Healing")). These extraordinary benefits, which should have deepened his humility and gratitude, instead became a crucible for his character. The subsequent verse, [2 Chronicles 32:26](/2_chronicles/32-26 "2 Chronicles 32:26 - Hezekiah's Humiliation"), details Hezekiah's eventual humbling, while [2 Chronicles 32:31](/2_chronicles/32-31 "2 Chronicles 32:31 - Hezekiah's Test with the Babylonian Envoys") offers further insight into God's testing of Hezekiah concerning the Babylonian envoys, an incident often linked to his display of treasures and the pride condemned here.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah reigned during a tumultuous period in Judah's history (c. 715-686 BC), marked by the growing threat of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians had already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and were a dominant world power. Jerusalem's miraculous deliverance from Sennacherib's siege in 701 BC was an event of immense historical and theological significance, demonstrating God's unique protection over His covenant people and His holy city. In the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as representatives of their gods, and success was attributed to divine favor. While this could lead to humble gratitude, it also carried the temptation of self-exaltation. The cultural expectation was that divine blessings demanded a response of worship, obedience, and humility, not pride. Hezekiah's failure to "render again" implies a breach of this reciprocal relationship, where the recipient of divine grace fails to give due honor and submission to the Giver.

* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several crucial theological and narrative themes within Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Ingratitude and Pride** as significant spiritual dangers. Despite receiving profound "benefit" (divine deliverance and healing), Hezekiah's "heart was lifted up," directly linking his failure to respond appropriately with an internal state of arrogance. This underscores the biblical teaching that success and blessings, if not carefully stewarded, can lead to spiritual downfall. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Consequences of Sin**, particularly for those in leadership. Hezekiah's personal pride did not merely affect him; it brought "wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem." This illustrates the principle of corporate solidarity, where the spiritual state and actions of a leader can have far-reaching, detrimental effects on the entire community. Finally, the broader narrative, particularly [2 Chronicles 32:31](/2_chronicles/32-31 "2 Chronicles 32:31 - God's Testing of Hezekiah"), introduces the theme of **Divine Testing**. God allowed Hezekiah to be tested, revealing the true condition of his heart and demonstrating that even those who have experienced great spiritual triumphs are not immune to temptation and failure, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance and humility.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rendered not again (Hebrew, _shalem'_):** The verb `שָׁלַם` (_shalem'_) fundamentally means "to be complete, sound, make good, repay." In this context, it signifies a failure to "repay" or "make good" in the sense of a proper response. Hezekiah did not respond in a way that was "complete" or "fitting" to the immense benefits he had received. This implies a lack of appropriate gratitude, humility, and continued devotion that should have naturally flowed from such divine favor. It's a failure to fulfill the spiritual obligation of acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness.
* **heart was lifted up (Hebrew, _rum levav'_):** This is a critical idiomatic expression, `רוּם לֵבָב` (_rum levav'_), meaning literally "to be high in heart." Throughout the Old Testament, this phrase consistently denotes arrogance, haughtiness, or spiritual pride. It describes a state of self-exaltation, where one attributes success or blessing to oneself rather than to God. This "lifting up" of the heart is the antithesis of humility and is frequently condemned as a primary sin that provokes God's displeasure.
* **wrath (Hebrew, _qetsef'_):** The term `קֶצֶף` (_qetsef'_) refers to an outburst of indignation, anger, or wrath. In the biblical context, when applied to God, it signifies His righteous displeasure and judgment against sin. It is not an arbitrary emotion but a just response to human rebellion, particularly pride and ingratitude, which dishonor His name and sovereignty. Its application to "Judah and Jerusalem" highlights the communal dimension of divine judgment, often a consequence of leadership's sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit [done] unto him":** This opening clause immediately introduces the central conflict. "Benefit" refers specifically to the miraculous deliverance from the Assyrians (described in [2 Chronicles 32:20-23](/2_chronicles/32-20 "2 Chronicles 32:20-23 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem")) and his personal healing and extended life (as detailed in [2 Kings 20:1-11](/2_kings/20-1 "2 Kings 20:1-11 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery")). Hezekiah's failure to "render again" signifies a lack of appropriate gratitude, humility, and continued devotion in response to these profound acts of divine grace. It implies a spiritual debt left unpaid, not in a transactional sense, but in a relational one—a failure to honor the Giver.
