2 Chronicles 32:5

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

This verse details King Hezekiah's intense and strategic preparations to defend Jerusalem against the impending invasion by the Assyrian army under King Sennacherib. It showcases his proactive leadership in fortifying the city, combining practical construction and weaponry manufacturing with a deep trust in God.

Historical and Cultural Context

2 Chronicles 32:5 is set in a pivotal moment for the Kingdom of Judah, around 701 BC, as the formidable Assyrian Empire, led by King Sennacherib, launched a devastating campaign across the Levant. Having already conquered many fortified cities in Judah (as noted in 2 Chronicles 32:1), Jerusalem became the next primary target. Hezekiah, recognizing the immense threat, initiated extensive defensive measures. The "City of David" refers to the ancient core of Jerusalem, and "Millo" was a significant defensive structure or fill, likely a terraced retaining wall, crucial for the city's fortifications since the time of David and Solomon.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Diligent Preparedness: Hezekiah did not merely wait for the enemy but actively "strengthened himself," indicating his resolute determination. His efforts included repairing existing breaches in the wall, raising its height, constructing an additional outer wall, and producing a vast supply of weapons. This highlights the importance of strategic planning and human responsibility in facing adversity.
  • Comprehensive Defense: The king's approach was multi-faceted, encompassing both the reinforcement of existing structures and the creation of new defenses and armaments. This comprehensive strategy demonstrates a thorough understanding of siege warfare and a strong commitment to protecting his people and city.
  • Faith and Action: While Hezekiah is celebrated for his spiritual reforms and profound trust in the Lord, this verse illustrates that his faith was not passive. His spiritual reliance fueled his strenuous practical actions. This balance between divine trust and human effort is a fundamental biblical principle, echoing the idea that faith without works is dead.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "he strengthened himself" is derived from the Hebrew root ื—ึธื–ึทืง (chazaq), which conveys meanings such as "to be strong," "to prevail," "to harden," or "to be courageous." It implies not just physical reinforcement but also an inner resolve and determination. This term is frequently used in the Bible to describe God strengthening individuals or individuals taking courage and resolve in their actions. "Millo" (ืžึดืœึผื•ึนื, millรด') is a unique Hebrew term, generally understood to refer to a fill or embankment, likely a key part of Jerusalem's ancient defensive system, possibly an earthwork or a fortified platform.

Practical Application

Hezekiah's actions in 2 Chronicles 32:5 provide enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Proactive Faith: We are called to embody a proactive faith, not merely a reactive one. While we place our ultimate trust in God for protection and provision, we are also responsible for wisely using the gifts, resources, and opportunities He provides to prepare and act.
  • Holistic Defense: Just as Hezekiah built physical defenses, believers are encouraged to build holistic defenses in their lives. This includes cultivating spiritual disciplines, developing strong moral character, nurturing healthy relationships, and exercising wise stewardship of resources. In a spiritual context, we are exhorted to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.
  • Courage in Adversity: Hezekiah faced an overwhelming and terrifying enemy, yet he chose to strengthen himself and lead with immense courage. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to approach our own challenges with determination and resolve, knowing that God is with us, a truth Hezekiah himself later emphasized to his people (see 2 Chronicles 32:7).
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 25:23 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 11:27 (2 votes)

    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.