2 Chronicles 32:5

Translation
King James Version
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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World English Bible Messianic
He took courage, and built up all the wall that was broken down, and raised it up to the towers, and the other wall outside, and strengthened Millo in the city of David, and made weapons and shields in abundance.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And he tooke courage, and built all the broken wall, and made vp the towers, and another wall without, and repayred Millo in the citie of Dauid, and made many dartes and shields.
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Young's Literal Translation
And he strengtheneth himself, and buildeth the whole of the wall that is broken, and causeth it to ascend unto the towers, and at the outside of the wall another, and strengtheneth Millo, in the city of David, and maketh darts in abundance, and shields.
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See also
2 Chronicles 25:231 Kings 9:242 Samuel 5:92 Kings 25:4Isaiah 22:9Isaiah 22:101 Kings 11:27
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Hezekiah and Sennacherib
Hezekiah and Sennacherib View full PDF
Hezekiah Purifies the Temple
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In the KJVVerse 11,881 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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.
  • 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 and 1 Kings 9:15, 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) 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.

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.

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). 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). 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). He is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), providing the ultimate "shield of faith" for all believers (Ephesians 6:16). 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). 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).

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32 verses 1–8

Here is, I. The formidable design of Sennacherib against Hezekiah's kingdom, and the vigorous attempt he made upon it. This Sennacherib was now, as Nebuchadnezzar was afterwards, the terror and scourge and great oppressor of that part of the world. He aimed to raise a boundless monarchy for himself upon the ruins of all his neighbours. His predecessor Shalmaneser had lately made himself master of the kingdom of Israel, and carried the ten tribes captives. Sennacherib thought, in like manner, to win Judah for himself. Pride and ambition put men upon grasping at universal dominion. It is observable that, just about this time, Rome, a city which afterwards came to reign more than any other had done over the kings of the earth, was built by Romulus. Sennacherib invaded Judah immediately after the reformation of it and the re-establishment of religion in it: After these things he entered into Judah, Ch2 32:1. 1. It was well ordered by the divine Providence that he did not give them this disturbance before the reformation was finished and established, as it might then have put a stop to it. 2. Perhaps he intended to chastise Hezekiah for destroying that idolatry to which he himself was devoted. He looked upon Hezekiah as profane in what he had done, and as having thrown himself out of the divine protection. He accordingly considered him as one who might easily be made a prey of. 3. God ordered it at this time that he might have an opportunity of showing himself strong on the behalf of this returning reforming people. He brought this trouble upon them that he might have the honour, and might put on them the honour, of their deliverance. After these things, and the establishment thereof, one would have expected to hear of nothing but perfect peace, and that none durst meddle with a people thus qualified for the divine favour; yet the next news we hear is that a threatening destroying army enters the country, and is ready to lay all waste. We may be in the way of our duty and yet meet with trouble and danger. God orders it so for the trial of our confidence in him and the manifestation of his care concerning us. The little opposition which Sennacherib met with in entering Judah induced him to imagine that all was his own. He thought to win all the fenced cities (Ch2 32:1), and purposed to fight against Jerusalem, Ch2 32:2. See Kg2 18:7, Kg2 18:13.

II. The preparation which Hezekiah prudently made against this storm that threatened him: He took counsel with his princes what he should do, what measures he should take, Ch2 32:3. With their advice he provided, 1. That the country should give him a cold reception, for he took care that he should find no water in it (and then his army must perish for thirst), or at least that there should be a scarcity of water, by which his army would be weakened and unfitted for service. A powerful army, if it want water but a few days, will be but a heap of dry dust. All hands were set immediately to work to stop up the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, turning that (it is probable) into the city by pipes under-ground. Such as this is the policy commonly practised now-a-days of destroying the forage before an invading army. 2. That the city should give him a warm reception. In order to this he repaired the wall, raised towers, and made darts (or, as it is in the margin, swords or weapons) and shields in abundance (Ch2 32:5), and appointed captains, Ch2 32:6. Note, Those that trust God with their safety must yet use proper means for their safety, otherwise they tempt him, and do not trust him. God will provide, but so must we also.

III. The encouragement which he gave to his people to depend upon God in this distress. He gathered them together in a broad open street, and spoke comfortably to them, Ch2 32:6. He was himself undaunted, being confident the invasion would issue well. He was not like his father, who had much guilt to terrify him and no faith to encourage him, so that, in a time of public danger, his heart was moved, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind, and then no marvel that the heart of his people was so too, Isa 7:2. With what he said he put life into his people, his captains especially, and spoke to their heart, as the word is. 1. He endeavoured to keep down their fears: "Be strong and courageous; do not think of surrendering the city or capitulating, but resolve to hold it out to the last man; do not think of losing the city, nor of falling into the enemy's hand; there is no danger. Let the soldiers be bold and brave, make good their posts, stand to their arms, and fight manfully, and let the citizens encourage them to do so: Be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria." The prophet had thus encouraged them from God (Isa 10:24): Be not afraid of the Assyrians; and here the king from him. Now it was that the sinners in Zion were afraid (Isa 33:14), but the righteous dwelt on high (Isa 33:15, Isa 33:16) and meditated on terror so as to conquer it. See Isa 33:18, which refers to what is recorded here. 2. He endeavoured to keep up their faith, in order to the silencing and suppressing of their fears. "Sennacherib has a multitude with him, and yet there are more with us than with him; for we have God with us, and how many do you reckon him for? With our enemy is an arm of flesh, which he trusts to; but with us is the Lord, whose power is irresistible, our God, whose promise is inviolable, a God in covenant with us, to help us, and to fight our battles, not only to help us to fight them, but to fight them for us if he please:" and so he did here. Note, A believing confidence in God will raise us above the prevailing fear of man. He that feareth the fury of the oppressor forgetteth the Lord his Maker, Isa 51:12, Isa 51:13. It is probable that Hezekiah said more to this purport, and that the people rested themselves upon what he said, not merely upon his word, but on the things he said concerning the presence of God with them and his power to relieve them, the belief of which made them easy. Let the good subjects and soldiers of Jesus Christ rest thus upon his word, and boldly say, Since God is for us, who can be against us?

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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