2 Chronicles 32:27

KJV

And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hezekiah {H3169} had exceeding {H3966} much {H7235} riches {H6239} and honour {H3519}: and he made {H6213} himself treasuries {H214} for silver {H3701}, and for gold {H2091}, and for precious {H3368} stones {H68}, and for spices {H1314}, and for shields {H4043}, and for all manner of pleasant {H2532} jewels {H3627};

Complete Jewish Bible

Hizkiyahu had vast riches and great honor. He provided himself with storage places for silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields and all kinds of valuable articles;

Berean Standard Bible

Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles.

American Standard Version

And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honor: and he provided him treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of goodly vessels;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 32:27 vividly portrays the extraordinary prosperity and esteemed reputation of King Hezekiah of Judah, detailing the comprehensive measures he undertook to organize and secure his immense wealth. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the divine favor bestowed upon a faithful monarch, highlighting not only the sheer abundance of his material blessings but also his diligent and systematic administration of these gifts, reflecting both God's provision and Hezekiah's responsible stewardship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter part of King Hezekiah’s reign, immediately following the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the formidable Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib. The preceding narrative in [2 Chronicles 32](/2_chronicles/32 "2 Chronicles 32 - Hezekiah's Faith and Sennacherib's Defeat") emphasizes Hezekiah's unwavering faith and prayer in the face of overwhelming odds (as seen in [2 Chronicles 32:20](/2_chronicles/32-20 "2 Chronicles 32:20 - Hezekiah and Isaiah Pray")), and God's dramatic intervention, which resulted in the destruction of the Assyrian army (recounted in [2 Chronicles 32:21](/2_chronicles/32-21 "2 Chronicles 32:21 - The Angel of the Lord Destroys the Assyrians")). Verse 27, therefore, presents the "riches and honour" as a direct consequence and tangible manifestation of God's blessing upon Hezekiah for his faithfulness and trust. It underscores a central theme of the Chronicler: that obedience and reliance on God lead to prosperity and security, while disobedience brings judgment. This prosperity is not merely an accumulation of wealth but a divine reward that solidifies Hezekiah's position and the stability of Judah after a period of profound national crisis.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715-686 BC, a tumultuous period dominated by the rising power of the Assyrian Empire. His reign was marked by significant religious reforms, including the cleansing of the Temple and the restoration of Passover, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 29-31](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29-31 - Hezekiah's Reforms"). The Assyrian siege of Jerusalem (701 BC) was a pivotal event, where the survival of Judah hung precariously. In the ancient Near East, a king's wealth and honor were direct indicators of his power, divine favor, and the prosperity of his kingdom. Royal treasuries were not merely personal coffers but repositories for national wealth, tribute, and valuable resources, essential for maintaining the state, funding public works, and sustaining the royal court. The detailed list of items—silver, gold, precious stones, spices, and valuable shields—reflects the diverse forms of wealth and tribute that would have flowed into a successful monarch's treasury, signifying not only economic prosperity but also geopolitical influence and military prestige.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Blessing and Prosperity**, showcasing how God generously rewards faithfulness, particularly after a demonstration of profound trust during crisis. Hezekiah's "exceeding much riches and honour" are presented as a direct result of God's miraculous intervention and his unwavering devotion, echoing the principle that "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and he adds no sorrow with it" ([Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord")). Secondly, it underscores **Diligent Stewardship and Wise Administration**. Hezekiah did not merely receive wealth; he actively "made himself treasuries" and meticulously organized his vast resources. This demonstrates responsible governance and a systematic approach to managing God-given blessings, serving as an example of prudent leadership. Finally, the verse subtly points to the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Provision**, demonstrating His ability to elevate and provide for His chosen instruments, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, thereby ensuring the continuity of His covenant purposes through the Davidic line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exceeding much (Hebrew, מְאֹד מְאֹד, _me'od me'od_):** This is an emphatic repetition of the Hebrew adverb meaning "very" or "greatly." Its doubling signifies an unparalleled degree or intensity. In this context, it emphasizes the truly extraordinary and immense nature of Hezekiah's riches and honor, suggesting a level of prosperity that was exceptional even for a king, underscoring the magnitude of God's blessing upon him.
