2 Chronicles 32:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit {H3651} in the business of the ambassadors {H3887} of the princes {H8269} of Babylon {H894}, who sent {H7971} unto him to enquire {H1875} of the wonder {H4159} that was done in the land {H776}, God {H430} left {H5800} him, to try {H5254} him, that he might know {H3045} all that was in his heart {H3824}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, in the matter of the ambassadors from the princes of Bavel, who sent to him to learn of the marvel that had taken place in the land, God left him by himself, in order to test him, so that he might know everything that was in his heart.

Berean Standard Bible

And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart.

American Standard Version

Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following a period of unprecedented divine intervention and blessing, 2 Chronicles 32:31 reveals a critical moment in King Hezekiah's reign when God intentionally withdrew His immediate, guiding presence. This withdrawal occurred during the visit of Babylonian ambassadors, who came to inquire about the miraculous sign of the sundial. God's purpose in "leaving" Hezekiah was not to gain new information, but to test him, exposing the true condition of his heart—specifically, his vulnerability to pride and self-reliance—after experiencing such profound prosperity and deliverance. This divine test aimed to reveal Hezekiah's inner disposition to himself, prompting humility and demonstrating the ever-present human struggle with pride, even in the most devout.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial theological commentary on the preceding narrative in 2 Chronicles 32. Chapters 29-31 detail Hezekiah's righteous reforms, his restoration of temple worship, and the celebration of Passover. Chapter 32 then recounts the Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib, God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem in response to Hezekiah's prayer, and Hezekiah's subsequent miraculous recovery from a fatal illness, marked by the sign of the sundial. Verses 27-30 describe Hezekiah's immense wealth and fame as a result of God's blessings. Verse 31, however, pivots sharply, introducing a moment of divine testing that reveals a flaw in Hezekiah's character despite his earlier piety and God's favor. It sets the stage for the brief mention of his subsequent humbling in [2 Chronicles 32:26](/2_chronicles/32-26 "2 Chronicles 32:26 - Hezekiah's Humbling") and foreshadows the future Babylonian captivity, as detailed in parallel accounts like [2 Kings 20:12-19](/2_kings/20-12-19 "2 Kings 20:12-19 - Hezekiah Shows His Treasures") and [Isaiah 39](/isaiah/39 "Isaiah 39 - Hezekiah Shows His Treasures to Babylon").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "wonder that was done in the land" refers primarily to the miraculous sign of the sundial moving backward by ten degrees, a unique event associated with Hezekiah's healing (recounted in [2 Kings 20:8-11](/2_kings/20-8-11 "2 Kings 20:8-11 - The Sign of the Sundial") and [Isaiah 38:7-8](/isaiah/38-7-8 "Isaiah 38:7-8 - The Sign of the Sundial")). Such an astronomical anomaly would have been a matter of profound interest and even awe in the ancient world, where celestial phenomena were often interpreted as divine signs. Babylon, a rising power at this time, was known for its advancements in astronomy and its interest in omens. Sending ambassadors to inquire about this "wonder" was a diplomatic gesture, possibly aimed at establishing alliances, gathering intelligence, or simply satisfying scientific curiosity. For Hezekiah, receiving envoys from a powerful foreign kingdom was a moment of significant international recognition, following his miraculous deliverance from Assyria, which had demonstrated Judah's God-given strength.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine testing**, revealing that God permits trials not to learn something new about His servants (for He already knows the heart, as seen in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart") and [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")), but to expose their true spiritual condition to themselves and to others. Secondly, it underscores the persistent danger of **human pride**, especially in the wake of great success or divine blessing. Hezekiah, despite his earlier humility (as indicated in [2 Chronicles 32:26](/2_chronicles/32-26 "2 Chronicles 32:26 - Hezekiah's Humbling")), succumbed to the temptation to boast in his own achievements and possessions rather than magnifying God. This illustrates the biblical principle that prosperity can be as much a test as adversity. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **consequences of disobedience**, as Hezekiah's failure in this test sets the stage for Isaiah's prophecy of future Babylonian exile, connecting his personal failing to national judgment, as elaborated in [Isaiah 39:6-7](/isaiah/39-6-7 "Isaiah 39:6-7 - Isaiah's Prophecy to Hezekiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Left (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This primitive root signifies "to loosen," "relinquish," or "forsake." In this context, it describes God's deliberate and purposeful withdrawal of His immediate, guiding hand or special protection from Hezekiah. It does not imply abandonment or rejection, but rather a strategic stepping back, allowing Hezekiah to act independently and thereby reveal his true inner disposition. This divine "leaving" is a calculated act, serving as a form of testing designed to expose what lies beneath the surface of apparent piety.
