2 Chronicles 32:25-36

Written By Jodi Figgins

Read 2 Chronicles 32:25-36

Helpful Background Information: 

  • Hezekiah was 25 years old when he began his reign over Judah, after his father Ahaz died. Hezekiah reigned for 29 years in Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 29:1)

  • Ahaz was a wicked king who worshiped and sacrificed to false idols. Due to his wickedness, the Lord allowed Syria and Israel to attack Judah. Time and time again, he turned away from God and shut God out of Judah. (2 Chronicles 28)

  • Hezekiah, on the other hand, “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord." He opened the doors of the temple and made repairs. He called the people of Judah to turn back to their God and not be negligent of what the Lord has called them to do. It took the Levites 16 days to clean and cleanse the temple, restoring what Ahaz had removed and removing all the false idols he had brought in. Once the temple was cleansed, the priests made sacrifices on the altar as an atonement for the sins of the kingdom, the sanctuary, and the people of Judah. The people of Judah also came in with their sacrifice to the Lord, and they rejoiced. (2 Chronicles 29)

  • In 2 Chronicles 32, we see Assyria try to attack Judah. The king of Assyria mocks Hezekiah and questions his leadership. Because of Hezekiah’s faithfulness to the Lord, the LORD sends angels to wipe out the Assyrian army. The people of Judah praised God for his protection and brought gifts to the LORD. (2 Chronicles 32:1-23)

  • In verses 24-33, Hezekiah has a proud heart over the riches he has been blessed with, and the Lord’s wrath falls on him and Judah. Once he humbles his heart, the Lord removes the wrath from Hezekiah and Jerusalem. Hezekiah continues to have a pure heart until the day he passes.

Reflection Questions: 

  • When the Lord blesses us, we tend to let the blessings go to our heads and puff up our pride. What are the blessings that you have forgotten to praise God for? And how are/how can you use those blessings for his glory?

  • Why is it important to know Hezekiah’s backstory? The choice Hezekiah made drew him and Judah closer to God. Spoiler Alert- When Hezekiah dies, his son Manasseh takes over, “and he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD”.

    • What does this mean in light of your backstory?

  • What differences do you see between this passage and Daniel 4?

    • What part of the Redemption story do you see playing out between both stories?

Jodi Figgins
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Proverbs 6:16-19