2 Chronicles 32:5

KJV

Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised [it] up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo [in] the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also he strengthened {H2388} himself, and built up {H1129} all the wall {H2346} that was broken {H6555}, and raised it up {H5927} to the towers {H4026}, and another {H312} wall {H2346} without {H2351}, and repaired {H2388} Millo {H4407} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}, and made {H6213} darts {H7973} and shields {H4043} in abundance {H7230}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, taking courage, he rebuilt all the broken sections of the wall, raised towers on it, built another wall outside that, strengthened the Millo in the City of David, and made a large quantity of spears and shields.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields.

American Standard Version

And he took courage, and built up all the wall that was broken down, and raised it up to the towers, and the other wall without, and strengthened Millo in the city of David, and made weapons and shields in abundance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Hezekiah, facing the imminent and formidable threat of the Assyrian invasion led by Sennacherib, demonstrated exemplary foresight and resolute leadership in fortifying Jerusalem. This verse meticulously details his comprehensive and diligent efforts to bolster the city's defenses, encompassing the repair of existing breaches in the wall, the enhancement of its height, the construction of an entirely new outer wall, the reinforcement of the ancient Millo, and the extensive manufacture of weaponry, specifically darts and shields. It powerfully illustrates a pivotal moment where human responsibility, strategic action, and meticulous preparation were diligently applied in anticipation of a divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 32:5 is situated immediately after the chronicler's concise declaration of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah and his initial success in capturing fortified cities (2 Chronicles 32:1). The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 32:2-4) provide insight into Hezekiah's immediate and strategic response: consulting with his officials, cutting off external water supplies, and diverting springs into the city to deny the Assyrians resources while securing them for Jerusalem. Therefore, verse 5 serves as a direct continuation of Hezekiah's multifaceted defensive strategy, shifting focus to the physical fortification of the city walls and the production of armaments. This sequential presentation underscores Hezekiah's comprehensive approach to the crisis, seamlessly integrating military strategy with civil engineering and logistical preparation, all preceding the climactic account of his fervent prayer and God's miraculous deliverance in [2 Chronicles 32:20-23](/2_chronicles/32-20-23 "2 Chronicles 32:20-23 - Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Miraculous Deliverance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This critical historical event transpired around 701 BC, a period profoundly shaped by the Neo-Assyrian Empire's aggressive expansionist policies under Sennacherib. His campaign against Judah was part of a broader imperial strategy to reassert Assyrian hegemony over the Levant, with Jerusalem, as the capital of Judah, representing a significant strategic target. The "City of David" refers to the oldest, original settlement core of Jerusalem, established by King David. "Millo" (מִלּוֹא, H4407), mentioned also in [2 Samuel 5:9](/2_samuel/5-9 "2 Samuel 5:9 - David Builds Up Millo") and [1 Kings 9:15](/1_kings/9-15 "1 Kings 9:15 - Solomon Builds Millo"), was a crucial defensive structure, likely a terraced fill or a fortified platform connecting the ancient city to the Ophel and potentially the Temple Mount, vital for the city's overall integrity. The construction of "another wall without" exemplifies a common and effective siege defense tactic of the era, creating multiple layers of fortification to impede, exhaust, and break up an attacking force, showcasing Hezekiah's sophisticated understanding of contemporary siege warfare.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Chronicles and particularly prominent during Hezekiah's reign. Firstly, **Diligent Preparedness** is paramount; Hezekiah's actions unequivocally demonstrate that profound faith in God does not negate the imperative for human effort, strategic planning, and responsible action. His proactive measures, meticulously detailed in this verse, portray a leader fully engaged in his divinely appointed responsibilities. Secondly, **Comprehensive Defense** is highlighted through the multi-faceted nature of his fortifications—repairing existing structures, raising their height, adding new external walls, and thoroughly arming his populace. This reflects a holistic and pragmatic approach to national security. Finally, the narrative subtly but significantly introduces the theme of **Faith and Action**, where Hezekiah's deep spiritual reliance on God (which becomes explicitly articulated later in [2 Chronicles 32:7-8](/2_chronicles/32-7-8 "2 Chronicles 32:7-8 - Hezekiah's Encouragement to the People to Trust in God")) is seamlessly integrated with strenuous practical efforts. This embodies a foundational biblical principle, echoed in the New Testament, that genuine faith is active and demonstrates its vitality through tangible works, as powerfully articulated in [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strengthened (Hebrew, _châzaq'_ - H2388):** Derived from the root חָזַק (_châzaq_), this verb carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to be strong," "to prevail," "to harden," or "to be courageous." In this context, it signifies more than a mere physical act of fortification; it conveys Hezekiah's inner resolve, determination, and firm purpose in the face of an overwhelming threat. It implies a deliberate act of bracing himself and his people for the impending conflict, both physically and psychologically, reflecting a leadership quality of unyielding purpose and unwavering commitment. The term encapsulates both the king's personal fortitude and his active role in fortifying the city.
