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2 Chronicles 32:20 - Hezekiah and Isaiah's Prayer | JesusChat

2 Chronicles 32:20 - Verse Explanation

Verse Spotlight

Imagine a king, Hezekiah, facing a massive crisis, feeling the weight of his people's fears and doubts. Alongside him is Isaiah, a bold prophet, and together they lift their voices in a desperate prayer, reaching out to heaven for help. This moment is charged with raw emotion—fear, hope, and urgency. They're not just praying; they're crying out from the depths of their hearts, seeking divine intervention. This highlights a powerful truth: in times of trouble, it’s okay to cry out and lean on God.

Who Wrote It

This book was written by someone who wanted to remind the people of Israel about their history and the importance of faith. The writer includes this detail about Hezekiah and Isaiah to show that even in dire situations, turning to God in prayer is crucial. This detail highlights the relationship between the leaders and God, revealing that they were not just rulers but also deeply connected to their faith and the people they served.

What It Means

Where and When

This moment takes place in ancient Israel, around the 8th century BC, during a time when powerful empires were vying for control. The Assyrians were a major threat, and fear spread like wildfire among the people. Understanding this historical backdrop helps you see why Hezekiah’s prayer was so significant. The stakes were incredibly high, and the culture was one of uncertainty and anxiety, making their act of prayer a bold statement of faith amid chaos.

Why It Matters

This verse matters today because it speaks to the heart of what you might experience in your own life—moments of fear, doubt, or overwhelming challenges. Just like Hezekiah and Isaiah, you can cry out for help when life feels heavy. It reminds you that you’re not alone in your struggles and that reaching out to a higher power is not just okay, but essential. This ancient text resonates with the human experience, showing that seeking help is a powerful step in facing life’s battles.

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to identify something in your life that feels overwhelming. It could be a personal challenge, a worry about the future, or a situation that feels out of your control. Just like Hezekiah and Isaiah, make it a point to pray about it. You don’t need fancy words—just be honest about how you feel. Maybe even write down your thoughts and prayers. Then, find a quiet space to reflect, and be open to how things might shift for you after reaching out.

About 2 Chronicles

Purpose

To show God's blessing on obedient kings and encourage proper worship in the restored community.

Author

Traditionally attributed to Ezra, continuing his emphasis on temple worship and God's faithfulness. Ezra's priestly perspective shapes the narrative to encourage proper worship and obedience.

Historical Context

Written: 450-400 BC. Continuation of Israel's history with emphasis on Judah and temple worship.

Significance

Demonstrates the connection between obedience and blessing, encouraging faithfulness in worship.

Key Themes

Obedience and Blessing, Temple Worship, Revival, God's Mercy, Restoration

Interesting Facts

Solomon's temple dedication lasted 14 days with so many sacrifices they couldn't be counted
God's glory filled the temple so powerfully that the priests couldn't stand to minister
Asa removed his own grandmother from being queen mother because she made an idol

Prophecies

Cyrus would allow the Jews to return and rebuild the temple (implied in the ending) Fulfilled: Cyrus's decree in 538 BC0

2 Chronicles Chapter 32 Overview

In 2 Chronicles chapter 32, we witness the intense confrontation between King Hezekiah of Judah and Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, who seeks to conquer Jerusalem. The chapter opens with Sennacherib invading Judah, intending to capture its fortified cities. Recognizing the impending threat, Hezekiah takes proactive measures to secure Jerusalem, including stopping the water supply to prevent Assyrian forces from benefiting from it. He also strengthens the city walls, builds towers, and prepares weapons, showcasing his leadership and strategic planning. Hezekiah gathers his people to encourage them, emphasizing their reliance on the Lord rather than on mere military might. He reassures them that they have divine support in contrast to Sennacherib's army, which relies on human strength. As Sennacherib's forces advance, he sends messengers to intimidate the people of Jerusalem, attempting to undermine their faith in God. He taunts them, questioning their trust in Hezekiah and declaring that no god could save them from his power, based on his previous conquests of other nations. His blasphemous remarks escalate as he writes letters ridiculing the God of Israel, comparing Him to the powerless idols of other nations. The Assyrian officials speak in the Hebrew language to instill fear among the people on the city walls. Faced with this siege and blasphemy, Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah turn to God in prayer, signaling their dependence on divine intervention in this dire situation. This chapter highlights the themes of faith, leadership, and the power of prayer amid adversity. It serves to illustrate the importance of trusting in God, even when faced with overwhelming odds, and the futility of relying solely on human strength against divine will.

THE HOLY BIBLE

2 Chronicles·Chapter 32

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

these and these acts of of and and against the to them for himself.

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

And when that had and to against

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verse3

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

he with his and his to the of the that were the and they him.

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

A great were and they the and the that the should the of and

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

He set to and the that was and upon it, and it he and he the in the of He also and in

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verse6

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

And he the and them to him in the at the of the and to them,

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

Be and Do not be or the of and the that is with him, for there are with us with him.

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verse8

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

With him is an of but with us is the our to us and to our And the from the of of

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verse9

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

of who was with his his to to of and to the people of who were in

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verse10

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

of On are you that you the in

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verse11

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

Is not you, that he may you over to by and by when he you, The our will us from the of the of

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verse12

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

Has not this taken his and his and and you shall and on it you shall burn your

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verse13

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

Do you not what I and my have to the of other Were the of the of those at to their out of my

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verse14

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

the my was his from my your should be you from my

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verse15

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

therefore, do let you or you in this fashion, and do him, for no of any or has been to his from my or from the of my will your you out of my

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verse16

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

And his against the and against his

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verse17

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

And he to on the the of and to him, Like the of the of the who have not their from my so the of will not his from my

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verse18

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

And they it with a in the language of to the of who were on the to and them, in that they might the

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verse19

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

And they the as they the the the which are the

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verse20

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

Then the and the the of of and to

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verse21

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

And the an who the and and in the of the of So he with of to his own And when he the of his of his own struck him there with the

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verse22

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

So the and the of from the of of and from the of all his enemies, and he for them on every

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verse23

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

And to the to and things to of so that he was in the of that

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

became and was at the point of and he to the and he him and him a

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

But did not make according to the done to him, for his was Therefore came upon him and and

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

But for the of his both he and the of so that the of the did not them in the of

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

And had and and he for himself for for for for for and for all kinds of

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

also for the of and and for kinds of and

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

He likewise for and and in for had him

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2 Chronicles Chapter 32

This same the of the of and them to the of the of And in his

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verse31

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

And in the matter of the of the of who had been to him to about the that had been done in the him to himself, in order to him and to that was in his

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verse32

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

the of the of and his they are in the of the the of in the of the of and

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verse33

2 Chronicles Chapter 32

And with his and they in the of the of the of and and the of at his And his in his

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Opening Your Bible

Opening Your Bible

2 Chronicles·Chapter 32

Chapter Context

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

Reflection Question

Related Verses

Personal Prayer

Frequently Asked Questions

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Main Themes

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Historical Context

Old Testament

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