2 Chronicles 32:27

2 Chronicles 32:27 describes the immense prosperity and honor bestowed upon King Hezekiah of Judah, detailing the extensive efforts he made to store his vast wealth. This verse highlights not only the abundance of his riches but also his meticulous administration in managing these divine blessings.

Context

This verse comes towards the end of Hezekiah's reign, a period marked by significant spiritual reform and miraculous deliverance. Earlier in 2 Chronicles 32, we read of the formidable Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib, who besieged Jerusalem. Despite overwhelming odds, Hezekiah demonstrated profound faith, praying to God and encouraging his people to trust in the Lord (2 Chronicles 32:8). God miraculously intervened, destroying the Assyrian army (2 Chronicles 32:21) and bringing great peace and honor to Hezekiah. The riches and honor mentioned in verse 27 are a direct result of this divine favor and God's blessing upon his faithful servant. This period of prosperity followed a time of national crisis, underscoring God's ability to bless abundantly after faithfulness.

Key Themes

• Divine Blessing and Prosperity: Hezekiah's "exceeding much riches and honour" are presented as a clear sign of God's favor and blessing upon him, particularly after his unwavering trust during the Assyrian threat. This illustrates a biblical principle where God often blesses those who walk in obedience and faith.
• Diligent Stewardship: The verse emphasizes Hezekiah's active role in managing his wealth: "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." This indicates not only the acquisition of wealth but also a systematic approach to its storage and administration, reflecting good governance and responsibility.
• Variety of Wealth: The detailed list of items—silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and jewels—showcases the diverse nature and immense scale of Hezekiah's treasury. "Shields" here likely refers to valuable ceremonial shields, possibly plated with precious metals, rather than ordinary battle equipment, signifying both wealth and military prestige.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "exceeding much riches" translates the Hebrew me'od me'od (מְאֹד מְאֹד), which literally means "very very" or "exceedingly exceedingly," emphasizing an intense degree of abundance. This highlights the unparalleled scale of wealth and honor Hezekiah received. The term "pleasant jewels" (Hebrew: keli chemdah) refers to desirable or precious articles, including beautiful vessels or valuable ornaments, underscoring the artistic and intrinsic value of his possessions.

Practical Application

Hezekiah's story in 2 Chronicles 32:27 offers several timeless lessons:

• God Blesses Faithfulness: Just as God blessed Hezekiah for his trust and obedience, the passage reminds us that God honors those who honor Him. While not every act of faithfulness results in material wealth, God promises to meet the needs of His people and often blesses them in ways that reflect His goodness (Proverbs 10:22).
• Stewardship of Resources: Hezekiah didn't merely accumulate wealth; he organized it. This teaches us the importance of wise stewardship over the resources God entrusts to us, whether they are financial, relational, or spiritual.
• Prosperity for a Purpose: While the verse focuses on Hezekiah's personal wealth, his prosperity also enabled him to contribute significantly to the temple and to strengthen Judah, demonstrating that blessings can be used for God's glory and the good of His kingdom, as seen in 2 Chronicles 32:29.