2 Chronicles 32:25

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

This verse serves as a sober reminder of King Hezekiah's spiritual lapse despite receiving immense divine favor. After God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 32:20-23, and extending Hezekiah's life by 15 years (see 2 Kings 20:1 and Isaiah 38:1), Hezekiah's heart became "lifted up" with pride. This pride led to ingratitude, failing to acknowledge God as the true source of his blessings and success. As a result, God's wrath came upon him, and by extension, upon Judah and Jerusalem, highlighting the ripple effect of leadership's sin.

Context

The immediate preceding verses detail God's incredible intervention to save Jerusalem from the formidable Assyrian King Sennacherib, a deliverance that brought great honor to Hezekiah among the nations. Furthermore, Hezekiah had recently recovered from a fatal illness, a recovery granted through God's mercy in response to his prayer. These extraordinary benefits should have deepened his humility and gratitude. However, 2 Chronicles 32:31 reveals that God left Hezekiah to himself to test him regarding the ambassadors from Babylon, an incident often linked to his display of treasures and subsequent pride.

Key Themes

  • Ingratitude and Pride: The verse directly states Hezekiah "rendered not again according to the benefit" because "his heart was lifted up." This highlights the spiritual danger of pride, especially after experiencing great blessings or success.
  • Consequences of Sin: Hezekiah's pride brought "wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem." This illustrates that personal sin, particularly in leadership, can have far-reaching negative consequences for an entire community or nation.
  • Divine Testing: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader narrative (specifically 2 Chronicles 32:31) indicates that God allowed Hezekiah to be tested, revealing the true state of his heart.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "his heart was lifted up" translates the Hebrew רום לבב (rum levav), which literally means "to be high in heart." This idiom consistently denotes arrogance, haughtiness, or spiritual pride in the Old Testament, indicating a puffed-up self-importance rather than humble reliance on God. It signifies a departure from humility after divine favor.

Significance and Application

Hezekiah's story serves as a powerful cautionary tale for all believers. It teaches that divine blessings and successes, while wonderful, can also be a profound test of character. We must guard against spiritual pride, remembering that all good things come from God. True wisdom lies in maintaining a posture of humility and continuous gratitude, acknowledging God's sovereignty in every aspect of our lives. As Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." This narrative emphasizes the importance of walking humbly with God, recognizing that God resists the proud but gives grace unto the humble.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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