* **Try (Hebrew, _nâçâh'_):** This primitive root means "to test," "to prove," or "to put to the test." It is frequently used in Scripture to describe God's testing of His people, not to gain new information, but to reveal their faithfulness, expose their weaknesses, or refine their character (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God Tests Israel")). Here, the test is explicitly stated as being "that he might know all that was in his heart," indicating that the primary purpose was for Hezekiah himself to gain self-knowledge, particularly concerning his hidden pride.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** In biblical anthropology, the "heart" refers to the totality of one's inner being—encompassing the mind, will, intellect, emotions, and moral character. It is the seat of one's deepest motivations and true disposition. To know "all that was in his heart" means to understand his core identity, his true allegiance, and his underlying spiritual condition. God's test was designed to bring Hezekiah's true spiritual state—his vulnerability to pride and self-reliance—to the forefront, for his own awareness and for the instruction of future generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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":** This clause precisely identifies the specific occasion that served as the catalyst for Hezekiah's test. It highlights the diplomatic mission of envoys from Babylon, a burgeoning world power, whose purpose was to investigate the extraordinary "wonder"—the miraculous reversal of the sundial's shadow, a sign directly linked to Hezekiah's healing. This visit represented a moment of significant international recognition and potential political alliance, placing Hezekiah in a position of prominence and profound temptation.
* **"God left him, to try him":** This is the pivotal theological statement of the verse, revealing God's active and sovereign involvement. God did not merely permit the test; He deliberately "left" Hezekiah, withdrawing His direct intervention or special guidance. This withdrawal created the precise conditions for Hezekiah's true character to manifest. The explicit purpose of this divine "leaving" was "to try him," to put his faith, humility, and dependence on God to the ultimate test, not for God's benefit, but for Hezekiah's.
* **"that he might know all [that was] in his heart":** This final phrase clarifies the ultimate, pedagogical purpose of the divine test. The "he" refers to Hezekiah. God's intention was for Hezekiah himself to become fully cognizant of his own inner spiritual state—his weaknesses, his tendencies toward pride, and his areas of incomplete reliance on God. It was a moment of profound self-revelation, designed to humble him and lead him to repentance, as indeed [2 Chronicles 32:26](/2_chronicles/32-26 "2 Chronicles 32:26 - Hezekiah's Humbling") indicates that he did.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its theological impact. The primary device is **Divine Testing**, where God orchestrates circumstances to reveal the true character of an individual, not to gain new information, but for the benefit and spiritual growth of the tested party. This is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, exemplified in figures like Abraham ([Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "Genesis 22:1 - God Tests Abraham")) and Job ([Job 1:6-12](/job/1-6-12 "Job 1:6-12 - Satan Tests Job")). The phrase "God left him" functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the negative outcome of the test (Hezekiah's prideful display of treasures) and the subsequent prophetic judgment delivered by Isaiah concerning the future Babylonian exile. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present: Hezekiah, who had just experienced profound divine deliverance and miraculous healing, is tested precisely at the peak of his fame and prosperity, demonstrating that success and blessing can often pose a greater spiritual challenge than adversity. The concluding phrase "that he might know all that was in his heart" highlights **Self-Revelation** as the ultimate goal of the divine action, underscoring that God's tests are fundamentally designed for our spiritual growth and self-awareness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that God, in His sovereignty, permits and even orchestrates circumstances to reveal the true condition of the human heart. It underscores that divine testing is not about God gaining new information, but about providing an opportunity for self-awareness, humility, and deeper dependence on Him. Hezekiah's failure in this specific test, displaying his treasures rather than testifying to God's glory, highlights the pervasive danger of pride, especially in the aftermath of great blessings. This incident serves as a timeless warning that even the most devout can stumble when success and recognition lead to self-exaltation rather than continued reliance on the Lord. It teaches us that God's ultimate desire is for a heart fully devoted to Him, purged of self-sufficiency and boasting.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God Tests Israel in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 139:23-24](/psalms/139-23-24 "Psalm 139:23-24 - Search Me, O God")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Hezekiah's test serves as a potent mirror for every believer. It reminds us that spiritual vulnerability is often highest not in times of adversity, but in moments of great blessing, success, or public recognition. When God has blessed us abundantly, delivered us from trials, or granted us prominence, the subtle temptation to take credit, to boast in our achievements, or to rely on our own resources can easily creep into our hearts. Hezekiah's lapse teaches us the critical importance of maintaining a posture of profound humility and gratitude, always redirecting glory back to God for every good gift and every victory. God's tests, like the one Hezekiah faced, are not punitive but pedagogical; they are designed to expose our hidden idols and areas of self-reliance, prompting us to repent, to humble ourselves, and to deepen our absolute dependence on Him. This verse challenges us to ask ourselves: What is truly in my heart when no one is watching, or when everyone is watching and praising? Am I quick to boast in my own accomplishments, or to magnify the Lord who enables all things?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, especially after successes or blessings, do I find myself most vulnerable to pride or self-reliance?**
* **How can I proactively cultivate a heart of humility and ensure that all glory for my achievements is directed to God?**
* **What hidden motives or desires might God be seeking to reveal in my heart through current challenges or opportunities?**
* **How does Hezekiah's experience encourage me to embrace moments of testing as opportunities for deeper self-knowledge and spiritual growth?**