* **"for his heart was lifted up":** This clause provides the direct cause and explanation for Hezekiah's failure. The phrase "his heart was lifted up" is an idiom for pride or arrogance. Instead of being humbled and more devoted by God's extraordinary favor, Hezekiah became self-important, likely attributing the success or his recovery to his own righteousness or wisdom rather than solely to God's sovereign power and mercy. This pride is the root sin that prevented him from offering the proper response of gratitude and continued humble dependence.
* **"therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem":** This final clause states the direct consequence of Hezekiah's pride and ingratitude. God's "wrath" is His righteous displeasure and judgment. The "therefore" establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Significantly, the wrath was not confined to Hezekiah alone but extended "upon Judah and Jerusalem." This underscores the principle of corporate responsibility and the profound impact a leader's sin can have on the entire community, highlighting the interconnectedness of the king's spiritual state with the well-being of his people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its theological message. **Causality and Consequence** are central, explicitly linked by the conjunction "for" ("because his heart was lifted up") and the adverb "therefore" ("therefore there was wrath"). This structure unequivocally establishes pride as the direct cause of divine judgment. The phrase "his heart was lifted up" is a powerful **Idiom** (or **Metonymy**), representing the abstract concept of spiritual pride through a concrete physical image of elevation. This vivid imagery immediately communicates the nature of Hezekiah's sin. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Narrative Juxtaposition**, contrasting the preceding accounts of God's magnificent deliverance and Hezekiah's healing with the king's subsequent spiritual failure. This sharp contrast amplifies the tragic nature of Hezekiah's pride. Finally, the verse makes a clear **Theological Statement** about God's character and His response to human arrogance, serving as a didactic warning against the dangers of self-exaltation, especially after receiving divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of Hezekiah's pride in 2 Chronicles 32:25 serves as a profound theological statement on the insidious nature of spiritual arrogance, particularly in the wake of divine blessing. It underscores the biblical truth that God consistently opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Hezekiah's failure to "render again" according to the benefits received highlights the sin of ingratitude, which is often a direct manifestation of pride—a belief that one is somehow deserving of favor, or that one's own efforts are the ultimate source of success. This passage reinforces the principle that all good gifts come from God, and true wisdom lies in maintaining a posture of humble dependence and continuous gratitude, regardless of one's achievements or divine favor. It also powerfully demonstrates the ripple effect of sin, especially in leadership, where personal spiritual failings can bring communal consequences.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Humility and God's Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's story in 2 Chronicles 32:25 is a timeless cautionary tale for every believer, especially those in positions of influence or who have experienced significant blessings. It reveals that even after profound encounters with God's power and grace, the human heart remains susceptible to the subtle and destructive sin of pride. When God blesses us with success, health, resources, or deliverance, the natural human tendency can be to take credit, to forget our dependence, or to become self-reliant. This verse calls us to vigilant self-examination: are we quick to attribute our achievements solely to our own efforts, wisdom, or strength? Do we remember to give God the glory for every good thing, or does our heart subtly "lift itself up"? True spiritual maturity is not just about avoiding overt sin, but about cultivating a deep, abiding humility and constant gratitude, recognizing that every breath, every blessing, and every victory is a gift from God. Furthermore, it reminds us that our spiritual state, particularly as leaders in our families, churches, or communities, has a tangible impact on those around us. Our pride can indeed bring "wrath" or negative consequences, not just upon ourselves, but upon those we are called to serve and lead.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life have I recently experienced significant "benefit" or blessing from God? How have I responded?**
* **Am I prone to taking credit for successes or attributing them to my own abilities rather than God's grace?**
* **How might my own pride or lack of gratitude be negatively impacting those in my family, church, or community?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and consistent gratitude towards God?**

