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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 32:1–8. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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?
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Summary
In 2 Chronicles 32:7, King Hezekiah delivers a powerful and faith-filled exhortation to the people of Judah amidst the terrifying invasion by the Assyrian Empire under King Sennacherib. Facing an overwhelming and brutal enemy, Hezekiah calls his people to unwavering courage and strength, urging them not to be intimidated by the Assyrian king or his vast army. The bedrock of his encouragement lies in the profound declaration that "there be more with us than with him," a spiritual truth asserting the superior, unseen power of God and His heavenly forces over any earthly might. This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment of leadership, faith, and divine reliance in the face of existential threat, setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of King Hezekiah's reign, immediately following the detailed account of his extensive religious reforms (found in 2 Chronicles 29-31) and preceding the dramatic divine intervention that delivers Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat (detailed in 2 Chronicles 32:8-23). Chapter 32 opens with Sennacherib's swift and devastating invasion, capturing Judah's fortified cities and laying siege to Jerusalem. Hezekiah's initial response involves diligent physical preparations, such as strengthening the city's defenses, stopping up water sources, and manufacturing weapons (2 Chronicles 32:2-6). Verse 7 marks a crucial shift from physical preparation to spiritual and psychological preparation, as Hezekiah gathers his military commanders and the people to bolster their morale and faith. His words are a direct, divinely inspired counter to the overwhelming fear and despair that would naturally grip a nation facing such a formidable and ruthless enemy, serving as a pivotal moment where human effort is explicitly subordinated to divine power.
Historical & Cultural Context
The events of 2 Chronicles 32 describe Sennacherib's campaign against Judah in 701 BC, a well-documented historical event corroborated by Assyrian annals and archaeological findings, including the Taylor Prism. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, renowned for its formidable military machine, advanced siege warfare, and brutal treatment of conquered peoples, including mass deportations, impalements, and public displays of cruelty designed to instill terror. Their army was immense, highly disciplined, and seemingly unstoppable, having already subdued much of the region. Jerusalem, though fortified, was a relatively small city facing an empire that had swallowed up vast territories. Culturally, kings were expected to provide security and leadership, often through military strength, strategic alliances, or appeasement. Hezekiah's radical call to trust in an unseen divine force, rather than human alliances (which he had previously experimented with, to his detriment) or military parity, was a profound departure from typical political and military strategies of the time, highlighting his unique and unwavering faith in Yahweh amidst a crisis of existential proportions.
Key Themes
2 Chronicles 32:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Protection, emphasizing that God is ultimately in control of historical events and actively intervenes to protect His faithful people, even against overwhelming odds. This directly contrasts with the Futility of Human Might when pitted against God's power, as the Assyrian "multitude" is rendered insignificant by the unseen divine forces. The verse also powerfully illustrates Faith Over Fear, challenging the natural human response to overwhelming threats with a call to trust in God's superior strength and presence. Furthermore, it highlights the Importance of Righteous Leadership, as Hezekiah's steadfast faith and spiritual reforms (as detailed in 2 Chronicles 29) are directly linked to God's subsequent deliverance. This passage serves as a powerful testament to the principle that "if God is for us, who can be against us?"
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
A primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer." In this context, it is an imperative command to fortify one's inner resolve and steadfastness, not to waver under pressure. It's a call to active, determined courage, implying a firm grasp on faith and divine promise.
A primitive root meaning "to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage); confirm, be courageous (of good courage, stedfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self)." This word complements châzaq, emphasizing mental and moral fortitude. It speaks to the inner spirit that refuses to be broken or intimidated, even when facing a seemingly insurmountable adversary. Together, "be strong and courageous" form a classic biblical idiom for unwavering resolve rooted in trust in God.
Meaning "a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth; abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult." This noun vividly describes the overwhelming numerical superiority and the terrifying, chaotic presence of the Assyrian army. Hezekiah uses this word to acknowledge the visible, intimidating threat, only to immediately diminish its significance by contrasting it with the unseen, greater force of God.
Verse Breakdown
"Be strong and courageous"
This is a direct, imperative command, serving as a powerful exhortation from King Hezekiah to his people and military commanders. It's a call to actively cultivate inner fortitude and bravery, acknowledging the dire circumstances but demanding a response of faith and resolute determination rather than despair or panic. This strength is not self-generated but rooted in divine promise.
"be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that [is] with him"
This clause directly addresses the overwhelming source of their fear—the formidable King Sennacherib and his vast, terrifying army. Hezekiah commands them not to succumb to the natural human emotions of fear (terror, dread, reverence for an earthly power) or dismay (discouragement, loss of hope, prostration). This part of the verse validates the palpable threat while simultaneously calling for a supernatural overcoming of it, shifting focus from the enemy's might to God's.
