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2 Chronicles 32:3

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He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which [were] without the city: and they did help him.

He took counsel {H3289} with his princes {H8269} and his mighty men {H1368} to stop {H5640} the waters {H4325} of the fountains {H5869} which were without {H2351} the city {H5892}: and they did help {H5826} him.

he consulted his leading men and military advisers about sealing off the water in the springs outside the city. After gaining their support,

he consulted with his leaders and commanders about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out.

he took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city; and they helped him.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 32:3 details a crucial defensive measure taken by King Hezekiah of Judah in anticipation of the Assyrian invasion. This verse highlights his strategic foresight and collaborative leadership during a time of immense national threat.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invading Judah and besieging its fortified cities. King Hezekiah, recognizing the imminent danger to Jerusalem, took proactive steps to prepare the capital for a prolonged siege. His actions here demonstrate a practical and wise response to external aggression, complementing his spiritual leadership.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Preparedness: Hezekiah’s decision to cut off external water sources shows remarkable foresight. By denying water to the invading Assyrian army while securing it for his own city, he aimed to weaken the enemy and strengthen Jerusalem’s resilience.
  • Collaborative Leadership: The phrase "took counsel with his princes and his mighty men" emphasizes Hezekiah's wise leadership style. He did not act alone but sought the input and cooperation of his key advisors and military leaders, fostering unity and shared responsibility in the face of crisis. This collaborative effort was vital for the successful execution of such a large-scale project.
  • Resource Management in Crisis: The verse underscores the critical importance of water as a strategic resource during ancient warfare, particularly in sieges. Protecting the city's water supply and denying it to the enemy was a matter of survival. This action is part of Hezekiah's broader efforts to fortify Jerusalem's defenses.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "took counsel," ya'ats (יָעַץ), implies a deliberate act of consultation and strategic planning. It suggests that Hezekiah's decision was not impulsive but well-considered, involving expert advice. The word for "stop," satham (סָתַם), means to stop up, close, or block, indicating a complete and effective sealing off of the water sources outside the city walls.

Related Scriptures

This act of stopping external water sources was a critical component of Hezekiah's broader engineering project, designed to divert the Gihon Spring's waters into Jerusalem via a famous conduit (Hezekiah's Tunnel), ensuring the city's survival during the siege. This human ingenuity and diligent preparation are presented alongside Hezekiah's profound trust in the Lord for deliverance, demonstrating a biblical balance between human effort and divine reliance.

Practical Application

For believers today, Hezekiah's actions in 2 Chronicles 32:3 offer several lessons:

  • Wise Planning: It teaches the importance of proactive and intelligent planning in facing challenges, whether personal, communal, or spiritual.
  • Collaboration: It highlights the value of seeking counsel and working together with others, recognizing that collective wisdom often leads to better outcomes.
  • Stewardship: It reminds us to be good stewards of resources and to protect what is vital, even as we place our ultimate trust in God's provision and protection.

This verse underscores that while faith in God is paramount, it does not negate the need for practical wisdom, strategic action, and diligent preparation.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 20:18 (3 votes)

    ¶ [Every] purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

  • Proverbs 15:22 (3 votes)

    ¶ Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

  • Proverbs 24:6 (3 votes)

    For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors [there is] safety.

  • Isaiah 22:8 (2 votes)

    ¶ And he discovered the covering of Judah, and thou didst look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest.

  • Isaiah 22:11 (2 votes)

    Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:2 (2 votes)

    For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.

  • Isaiah 40:13 (2 votes)

    Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or [being] his counsellor hath taught him?