* **Built up (Hebrew, _bânâh'_ - H1129):** This primitive root (בָּנָה, _bânâh_) signifies "to build" in both literal and figurative senses. It encompasses actions like constructing, making, repairing, and setting up. Here, in relation to "all the wall that was broken," it denotes the active process of reconstruction and restoration. For "another wall without," it refers to fresh construction. The repeated use of this root, or its cognates, throughout the verse (including "repaired Millo") underscores the extensive and deliberate architectural and engineering efforts undertaken by Hezekiah to physically reconstruct and enhance Jerusalem's defenses.
* **Wall (Hebrew, _chôwmâh'_ - H2346):** This feminine active participle (חוֹמָה, _chôwmâh_) refers to a "wall of protection." It specifically denotes a defensive city wall, emphasizing its primary function as a barrier against external threats. The mention of "all the wall that was broken" and "another wall without" highlights the comprehensive nature of Hezekiah's work on Jerusalem's fortifications. The word itself evokes a sense of security and defense, which was paramount in ancient siege warfare, making its repair and expansion a critical act of preservation for the city and its inhabitants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also he strengthened himself":** This initial clause immediately establishes Hezekiah's personal resolve and proactive leadership. It signifies a deliberate act of courage and determination on the king's part, not a passive reaction. Hezekiah took the initiative to prepare himself and mentally brace his people for the immense challenge posed by the Assyrian invasion. This phrase sets the tone for the diligent actions that follow.
* **"and built up all the wall that was broken":** This clause details the essential task of repairing and restoring existing fortifications. It indicates that sections of Jerusalem's defensive wall had fallen into disrepair or had been damaged over time. Hezekiah prioritized their immediate mending, ensuring that no weak points or vulnerabilities remained for the Assyrian besiegers to exploit. This was a foundational step in his defensive strategy.
* **"and raised [it] up to the towers":** Beyond mere repair, Hezekiah undertook a significant enhancement of the wall's height and strength, extending its structure to integrate with and reinforce the existing defensive towers. This measure aimed to make the wall more formidable and difficult for attackers to scale, simultaneously providing superior vantage points and elevated positions for the city's defenders.
* **"and another wall without":** This signifies the ambitious construction of an entirely new, outer defensive wall. This strategic addition created a double line of defense, a common and highly effective tactic in ancient siege warfare. It was designed to absorb the initial shock of an assault, provide a redundant barrier, and offer a fallback position for defenders, significantly complicating the besiegers' efforts.
* **"and repaired Millo [in] the city of David":** This specific action highlights the reinforcement of a crucial, ancient part of Jerusalem's fortifications. Repairing the Millo was vital for the structural integrity and defensive strength of the city's oldest and most vulnerable section, demonstrating Hezekiah's thoroughness and attention to every aspect of the city's security, including its historical foundations.
* **"and made darts and shields in abundance":** This final clause details the comprehensive production of weaponry. "Darts" (likely javelins or spears) and "shields" were fundamental armaments for infantry and city defenders. The phrase "in abundance" underscores the massive scale of Hezekiah's preparations, ensuring that his army and the city's inhabitants were exceptionally well-equipped for prolonged resistance and active defense against the overwhelming Assyrian forces.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the intensity, scope, and comprehensiveness of Hezekiah's preparations. **Accumulation** is prominently featured in the rapid succession of actions: "strengthened himself, and built up... and raised... and another wall... and repaired... and made." This piling up of verbs and actions emphasizes the sheer volume, multifaceted nature, and relentless pace of his efforts. **Synecdoche** is present where "the wall" and "Millo" represent the entire defensive system of Jerusalem, symbolizing the city's vulnerability and its subsequent comprehensive fortification. The phrase "in abundance" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, suggesting an immense, almost overwhelming, quantity of weapons, thereby underscoring the king's thoroughness and the gravity of the existential threat. Furthermore, the detailed listing of tangible, physical actions creates a strong sense of **Realism**, grounding the narrative in concrete, strategic military preparations and providing a vivid picture of the impending conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hezekiah's diligent preparations in 2 Chronicles 32:5 offer a profound theological lesson: while ultimate trust for deliverance must be placed unequivocally in God, human responsibility and strategic action are not only permitted but are expected as an expression of active faith. His efforts exemplify a proactive faith that understands divine provision often works through and empowers human agency. This delicate yet powerful balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a recurring and vital theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God's people are called to be wise stewards of their resources, diligent in their duties, and courageous in their actions, even as they depend entirely on His power and ultimate intervention. Hezekiah's actions demonstrate that genuine faith is not passive resignation or presumption but an active, engaged response to reality, fueled by an unwavering confidence in God's ultimate victory and faithfulness.

