2 Chronicles 32:26

Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, [both] he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

Notwithstanding Hezekiah {H3169} humbled {H3665} himself for the pride {H1363} of his heart {H3820}, both he and the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, so that the wrath {H7110} of the LORD {H3068} came {H935} not upon them in the days {H3117} of Hezekiah {H3169}.

But Hizkiyahu then humbled himself for his pride, both he and the people living in Yerushalayim, so that ADONAI's anger did not strike them during Hizkiyahu's lifetime.

Then Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart—he and the people of Jerusalem—so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.

Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of Jehovah came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 32:26 presents a pivotal moment in the reign of King Hezekiah, highlighting the profound impact of humility and repentance. After experiencing immense divine blessings and miraculous deliverance, Hezekiah's heart became "lifted up" with pride (as noted in 2 Chronicles 32:25). This verse records his crucial turning point: his act of humbling himself, which averted divine judgment not only for himself but also for the people of Jerusalem.

Context

This verse immediately follows a period of extraordinary divine intervention and prosperity for King Hezekiah. God had miraculously delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrian invasion led by Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:21) and had healed Hezekiah from a life-threatening illness. Despite these immense blessings, Hezekiah's success led to a dangerous pride, as described in 2 Chronicles 32:25. He failed to give God the glory due, which brought "wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem." Verse 26, however, shows Hezekiah's commendable response to this spiritual failing: genuine repentance and humility.

Key Themes

  • Humility Over Pride: The central message is the transformative power of humility. Hezekiah's initial pride, a common pitfall for those experiencing success, was countered by his subsequent decision to humble himself. This illustrates the biblical principle that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
  • Repentance and Averted Judgment: Hezekiah's act of humbling himself directly led to the withdrawal of God's wrath. This powerfully demonstrates God's mercy and willingness to relent from judgment when His people genuinely repent. This theme is echoed in other biblical narratives, such as the repentance of Nineveh in Jonah 3:10.
  • Leadership by Example: The verse explicitly states that "both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem" humbled themselves. This highlights the significant influence of a leader's spiritual state and actions on their people. Hezekiah's humility set a positive example for the entire city.
  • Divine Patience and Grace: Even after Hezekiah's pride, God provided an opportunity for repentance, demonstrating His long-suffering and grace. The withholding of judgment during Hezekiah's days was a testament to God's desire for His people to turn back to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "humbled himself" comes from the Hebrew verb kana' (כָּנַע), which means to be subdued, to submit, or to be brought low. It implies a voluntary act of self-abasement and submission to a higher authority, in this case, God. The "pride of his heart" uses the Hebrew gabah (גָּבַהּ), meaning high or exalted, indicating a haughty or arrogant disposition that sets oneself above God or others.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Guard Against Pride: Success, blessings, and recognition can easily lead to pride. This passage serves as a powerful reminder to remain humble, always attributing glory to God, especially when experiencing prosperity or achievement.
  • Embrace Repentance: When we stumble into sin, particularly pride, the path to restoration is sincere repentance and humility. God is gracious to forgive and avert consequences when we genuinely turn from our wrongdoings, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6.
  • Influence of Leadership: For those in positions of influence, whether in family, church, or community, this verse underscores the profound impact of personal spiritual integrity. A leader's humility or pride can significantly affect those under their care.

Hezekiah's story in 2 Chronicles 32:26 is a testament to God's mercy and the profound redemptive power of a humble heart.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 26:18 (5 votes)

    Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed [like] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.

  • Jeremiah 26:19 (5 votes)

    Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:12 (4 votes)

    And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

  • 2 Chronicles 34:27 (3 votes)

    Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard [thee] also, saith the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 34:28 (3 votes)

    Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.

  • James 4:10 (3 votes)

    Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

  • Isaiah 39:6 (2 votes)

    Behold, the days come, that all that [is] in thine house, and [that] which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.