2 Chronicles 32:7

Context

This powerful verse is spoken by King Hezekiah of Judah during a time of immense national crisis. The mighty Assyrian Empire, led by King Sennacherib, had invaded Judah, conquering fortified cities and threatening Jerusalem itself. The Assyrian army was renowned for its brutal efficiency and overwhelming numbers, instilling widespread fear. In this dire situation, Hezekiah, a righteous king who had initiated significant religious reforms (as seen in 2 Chronicles 29), gathered his military commanders and the people to offer encouragement and bolster their faith. His words serve as a crucial morale booster, reminding them that their ultimate trust should be in God, not in human strength or numbers.

Key Themes and Messages

• Courage in Adversity: Hezekiah's direct command, "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed," is a classic biblical exhortation to face overwhelming odds with divine fortitude. It acknowledges the natural human tendency to fear but calls for a supernatural response rooted in faith.
• Divine Protection: The core message lies in the declaration, "for there be more with us than with him." This refers not to Judah's physical army, but to the unseen, powerful presence of God and His heavenly hosts, including angels. It underscores the biblical truth that God fights for His people (Deuteronomy 20:4).
• Faith Over Fear: The verse directly contrasts human fear ("afraid nor dismayed") with spiritual confidence. Hezekiah encourages his people to look beyond the visible threat of the Assyrian multitude to the invisible, superior power of God.
• God's Sovereignty: Despite the overwhelming military might of Assyria, Hezekiah affirms that God is ultimately in control. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, is presented as merely a man, whereas the God of Judah is limitless in power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Be strong and courageous" is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, often associated with God's presence and promises. The Hebrew words are chazaq (חֲזַק - "be strong, firm") and amats (אִמְצוּ - "be resolute, courageous"). This pairing emphasizes not just physical strength but also inner resolve and moral fortitude. The statement "more with us than with him" is a profound declaration of spiritual reality, echoing similar instances where God's unseen forces are revealed, such as in 2 Kings 6:16, where Elisha tells his fearful servant, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Chronicles 32:7 offers immense comfort and challenge. We often face "Assyrian armies" in our lives—overwhelming problems, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or spiritual battles. This verse reminds us:

• Do not be intimidated by appearances: The size and power of our challenges are often deceptive. Our focus should not be on the enemy's strength but on God's infinite power.
• Trust in God's unseen hand: Even when we cannot see a way out, God is at work, and His resources (including angelic intervention or divine wisdom) are far greater than any opposition. This calls us to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
• Choose courage over fear: While fear is a natural human emotion, faith empowers us to overcome it. We are called to actively choose courage, knowing that God is with us and for us (Romans 8:31).
• Remember God's track record: Just as Hezekiah reminded his people of God's past faithfulness, we can draw strength from remembering how God has delivered us or others in the past.