* [James 2:20](/james/2-20 "James 2:20 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")
* [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Had a Mind to Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's example in 2 Chronicles 32:5 serves as a powerful and enduring model for believers navigating the myriad challenges of contemporary life. It profoundly teaches us that while our ultimate security, deliverance, and provision come solely from God, we are unequivocally called to exercise wisdom, diligence, and courage in our own spheres of influence. Just as Hezekiah meticulously prepared the physical defenses of Jerusalem, we are likewise called to be proactive and intentional in building up our spiritual, emotional, and relational "walls." This involves cultivating robust spiritual disciplines, strengthening our character through obedience to God's Word, nurturing healthy and supportive relationships, and wisely managing the resources and opportunities entrusted to us. This passage reminds us that faith is never an excuse for idleness or apathy but rather a powerful catalyst for purposeful, strategic action. When facing overwhelming "Assyrian armies" in our lives—whether they manifest as spiritual attacks, personal crises, professional pressures, or societal upheavals—we are to "strengthen ourselves" with unwavering resolve, diligently repair what is broken in our lives and communities, and equip ourselves abundantly with the "weapons" of truth, righteousness, prayer, and community, all while trusting implicitly that God will ultimately fight our battles and secure our victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you called to "strengthen yourself" and take proactive, diligent steps, rather than passively waiting for circumstances to change?**
* **How can you apply Hezekiah's principle of "comprehensive defense" to your spiritual life, ensuring that no "broken walls" of character, discipline, or relationship remain vulnerable?**
* **What "darts and shields" (referring to spiritual disciplines, wisdom, knowledge of Scripture, or supportive community) do you need to "make in abundance" to prepare effectively for future challenges and spiritual warfare?**

### FAQ
**Was Hezekiah's extensive preparation a sign of a lack of faith in God?**

Answer: No, Hezekiah's extensive preparation was not a sign of a lack of faith; rather, it was a profound demonstration of responsible and active faith. Biblical faith is rarely passive; it consistently spurs believers to diligent action, wise stewardship, and courageous engagement with reality. Hezekiah understood that while God is sovereign and perfectly capable of miraculous deliverance, He often chooses to work through human means and efforts. His actions in fortifying Jerusalem were a practical outworking of his trust in God, showing that he was not presuming upon divine intervention without taking all necessary human steps. This crucial balance between human responsibility and divine sovereignty is powerfully illustrated in the later narrative where, despite all his meticulous preparations, Hezekiah still turned to God in fervent prayer, and God indeed delivered Jerusalem miraculously (see [2 Chronicles 32:20-22](/2_chronicles/32-20-22 "2 Chronicles 32:20-22 - God Delivers Jerusalem from Sennacherib")). His preparedness was a testament to his wisdom and exemplary leadership, complementing his profound spiritual reliance on the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's diligent efforts to fortify Jerusalem against the Assyrian threat, while a testament to human wisdom and leadership, ultimately point to a far greater and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Hezekiah "strengthened himself" and meticulously built physical walls to protect his people, Jesus Christ is the ultimate fortress, the unbreachable defense, and the eternal protector for His people. He is the one who, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has definitively "built up" the broken walls of humanity's relationship with God, providing direct and eternal access to the Father through His sacrifice (see [Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace and Access to God")). The "another wall without" and the repaired "Millo" find their spiritual parallel in the comprehensive security and eternal protection offered by Christ, who has triumphed decisively over sin, death, and all the powers of darkness (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the ultimate "shield of faith" for all believers ([Ephesians 6:16](/ephesians/6-16 "Ephesians 6:16 - The Shield of Faith")). Our spiritual "darts and shields in abundance" are found in the full spiritual armor provided by Christ, enabling us to stand firm against all the schemes of the devil (see [Ephesians 6:11-17](/ephesians/6-11-17 "Ephesians 6:11-17 - The Full Armor of God")). Ultimately, Hezekiah's physical preparations foreshadow the profound spiritual reality that in Christ, we possess a perfect, eternal, and unassailable defense, for we look forward to "the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God" Himself ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham Looked for a City")).

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 25:23

And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Bethshemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

1 Kings 9:24

But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house which [Solomon] had built for her: then did he build Millo.

2 Samuel 5:9

So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

2 Kings 25:4

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war [fled] by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which [is] by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees [were] against the city round about:) and [the king] went the way toward the plain.

Isaiah 22:9

Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.

Isaiah 22:10

And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall.

1 Kings 11:27

And this [was] the cause that he lifted up [his] hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, [and] repaired the breaches of the city of David his father.