2 Chronicles 32:26

KJV

Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, [both] he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Notwithstanding Hezekiah {H3169} humbled {H3665} himself for the pride {H1363} of his heart {H3820}, both he and the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, so that the wrath {H7110} of the LORD {H3068} came {H935} not upon them in the days {H3117} of Hezekiah {H3169}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Hizkiyahu then humbled himself for his pride, both he and the people living in Yerushalayim, so that ADONAI's anger did not strike them during Hizkiyahu's lifetime.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart—he and the people of Jerusalem—so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.

American Standard Version

Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of Jehovah came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 32:26 records a pivotal moment in the reign of King Hezekiah, where he, along with the inhabitants of Jerusalem, humbled himself in response to the pride that had arisen in his heart following immense divine blessings and miraculous deliverance. This act of genuine repentance proved instrumental in averting the immediate wrath of the LORD, ensuring that the judgment due for their pride did not fall upon them during Hezekiah's lifetime. The verse underscores the profound spiritual principle that humility and repentance can lead to God's mercy and the postponement of deserved consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of extraordinary divine favor and intervention in Hezekiah's life and reign. God had miraculously delivered Jerusalem from the formidable Assyrian invasion led by Sennacherib, annihilating 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night ([2 Chronicles 32:21](/2_chronicles/32-21 "2 Chronicles 32:21 - God's Deliverance from Sennacherib")). Furthermore, Hezekiah himself had been miraculously healed from a life-threatening illness, with God even providing a unique sign involving the shadow on the sundial ([2 Kings 20:8-11](/2_kings/20-8 "2 Kings 20:8-11 - The Sign of the Sundial")). Despite these overwhelming demonstrations of God's power and grace, Hezekiah's heart became "lifted up" with pride, leading to ingratitude and a failure to respond appropriately to the blessings received, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 32:25](/2_chronicles/32-25 "2 Chronicles 32:25 - Hezekiah's Ingratitude and Pride"). Verse 26, therefore, presents a critical turning point, showcasing Hezekiah's commendable and necessary response of humility, which directly mitigates the divine wrath that had been declared upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem. It serves as a stark contrast to his previous spiritual failing and highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on righteous leadership and its impact on the nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the late 8th century BCE, a tumultuous period for the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower, having already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and exiled its people. Judah, under Hezekiah, faced an existential threat from Sennacherib's campaign, which devastated many fortified cities before besieging Jerusalem. Culturally, the concept of a king's spiritual state profoundly impacting the nation was deeply ingrained in Israelite thought. The king was seen as the representative head, and his righteousness or sin often had corporate consequences. Pride, particularly in the face of divine favor, was considered a grave offense, as it attributed success to oneself rather than to God. The Chronicler, writing post-exile, often emphasizes the direct correlation between the king's obedience/disobedience and the nation's prosperity/suffering, making Hezekiah's humility a crucial example of how national disaster could be averted through repentance. The "wrath of the LORD" was a tangible concept, signifying divine displeasure and the potential for calamitous judgment, often manifested through military defeat, plague, or famine.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme illuminated by this verse is the profound spiritual dynamic between **Pride and Humility**. Hezekiah's initial pride, a common pitfall for those experiencing significant success and divine favor, is directly contrasted with his subsequent act of humbling himself. This underscores the biblical truth that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, a principle echoed throughout Scripture. Another crucial theme is **Repentance and Averted Judgment**. Hezekiah's genuine act of self-abasement directly leads to the withholding of God's wrath, powerfully demonstrating God's mercy and willingness to relent from promised judgment when His people sincerely turn from their sin. This theme resonates with other narratives of national repentance, such as the city of Nineveh's turning from their evil ways in [Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - God Relents from Disaster"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **Leadership by Example and Corporate Responsibility**. The explicit mention that "both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem" humbled themselves illustrates the significant influence a leader's spiritual state and actions have on their people. Hezekiah's humility set a powerful precedent for the entire city, leading to a collective act of repentance. Finally, the passage subtly touches upon **Divine Patience and Grace**, as God, even after Hezekiah's ingratitude, provided an opportunity for repentance, demonstrating His long-suffering nature and desire for His people to return to Him, postponing judgment for a time.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Humbled himself (Hebrew, _kānaʿ_):** This verb, meaning "to be subdued," "to submit," or "to be brought low," denotes a voluntary act of self-abasement and submission to a higher authority, in this case, God. It implies a conscious decision to relinquish arrogance and acknowledge one's dependence and unworthiness before the Almighty. This is not merely a passive state but an active posture of repentance and reverence.