"for [there be] more with us than with him"
This is the theological lynchpin of the verse, providing the foundational reason for the preceding commands. It reveals the unseen spiritual reality that undergirds Hezekiah's profound confidence. This "more" refers not to Judah's physical army, but to the infinite power of God and His heavenly hosts (angels), implying a divine intervention far superior to any earthly military might. It is a declaration of spiritual arithmetic, where God's presence tips the scales decisively.
Literary Devices
Hezekiah's address is rich in Exhortation, directly commanding his people to adopt a particular mindset and action ("Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed"). The verse employs clear Contrast or Antithesis, juxtaposing the visible, overwhelming "multitude" of the Assyrian army with the invisible, yet infinitely greater, "more" that is with Judah (God and His heavenly forces). This stark contrast serves to diminish the perceived power of the enemy and elevate the true, ultimate power of God. There is also a strong element of Rhetorical Persuasion, as Hezekiah doesn't just command, but provides a compelling, faith-affirming reason ("for there be more with us than with him"), aiming to shift his audience's perspective from fear to profound trust. The use of "multitude" can be seen as a form of Hyperbole to emphasize the sheer, terrifying scale of the Assyrian threat, which is then immediately countered by the even greater, though unseen, reality of God's sovereign presence.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical principle that God's presence and power far outweigh any earthly opposition. It echoes a consistent theme throughout Scripture: that the battle belongs to the Lord, and His people are called to stand firm in faith rather than cower in fear. Hezekiah's declaration is a profound statement of spiritual reality, reminding Judah that their ultimate security rests not in military might, strategic alliances, or human ingenuity, but in the unseen, active intervention of the Almighty. This truth transcends the specific historical context, offering enduring encouragement that God's resources and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people are boundless, providing a basis for courage and hope in every generation. It underscores the divine promise of protection for those who faithfully trust in Him.
Reflection and Application
In our contemporary lives, we often face "Assyrian armies"—overwhelming challenges, spiritual attacks, financial crises, health battles, relational conflicts, or societal pressures that seem insurmountable and threaten to overwhelm us. Like Hezekiah's people, we are prone to fear and dismay when confronted with such "multitudes" that appear far greater than our own strength or resources. This verse serves as a timeless anchor, calling us to shift our gaze from the visible might of our adversaries to the invisible, infinitely greater power of God. It encourages us to cultivate an inner posture of strength and courage, not born of self-reliance or naive optimism, but of profound trust in God's active presence and His readiness to fight for us. The application is profoundly practical: when fear threatens to paralyze, when the odds seem stacked against us, we are to remember that God's resources, His angelic hosts, and His unwavering faithfulness are always "more" than anything arrayed against us. This truth empowers us to walk by faith, not by sight, and to stand firm in the assurance that our God is sovereign over every circumstance, able to turn the tide against any foe.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "more with us than with him" specifically refer to?
This phrase refers primarily to the unseen, spiritual reality of God's presence and His heavenly forces. While Judah's army was certainly outnumbered, Hezekiah was not making a claim about human military parity. Instead, he was pointing to the Lord God Almighty Himself, along with His vast army of angels, ready to intervene on behalf of His people. This concept is vividly illustrated in 2 Kings 6:16-17, where Elisha's servant's eyes are opened to see the mountains full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them, proving that "they that be with us are more than they that be them." Hezekiah's statement is a profound declaration of faith in the supernatural power and protection of God, emphasizing that divine resources far exceed any earthly opposition.
How does Hezekiah's leadership here compare to other kings in Judah?
Hezekiah stands out as one of the most righteous kings in Judah's history, often paralleled with King David in his devotion to the Lord. Unlike many of his predecessors and successors who succumbed to idolatry, forged unholy political alliances with pagan nations, or despaired in times of crisis, Hezekiah consistently sought the Lord and prioritized His commands. His reign began with a sweeping religious reform, cleansing the temple and restoring proper worship (2 Chronicles 29). In this moment of national crisis, his leadership is exemplary because he doesn't just prepare militarily; he primarily encourages his people to trust in God's divine power and presence. This spiritual leadership, prioritizing faith over fear and divine reliance over human strength, distinguishes him significantly from kings who relied on chariots and horses or sought help from foreign gods, making him a model of faithful governance.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Chronicles 32:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's call to "be strong and courageous" in the face of an overwhelming earthly enemy foreshadows the spiritual battle that Christ Himself would wage and decisively win. While Hezekiah pointed to an unseen angelic army, Christ is the very embodiment and source of the "more with us." Through His incarnation, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, Jesus decisively defeated the true spiritual "multitude" of sin, death, and the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15). The courage Hezekiah exhorted is now found in Christ, who has definitively "overcome the world" (John 16:33), enabling believers to be "more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Romans 8:37). The "more with us" is now the indwelling Holy Spirit, the very presence of God empowering believers to face any earthly or spiritual adversary with divine strength, knowing that Christ has already secured the ultimate victory and guarantees their triumph in Him.