2 Chronicles 32:4

KJV

So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?

KJV (with Strong's)

So there was gathered {H6908} much {H7227} people {H5971} together {H6908}, who stopped {H5640} all the fountains {H4599}, and the brook {H5158} that ran {H7857} through the midst {H8432} of the land {H776}, saying {H559}, Why should the kings {H4428} of Assyria {H804} come {H935}, and find {H4672} much {H7227} water {H4325}?

Complete Jewish Bible

a large crowd was gathered to block all the springs and the stream flowing through the countryside. They reasoned, "Why should the kings of Ashur come and find an ample supply of water?"

Berean Standard Bible

Many people assembled and stopped up all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?” they said.

American Standard Version

So there was gathered much people together, and they stopped all the fountains, and the brook that flowed through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 32:4 vividly describes King Hezekiah's pragmatic and decisive defensive strategy in anticipation of the Assyrian invasion led by Sennacherib. Recognizing the critical importance of water for a large invading army, Hezekiah rallied the people of Judah to collectively stop up all accessible springs and streams outside Jerusalem. This strategic act aimed to deprive the Assyrian forces of vital water resources, thereby weakening their siege capabilities and safeguarding Jerusalem's own supply, demonstrating a blend of human foresight and unified action in the face of imminent threat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in the account of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah, immediately following the Assyrian king's initial advances and capture of fortified cities (cf. [2 Chronicles 32:1-3](/2_chronicles/32-1 "2 Chronicles 32:1-3 - Sennacherib's Invasion Begins")). It details Hezekiah's immediate and practical response to this impending danger, setting the stage for the dramatic siege of Jerusalem and the subsequent divine deliverance. The actions described here, particularly the stopping of water sources, are closely linked to Hezekiah's broader efforts to fortify Jerusalem, including the construction of the famous Siloam Tunnel to bring water inside the city walls, as mentioned later in [2 Chronicles 32:30](/2_chronicles/32-30 "2 Chronicles 32:30 - Hezekiah's Waterworks"). This verse underscores the human element of preparation before the narrative shifts to emphasize God's ultimate intervention and the miraculous defeat of the Assyrians.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 32 are set around 701 BC, during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, a period dominated by the formidable Assyrian Empire. Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, launched a major military campaign against Judah, aiming to subjugate the kingdom and its capital, Jerusalem. In ancient warfare, control over water resources was paramount, especially for large armies undertaking prolonged sieges. Besiegers relied on local water supplies, while besieged cities depended on secure internal sources. Jerusalem, though naturally fortified, had its primary spring, the Gihon, located outside the city walls. Hezekiah's action to "stop all the fountains, and the brook" (likely referring to the Gihon Spring and its overflow into the Kidron Valley) was a standard and highly effective military tactic to create a "scorched earth" policy for the enemy, denying them sustenance and weakening their forces.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 32:4 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Prudent Preparation and Human Responsibility**. Hezekiah, despite his deep faith, did not passively await divine intervention but actively engaged in strategic defense, demonstrating that faith does not negate the need for practical wisdom and effort (cf. [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Preparation and Victory")). Secondly, the verse underscores **Strategic Defense and Military Wisdom**, showcasing an ingenious and vital tactic in ancient siege warfare. Thirdly, the phrase "much people together" emphasizes **Unified Effort and Community Action**, illustrating the importance of collective cooperation under strong leadership in times of crisis. These themes collectively reinforce the Chronicler's broader message that while God is sovereign and ultimately delivers, human obedience, diligence, and unity play a crucial role in the unfolding of His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stopped (Hebrew, _sāṯam'_):** This verb (סָתַם) means "to stop up," "to close," "to block," or "to conceal." It conveys a sense of thoroughness and decisiveness. The action was not merely to impede but to completely obstruct, ensuring that the water sources were rendered inaccessible or diverted away from the enemy. This deliberate act of concealment was crucial for the success of the defensive strategy.
* **Fountains (Hebrew, _ma‘yānōṯ'_):** The plural form (מַעְיָנוֹת) refers to natural springs or wellsprings. This indicates that Hezekiah's efforts were comprehensive, targeting all known natural water outlets in the vicinity of Jerusalem that could potentially supply the Assyrian army. The primary "fountain" in question would have been the Gihon Spring, Jerusalem's main water source, which was subsequently diverted into the city via the Siloam Tunnel.
* **Brook (Hebrew, _naḥal'_):** The term (נַחַל) typically refers to a wadi or a seasonal stream bed, but in this context, it likely refers to the overflow or outflow of the Gihon Spring that ran through the Kidron Valley. By stopping both the springs and the brook, Hezekiah ensured that any surface water or easily accessible flowing water was also denied to the invaders, making the surrounding area barren for a large army.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So there was gathered much people together":** This phrase highlights the collective and unified effort of the people of Judah under Hezekiah's leadership. It was not a solitary act by the king but a massive communal undertaking, demonstrating the people's obedience, shared purpose, and commitment to the defense of their city. This unity was essential for the scale of the task.
* **"who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land":** This describes the specific, strategic action taken. "Stopping" involved either blocking the flow, diverting it, or covering the sources to make them unusable or undetectable to the enemy. "The midst of the land" refers to the area immediately surrounding Jerusalem, emphasizing that the defense encompassed the vital resources of the immediate region, particularly the Gihon Spring and its associated watercourses in the Kidron Valley.
* **"saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?":** This clause reveals the clear and logical rationale behind the drastic measure. It was a proactive and intelligent military tactic designed to create an inhospitable environment for the vast Assyrian army. By depriving them of water, Hezekiah aimed to weaken their forces, disrupt their siege, and potentially force their retreat, thereby protecting Jerusalem from a prolonged and devastating siege.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 32:4 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Practical Wisdom**, as the verse describes a highly intelligent and pragmatic military strategy. Hezekiah's actions are presented as a model of foresight and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this preparation sets the stage for the intense siege that follows, implicitly highlighting the crucial role of water in the upcoming conflict and the eventual divine intervention. The act of denying water to the enemy can also be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, where water, typically a source of life and sustenance, is strategically withheld to bring about the enemy's potential demise, turning a life-giving element into a weapon of defense. Furthermore, the collective action of "much people together" emphasizes **Unity** and **Communal Effort**, which is a recurring theme in Chronicles, portraying a nation working together under godly leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that while God is sovereign and ultimately delivers His people, He also expects and often works through human diligence, wisdom, and preparation. Hezekiah's actions are not presented as a lack of faith, but rather as a faithful steward's responsible use of the resources and intellect God provides. This strategic move, born of practical wisdom, demonstrates a proactive trust in God that is expressed through human effort. It teaches that faith is not passive resignation but active engagement, using all available means to honor God and protect His people, understanding that the ultimate outcome rests with Him. This balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a consistent theological thread throughout Scripture.

