2 Chronicles 32:7

KJV

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that [is] with him: for [there be] more with us than with him:

KJV (with Strong's)

Be strong {H2388} and courageous {H553}, be not afraid {H3372} nor dismayed {H2865} for {H6440} the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}, nor for all the multitude {H1995} that is with him: for there be more {H7227} with us than with him:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Be strong! Take courage! Don't be afraid or distressed on account of the king of Ashur or all the horde he brings with him. For the One with us is greater than the one with him -

Berean Standard Bible

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him.

American Standard Version

Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him; for there is a greater with us than with him:

Commentary

### 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.

### 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 (2 Chronicles 29-31) and preceding the dramatic divine intervention that delivers Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat (2 Chronicles 32:8-23). Chapter 32 opens with Sennacherib's invasion, capturing Judah's fortified cities. Hezekiah's initial response involves fortifying Jerusalem and preparing for a siege (2 Chronicles 32:2-6). Verse 7 marks a 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 response to the overwhelming fear and despair that would naturally grip a nation facing such a formidable enemy, serving as a crucial turning point in the narrative 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. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, notorious for its ruthless military tactics, siege warfare, and brutal treatment of conquered peoples, including mass deportations and public displays of cruelty. Their army was immense and highly disciplined, inspiring widespread terror. Jerusalem, though fortified, was a relatively small city facing an empire that had already subdued much of the region. Culturally, kings were expected to provide security and leadership, often through military strength or strategic alliances. Hezekiah's call to trust in an unseen divine force, rather than human alliances or military parity, was a radical departure from typical political and military strategies of the time, highlighting his unique faith in Yahweh.
* **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. Furthermore, it highlights the **Importance of Righteous Leadership**, as Hezekiah's steadfast faith and spiritual reforms (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms")) are directly linked to God's subsequent deliverance. This passage serves as a testament to the principle that "if God is for us, who can be against us?"

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strong (Hebrew, חֲזַק, _chazaq'_):** This verb means to be firm, secure, strong, or courageous. It often implies a strengthening or taking hold, both physically and morally. In this context, it is a command to fortify one's inner resolve and steadfastness, not to waver under pressure. It's a call to active, determined courage.
* **Courageous (Hebrew, אִמְצוּ, _'amats'_):** Meaning to be resolute, brave, or steadfast. This word complements _chazaq_, 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, "strong and courageous" form a classic biblical idiom for unwavering resolve rooted in trust.
* **Multitude (Hebrew, הָמוֹן, _hamon'_):** This noun refers to a tumultuous crowd, a great number, or an abundance. It vividly describes the overwhelming numerical superiority and the terrifying, chaotic presence of the Assyrian army. Hezekiah uses this word to acknowledge the visible 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 Hezekiah to his people. It's a call to actively cultivate inner fortitude and bravery, acknowledging the dire circumstances but demanding a response of faith rather than despair.
* **"be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that [is] with him":** This clause directly addresses the 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) or dismay (discouragement, loss of hope). This part of the verse validates the threat while simultaneously calling for a supernatural overcoming of it.
* **"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 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.

#### 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 contrast serves to diminish the perceived power of the enemy and elevate the true power of God. There is also an element of **Rhetorical Persuasion**, as Hezekiah doesn't just command, but provides a compelling reason ("for there be more with us than with him"), aiming to shift his audience's perspective from fear to faith. The use of "multitude" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the sheer scale of the Assyrian threat, which is then immediately countered by the even greater, though unseen, reality of God's 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 or strategic alliances, 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 commitment to His covenant people are boundless, providing a basis for courage in every generation.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel") - For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
* [2 Kings 6:16](/2_kings/6-16 "2 Kings 6:16 - Elisha's Servant Sees the Heavenly Army") - And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us") - What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our contemporary lives, we often face "Assyrian armies"—overwhelming challenges, spiritual attacks, financial crises, health battles, or societal pressures that seem insurmountable. Like Hezekiah's people, we are prone to fear and dismay when confronted with such "multitudes." 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, 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, 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Assyrian armies" are you currently facing in your life that cause you fear or dismay?**
* **How does the truth of God's unseen, superior presence change your perspective on these overwhelming challenges?**
* **In what practical ways can you choose courage over fear this week, trusting that "there be more with us"?**

### FAQ

**What does "more with us than with him" specifically refer to?**

Answer: 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](/2_kings/6-16 "2 Kings 6:16-17 - Elisha's Servant Sees the Heavenly Army"), 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 with them." Hezekiah's statement is a profound declaration of faith in the supernatural power and protection of God.

**How does Hezekiah's leadership here compare to other kings in Judah?**

Answer: Hezekiah stands out as one of the most righteous kings in Judah's history, often paralleled with King David. Unlike many of his predecessors and successors who succumbed to idolatry, political alliances with pagan nations, or despair in times of crisis, Hezekiah consistently sought the Lord. His reign began with a sweeping religious reform, cleansing the temple and restoring proper worship (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms")). 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. 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.

### 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 win. While Hezekiah pointed to an unseen angelic army, Christ is the very embodiment of the "more with us." Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Jesus decisively defeated the true spiritual "multitude" of sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The courage Hezekiah exhorted is now found in Christ, who has "overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Overcomes the World")), enabling believers to be "more than conquerors through him that loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")). 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 victory.

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 Kings 6:16

And he answered, Fear not: for they that [be] with us [are] more than they that [be] with them.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

2 Kings 18:30

Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

1 John 4:4

¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

2 Chronicles 20:15

And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle [is] not yours, but God's.

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.