* **Pride of his heart (Hebrew, _gāḇah_):** The root _gāḇah_ means "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to be lofty." When applied to the heart, it signifies an arrogant, haughty, or self-exalting disposition. It describes a spiritual condition where one attributes success or blessings to their own merit or strength, rather than to God, thereby elevating oneself above God or others. This internal state is the antithesis of humility and is frequently condemned in Scripture as a precursor to a fall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself":** This phrase serves as a direct counterpoint to the previous verse ([2 Chronicles 32:25](/2_chronicles/32-25 "2 Chronicles 32:25 - Hezekiah's Pride and Ingratitude")), which described Hezekiah's pride and ingratitude. "Notwithstanding" emphasizes that despite his serious spiritual failure, Hezekiah took the crucial, corrective action of humbling himself. This highlights the active and intentional nature of his repentance, demonstrating a capacity for spiritual self-correction.
* **"for the pride of his heart":** This clause explicitly states the reason for Hezekiah's humbling: it was a direct response to and acknowledgment of his specific sin of pride. This indicates genuine introspection and a recognition of his spiritual failing, rather than a mere superficial act. It underscores the biblical principle that true repentance involves identifying and confessing the specific sin.
* **"[both] he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem":** This crucial detail reveals the corporate dimension of the repentance. Hezekiah's leadership by example was so profound that it influenced the entire population of Jerusalem. This implies a collective recognition of sin and a shared turning toward God, demonstrating the powerful ripple effect of a leader's spiritual integrity. It also suggests that the wrath was intended for the nation, and thus national repentance was required.
* **"so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah":** This final clause states the direct and immediate consequence of their humility and repentance: the divine judgment, or "wrath," that had been threatened was averted. The phrase "in the days of Hezekiah" is significant. It implies that while the judgment was postponed during his lifetime due to this act of repentance, it was not permanently cancelled for the nation. This subtle narrative hint foreshadows the later judgment that would indeed fall upon Judah and Jerusalem, particularly in the time of Hezekiah's son Manasseh and ultimately leading to the Babylonian exile, reinforcing God's long-term justice while celebrating His immediate mercy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** to highlight the spiritual transformation. The initial state of Hezekiah's "pride of his heart" is starkly contrasted with his subsequent action of "humbled himself," emphasizing the profound shift from arrogance to submission. This contrast underscores the redemptive power of repentance. Furthermore, the passage clearly demonstrates **Cause and Effect**: Hezekiah's and Jerusalem's humility (the cause) directly leads to the aversion of God's wrath (the effect). This highlights the direct correlation between human spiritual response and divine action. Finally, the phrase "in the days of Hezekiah" functions as a subtle form of **Prolepsis** or **Foreshadowing**. While judgment is averted for the immediate future, this specific temporal limitation hints that the underlying issues of national sin were not fully resolved, and divine consequences would eventually manifest in a later generation, adding a layer of tragic irony and emphasizing the conditional nature of God's mercy in this context.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the character of God as both just and merciful. His justice demands a response to pride and ingratitude, as evidenced by the declared "wrath." Yet, His mercy is profoundly revealed in His willingness to relent from judgment when met with genuine humility and repentance. It teaches us that while God's decrees are serious, His heart is always open to those who turn to Him in brokenness and submission. The narrative of Hezekiah's humility also underscores the ongoing spiritual battle against pride, a sin that often accompanies success and blessings, tempting individuals to take credit for what God has provided. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that true spiritual flourishing is rooted in a humble dependence on God, recognizing Him as the source of all good, and that even leaders, despite their anointing and achievements, are not exempt from the need for repentance.

* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand")
* [Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - God Relents from Disaster")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's story in 2 Chronicles 32:26 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today. In a world that often celebrates self-sufficiency and personal achievement, this verse serves as a powerful antidote, reminding us that true strength and divine favor flow from humility. When we experience success, blessings, or recognition, the temptation to pride can be subtle yet insidious, leading us to forget the source of all good. Hezekiah's example calls us to remain vigilant against a "lifted up heart," always attributing glory and praise to God alone. Furthermore, it highlights the transformative power of genuine repentance. When we stumble, particularly into the sin of pride, the path to restoration is not through self-justification or denial, but through sincere self-abasement before God. His grace is abundant to forgive and avert consequences when we humbly acknowledge our failings and turn back to Him. For those in positions of leadership, whether in family, church, or community, this verse underscores the immense spiritual influence of personal integrity; a leader's humility or pride can profoundly affect the spiritual climate and destiny of those under their care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does success or blessing in my life tempt me toward pride, and what practical steps can I take to guard against it?**
* **What does genuine humility look like in my daily interactions and spiritual walk?**
* **Are there areas in my life where I need to humble myself before the Lord, acknowledging my dependence on Him?**
* **In what ways does Hezekiah's leadership by example challenge or inspire my own influence within my spheres of responsibility?**

### FAQ
**Was Hezekiah's humility truly genuine, or was it a pragmatic response to avert immediate disaster?**

Answer: The biblical text strongly implies that Hezekiah's humility was genuine. The fact that the "wrath of the LORD came not upon them" indicates that God, who discerns the heart, accepted his repentance. While the phrase "in the days of Hezekiah" suggests a temporary reprieve, this does not negate the sincerity of his immediate response. His subsequent actions, and the Chronicler's overall portrayal of Hezekiah as a king who largely sought the Lord, support the authenticity of his self-abasement. It was a true turning from his pride, even if the nation's deeper spiritual issues would resurface later under his successors.

**Why did the wrath only "not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah"? Does this imply future judgment for Judah?**

Answer: Yes, the phrase "in the days of Hezekiah" is a crucial narrative detail that strongly implies future judgment. While Hezekiah's and Jerusalem's humility averted the immediate and devastating consequences of their pride, it did not permanently cancel the long-term trajectory of national sin that would manifest fully after Hezekiah's reign. This subtle but significant clause foreshadows the severe judgment that would eventually befall Judah, particularly under the reign of Hezekiah's son Manasseh, whose idolatry and wickedness would lead to the Babylonian exile. It highlights God's patience and mercy in postponing judgment due to genuine repentance, while also affirming His ultimate justice in dealing with persistent unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's act of humbling himself for the pride of his heart, which averted temporal wrath for his generation, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect humility of Jesus Christ. Hezekiah, a human king, humbled himself *because of* sin; Christ, the divine King, humbled himself *for* sin. The Apostle Paul beautifully articulates this in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ"), describing how Christ, "though he was 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. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Unlike Hezekiah, who needed to repent for his own pride, Jesus lived a life of perfect humility and obedience, never succumbing to pride or sin. He did not merely avert wrath for a time, but by His perfect self-abasement on the cross, He bore the full weight of God's eternal wrath against humanity's sin, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, Hezekiah's temporary reprieve due to his humility points to the everlasting salvation and complete deliverance from wrath secured by the perfect, self-sacrificial humility of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")

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

Jeremiah 26:18

Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed [like] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.

Jeremiah 26:19

Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.

2 Chronicles 33:12

And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

2 Chronicles 34:27

Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard [thee] also, saith the LORD.

2 Chronicles 34:28

Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Isaiah 39:6

Behold, the days come, that all that [is] in thine house, and [that] which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.