* [2 Chronicles 32:7-8](/2_chronicles/32-7 "2 Chronicles 32:7-8 - Hezekiah's Encouragement to Trust God")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Preparation and Victory")
* [Nehemiah 4:9](/nehemiah/4-9 "Nehemiah 4:9 - Prayer and Watchfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 32:4 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that our faith in God's ultimate deliverance does not negate the need for diligent human effort and wise preparation. Just as Hezekiah and the people of Judah strategically prepared for a physical threat, we are called to exercise prudence, foresight, and resourcefulness in facing the challenges of life, whether they are spiritual, relational, professional, or personal. This involves careful planning, proactive measures, and a willingness to work together in unity, harnessing the collective wisdom and strength of our communities. It's a call to be good stewards of the gifts and opportunities God has given us, recognizing that our practical efforts are not a substitute for faith, but rather an expression of it—faith put into action. We are to pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on us, trusting that God will bless and direct our diligent efforts for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you balance trusting in God's provision with taking practical steps and making wise preparations in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry might God be calling you to exercise greater strategic wisdom and foresight, like Hezekiah?**
* **How can we foster greater unity and collective effort within our families, churches, or communities when facing significant challenges or threats?**

### FAQ

**Was this act of stopping water sources ethical in ancient warfare?**

Answer: Yes, within the context of ancient warfare, denying an enemy access to vital resources like water was a standard and accepted military tactic. It was considered a legitimate defensive measure aimed at weakening the besieging army and protecting one's own city and people. Hezekiah's action was not an act of wanton destruction or aggression, but a strategic act of self-preservation in the face of a powerful invading force. It was a common practice to make the land inhospitable to an enemy army to force their retreat or surrender, thereby minimizing casualties on one's own side.

**How effective was this strategy in contributing to Jerusalem's defense?**

Answer: This strategy was highly effective and played a crucial role in Jerusalem's defense. By depriving the vast Assyrian army of readily available water, Hezekiah created a significant logistical challenge for Sennacherib. Combined with the successful diversion of the Gihon Spring's water into the city via the Siloam Tunnel (cf. [2 Kings 20:20](/2_kings/20-20 "2 Kings 20:20 - Hezekiah's Conduit") and [2 Chronicles 32:30](/2_chronicles/32-30 "2 Chronicles 32:30 - Hezekiah's Waterworks")), Jerusalem's water supply was secured, while the besiegers faced dehydration. While the ultimate deliverance of Jerusalem was a miraculous act of God (cf. [2 Chronicles 32:21-22](/2_chronicles/32-21 "2 Chronicles 32:21-22 - Angel of the LORD Destroys Assyrians")), Hezekiah's prudent preparations significantly contributed to the city's ability to withstand the siege and provided the context for God's intervention. The Assyrian records themselves attest to Sennacherib besieging Hezekiah but not conquering Jerusalem, indirectly confirming the effectiveness of Judah's defense.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's strategic act of securing water for Jerusalem while denying it to the enemy finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Just as Hezekiah ensured the physical survival of his people by providing and protecting their access to life-sustaining water, Christ offers Himself as the ultimate source of spiritual "living water" that eternally sustains His people. In a world besieged by sin and spiritual death, Jesus declares, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" ([John 7:37](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' Invitation to Drink")). He is the "spring of the water of life" ([Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - The Spring of the Water of Life")) that eternally quenches the deepest spiritual thirst, a stark contrast to the fleeting satisfaction offered by the world. While Hezekiah's actions were a defensive measure against a physical foe, Christ's work is an offensive victory over spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—providing an inexhaustible supply of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life to all who believe. He, the true Lamb of God, is the one who leads us to "springs of living water" ([Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Leads to Living Water")), ensuring our eternal sustenance and security in Him.

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 32:30

This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.

2 Kings 20:20

And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Isaiah 10:8

For he saith, [Are] not my princes altogether kings?

1 Kings 3:9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

2 Kings 18:9

¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which [was] the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.

2 Kings 19:17

Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,

1 Kings 3:16

¶ Then came there two women, [that were] harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.