* **Pleasant jewels (Hebrew, כְּלִי חֶמְדָּה, _keli chemdah_):** The term _keli_ refers to "vessel," "utensil," or "article," while _chemdah_ means "desirable," "precious," or "delightful." Together, _keli chemdah_ denotes highly valuable, desirable, or exquisite articles, often implying items of artistic craftsmanship or intrinsic worth, such as precious ornaments, valuable artifacts, or beautiful vessels. This phrase indicates that Hezekiah's treasury contained not just raw materials like silver and gold, but also finished goods of significant aesthetic and material value, further highlighting the opulence of his possessions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour:"** This opening clause establishes the central assertion of the verse: Hezekiah's unparalleled prosperity and high regard. The "riches" (עֹשֶׁר, _'osher_) encompass material wealth, while "honour" (כָּבוֹד, _kavod_) refers to glory, dignity, and reputation. The use of "exceeding much" (מְאֹד מְאֹד) emphasizes the divine source and extraordinary scale of this blessing, directly linking it to the preceding narrative of God's miraculous intervention on his behalf.
* **"and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices,"** This segment details Hezekiah's active and methodical approach to managing his wealth. The phrase "made himself treasuries" (אוֹצָרוֹת עָשָׂה לוֹ, _'otsarot 'asah lo_) implies construction and organization of storage facilities. The list of items—silver, gold, and precious stones—represents the most common forms of ancient wealth and tribute. "Spices" (בְּשָׂמִים, _besamim_) were highly valuable commodities, used for anointing, incense, medicine, and perfumes, often imported from distant lands, signifying trade and luxury. This enumeration underscores the vast and diverse nature of his accumulated treasures.
* **"and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;"** The final part of the list continues to illustrate the breadth of Hezekiah's possessions. "Shields" (שִׁלְטִים, _shiltim_) in this context likely refers to ceremonial or ornamental shields, possibly plated with gold or other precious metals, rather than functional battle equipment. Such shields would have been symbols of royal power, military prestige, and wealth, perhaps displayed in the royal palace or temple. "All manner of pleasant jewels" (כְּלִי חֶמְדָּה, _keli chemdah_) is a comprehensive category for all other desirable and valuable articles, including ornate vessels, ornaments, and other precious artifacts, further emphasizing the richness and variety of his royal treasury.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey Hezekiah's immense prosperity and the divine source of his blessings. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "exceeding much riches and honour," which uses an emphatic doubling of the Hebrew adverb to underscore the extraordinary and abundant nature of his wealth, suggesting a scale beyond typical royal possessions. This exaggeration serves to highlight God's lavish provision. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Enumeration** or **Cataloging** by providing a detailed list of the items stored in Hezekiah's treasuries: "silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels." This exhaustive list not only provides concrete examples of his wealth but also creates a sense of overwhelming abundance and variety, allowing the reader to visualize the vastness of his treasury. Finally, there is an underlying **Symbolism** present, where the material riches and honor bestowed upon Hezekiah symbolize divine favor and the tangible rewards of covenant faithfulness. His prosperity is not merely a secular achievement but a visible sign of God's blessing upon a righteous king and his kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The extraordinary wealth and honor bestowed upon Hezekiah, as described in 2 Chronicles 32:27, serve as a profound theological statement about God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reinforces the Deuteronomic principle that obedience and faithfulness to God lead to blessing and prosperity, while disobedience brings consequences. Hezekiah's diligent reforms, his trust in God during the Assyrian crisis, and his subsequent prosperity illustrate that God is not only a deliverer but also a generous provider who honors those who honor Him. This verse connects Hezekiah's personal wealth to the broader well-being of the nation, implying that a righteous king's blessings often extend to his people. It also underscores the importance of stewardship, as Hezekiah meticulously organized what God had given him, setting an example for managing resources with wisdom and intentionality.

* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "The Lord will open to you his good treasury")
* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "The Blessing of the Lord Makes Rich")
* [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "Solomon's Riches and Honor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's story in 2 Chronicles 32:27 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that God is the ultimate source of all blessings, whether material or spiritual. Hezekiah's riches were not merely a result of his own ingenuity but a direct consequence of divine favor following his profound faith and obedience during a national crisis. This encourages us to cultivate a posture of trust and faithfulness in our own lives, recognizing that God often blesses us in ways that exceed our expectations when we prioritize His kingdom. Secondly, the verse highlights the importance of diligent stewardship. Hezekiah didn't just accumulate wealth; he actively "made himself treasuries" and organized his resources. This calls us to be responsible managers of whatever God has entrusted to us—our finances, time, talents, relationships, and spiritual gifts. True prosperity, in a biblical sense, is not just about accumulation but about wise administration and using resources for God's glory and the good of others. Finally, Hezekiah's prosperity, while immense, was ultimately earthly and temporary. It prompts us to consider where our true treasures lie and to seek spiritual riches that endure beyond this life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hezekiah's response to God's blessing (by building treasuries) challenge or affirm your own approach to managing resources God has given you?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God as the source of all provision, even in times of scarcity or uncertainty?**
* **What does "honor" mean in a spiritual context today, and how might our faithfulness to God lead to true honor in His eyes?**

### FAQ
**Was Hezekiah's immense wealth a sign of God's unconditional approval of him?**

Answer: While Hezekiah's "exceeding much riches and honour" were indeed a direct result of God's favor and blessing, particularly after his unwavering faith during the Assyrian invasion (as seen in [2 Chronicles 32:21-23](/2_chronicles/32-21 "God's Deliverance of Jerusalem")), it's important to understand that biblical blessings are often conditional on obedience and faithfulness, not unconditional. The Chronicler frequently emphasizes the principle that God blesses those who walk in His ways. However, the text also notes Hezekiah's later pride and failure in showing the Babylonian envoys his treasures ([2 Chronicles 32:25-26](/2_chronicles/32-25 "Hezekiah's Pride and Humiliation")), indicating that even a blessed king could stumble. So, while the wealth was a sign of God's approval for his earlier faithfulness, it didn't mean Hezekiah was flawless or that the blessing was without responsibility.

**What is the significance of "shields" being listed among the treasures in Hezekiah's treasuries?**

Answer: The inclusion of "shields" (Hebrew: _shiltim_) in a list of precious items like silver, gold, and jewels suggests they were not ordinary military equipment. In ancient Near Eastern royal contexts, "shields" could refer to ceremonial or ornamental shields, often made of or plated with precious metals, particularly gold. For example, King Solomon had "three hundred shields of beaten gold" ([1 Kings 10:17](/1_kings/10-17 "Solomon's Golden Shields")) that were displayed in his palace. These would have been symbols of immense wealth, royal power, and military prestige, rather than items for active combat. Their presence in Hezekiah's treasury underscores the opulence of his possessions and the grandeur of his kingdom, reflecting both his material prosperity and his standing as a powerful monarch.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's earthly riches and honor, though extraordinary, ultimately point to the far greater and eternal spiritual riches and glory found in Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah received material wealth as a reward for his faithfulness and as a sign of God's blessing upon his kingdom, Christ embodies the ultimate "exceeding much riches and honour" not in earthly possessions, but in divine glory and spiritual abundance. As the true King, Jesus possesses "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge in Christ")) and, through His atoning work, bestows upon believers "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")). Hezekiah's deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and the forces of darkness, securing an eternal kingdom for His people. The honor given to Hezekiah pales in comparison to the supreme honor and exaltation of Christ, to whom "every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Hezekiah's story serves as a temporal, material shadow of the boundless, everlasting spiritual wealth and glory that believers inherit through their union with Christ, urging us to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")), where true and imperishable riches reside.

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 9:27

And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that [are] in the low plains in abundance.

1 Chronicles 27:25

And over the king's treasures [was] Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, [was] Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:

1 Chronicles 27:31

And over the flocks [was] Jaziz the Hagerite. All these [were] the rulers of the substance which [was] king David's.

Proverbs 10:22

¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

2 Chronicles 1:12

Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.