2 Chronicles 32:31

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:31 (KJV)

This verse provides a crucial insight into the spiritual state of King Hezekiah, following a period of immense divine blessing and deliverance. It highlights a pivotal moment when God allowed Hezekiah to be tested, revealing the true condition of his heart.

Context

King Hezekiah had just experienced an extraordinary series of events: a miraculous recovery from a terminal illness, accompanied by the sign of the sundial moving backward (2 Kings 20:11; Isaiah 38:8), and God's powerful deliverance of Jerusalem from the mighty Assyrian army under Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:21). As a result of these miracles and God's favor, Hezekiah had become exceedingly wealthy and famous (2 Chronicles 32:27-30). It was in this context of widespread recognition and personal triumph that ambassadors from Babylon arrived. They came to inquire about the "wonder that was done in the land," likely referring to the miraculous sign of the sundial, which would have been a matter of great scientific and religious curiosity in the ancient world.

Key Themes

  • Divine Testing (Nasah): The phrase "God left him, to try him" reveals that God deliberately withdrew His immediate, guiding presence. The Hebrew word for "try" (nasah) means to test, prove, or tempt. This was not to gain new information for God, who already knows the heart of every individual (Jeremiah 17:10), but to expose Hezekiah's inner disposition to himself and to others. It was a test of his humility and dependence on God after receiving such profound blessings.
  • Human Frailty and Pride: Despite his earlier piety and humility (2 Chronicles 32:26), Hezekiah's response to the Babylonian envoys demonstrated a lapse. Instead of glorifying God for the wonders, he proudly displayed his vast treasures (2 Kings 20:13; Isaiah 39:2). This act of showing off his kingdom's riches, rather than emphasizing God's power, revealed a heart prone to pride and self-exaltation.
  • The Purpose of Trials: God's allowing Hezekiah to be "left" and "tried" served a crucial purpose: "that he might know all that was in his heart." This trial was designed to bring Hezekiah's hidden pride and lack of complete reliance on God to the surface, prompting him to humble himself once more (2 Chronicles 32:26). It also set the stage for Isaiah's prophetic warning about future Babylonian captivity (Isaiah 39:6-7).

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that prosperity and success can be as challenging to navigate spiritually as adversity.

  • Humility in Success: After significant blessings or achievements, it is crucial to remain humble and attribute all glory to God, rather than taking credit or showing off. Our hearts are most vulnerable to pride when we feel most accomplished.
  • God's Perfect Knowledge: God already knows our hearts, but He allows circumstances to test us so that we might see our own weaknesses and areas needing growth. These tests are opportunities for self-reflection and deeper dependence on Him.
  • Beware of Boasting: Hezekiah's mistake was in displaying his earthly treasures rather than sharing the wonders of God. We should be careful not to boast in our possessions or accomplishments, but rather in the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
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 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

  • 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;
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