### FAQ
**Why did God "leave" Hezekiah if He already knew his heart?**

Answer: God's "leaving" Hezekiah was not an act of abandonment due to a lack of knowledge on God's part. As an omniscient God, He already knew "all that was in his heart" (see [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart") and [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")). Rather, God's purpose in "leaving him, to try him" was pedagogical and revelatory. It was for Hezekiah himself to "know all that was in his heart"—to become painfully aware of his own susceptibility to pride and self-exaltation, especially after experiencing such profound divine blessing and deliverance. This test served to expose Hezekiah's true spiritual state, not only to himself but also to others, demonstrating that even a righteous king could falter. Such divine tests are often designed to humble us, deepen our dependence on God, and refine our character (as seen in [Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2-3 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - God's Purpose in the Wilderness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's failure in this test, revealing the pride lurking in his heart even after experiencing God's miraculous power, starkly highlights the pervasive fallenness of human nature and our desperate need for a perfect King. Unlike Hezekiah, who succumbed to the temptation to boast in his earthly treasures, Jesus Christ, our ultimate King, faced every conceivable temptation yet remained utterly without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). When tempted by Satan to display His power and glory, Jesus consistently refused to seek self-exaltation, choosing instead to glorify the Father ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")). He did not display earthly riches but offered Himself as the ultimate treasure. Where Hezekiah's heart was revealed to be prone to pride, Christ's heart was perfectly humble and obedient, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation")). The "wonder" of God's power in Hezekiah's time pointed forward to the ultimate "wonder" of the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ, through whom God's glory is fully revealed and humanity's deepest need for a Savior is met. In Christ, we find not a king whose heart is tested and found wanting, but a Lord whose perfect obedience and humility provide the righteousness we lack and the pathway to true, God-centered glory ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")).

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

Deuteronomy 8:2

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

2 Chronicles 32:24

¶ In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.

Proverbs 17:3

¶ The fining pot [is] for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

Genesis 22:1

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Zechariah 13:9

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

Deuteronomy 8:16

Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;