### FAQ
**What specific "benefit" did Hezekiah receive that he failed to render again for?**

Answer: Hezekiah received two primary, extraordinary benefits from God. First, God miraculously delivered Jerusalem from the overwhelming Assyrian army led by Sennacherib, saving the city from certain destruction (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 32:20-23](/2_chronicles/32-20 "2 Chronicles 32:20-23 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem")). Second, God healed Hezekiah from a fatal illness and extended his life by fifteen years in response to his prayer (recorded in [2 Kings 20:1-11](/2_kings/20-1 "2 Kings 20:1-11 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery") and [Isaiah 38:1-8](/isaiah/38-1 "Isaiah 38:1-8 - Isaiah's Account of Hezekiah's Healing")). These were profound acts of divine grace and power, demanding a response of deep humility and gratitude, which Hezekiah failed to fully provide.

**Why did "wrath" come upon Judah and Jerusalem for Hezekiah's personal sin?**

Answer: The concept of corporate solidarity is prevalent throughout the Old Testament. The actions and spiritual state of a king or leader were often seen as representative of the nation, and their sin could bring consequences upon the entire community. In this case, Hezekiah's pride, especially as the spiritual and political head of Judah, had a ripple effect. His failure to honor God properly could lead to a diminished spiritual atmosphere or even a direct divine judgment that affected the people he led. This highlights the immense responsibility of leadership and the interconnectedness of a community's fate with its spiritual posture, often reflected in its leaders.

**How does this verse relate to the account of the Babylonian envoys in 2 Chronicles 32:31?**

Answer: [2 Chronicles 32:31](/2_chronicles/32-31 "2 Chronicles 32:31 - Hezekiah's Test with the Babylonian Envoys") states that "God left him [Hezekiah] to himself, to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart" regarding the envoys from Babylon. This incident, also described in [2 Kings 20:12-19](/2_kings/20-12 "2 Kings 20:12-19 - Hezekiah Shows His Treasures to Babylon"), is often understood as the specific manifestation of the pride mentioned in 2 Chronicles 32:25. When the Babylonian envoys came to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery, he proudly displayed all his treasures and armory, rather than giving glory to God for his deliverance and healing. This act of self-exaltation and misplaced trust in earthly riches was a direct outflow of his "lifted up heart," and it led to the prophecy of Judah's future exile to Babylon, demonstrating the long-term consequences of his pride.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Hezekiah, a good king, ultimately succumbed to the temptation of pride despite immense divine favor, his failure powerfully foreshadows the perfect humility and obedience found in Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's "lifted up heart" stands in stark contrast to the divine Son of God, who, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). Jesus, the true King of Israel, perfectly "rendered again" according to the benefit of His divine Sonship, offering perfect obedience and gratitude to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He did not seek His own glory but always glorified the Father ([John 8:50](/john/8-50 "John 8:50 - Jesus Seeks God's Glory")). Furthermore, while Hezekiah's pride brought "wrath" upon his people, Christ, the ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly bore the full wrath of God for the pride and sin of humanity, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). Through His perfect humility and atoning work, believers are delivered from the wrath that pride justly incurs, finding grace and forgiveness in Him who was "tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")).

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 24:18

And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.

2 Chronicles 26:16

¶ But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to [his] destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

2 Samuel 24:1

¶ And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

2 Chronicles 32:31

Howbeit in [the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was [done] in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all [that was] in his heart.

Deuteronomy 8:17

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of [mine] hand hath gotten me this wealth.

1 Chronicles 21:12

Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh [thee]; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

1 Chronicles 21:17

And David said unto God, [Is it] not I [that] commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but [as for] these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.