2 Chronicles 32:31
New International Version
But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.

New Living Translation
However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.

English Standard Version
And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.

Berean Standard Bible
And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart.

King James Bible
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

New King James Version
However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.

New American Standard Bible
Even in the matter of the messengers of the rulers of Babylon, who were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land; God left him alone only to test him, so that He might know everything that was in his heart.

NASB 1995
Even in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.

NASB 1977
And even in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.

Legacy Standard Bible
Even in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the miraculous sign that had happened in the land, God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.

Amplified Bible
And so in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, who were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone only to test him, in order to know everything that was in his heart.

Christian Standard Bible
When the ambassadors of Babylon’s rulers were sent to him to inquire about the miraculous sign that happened in the land, God left him to test him and discover what was in his heart.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the ambassadors of Babylon’s rulers were sent to him to inquire about the miraculous sign that happened in the land, God left him to test him and discover what was in his heart.

American Standard Version
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

Contemporary English Version
Even when the leaders of Babylonia sent messengers to ask Hezekiah about the sign God had given him, God let Hezekiah give his own answer to test him and to see if he would remain faithful.

English Revised Version
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the leaders of Babylon sent ambassadors to ask him about the miraculous sign that had happened in the land, God left him. God did this to test him, to find out everything that was in Hezekiah's heart.

Good News Translation
and even when the Babylonian ambassadors came to inquire about the unusual event that had happened in the land, God let Hezekiah go his own way only in order to test his character.

International Standard Version
Later on, envoys came from the princes of Babylon to inquire about the miracle that had happened in the land. God left Hezekiah to himself, so that he might make known what was really in Hezekiah's heart.

Majority Standard Bible
And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah?s heart.

NET Bible
So when the envoys arrived from the Babylonian officials to visit him and inquire about the sign that occurred in the land, God left him alone to test him, in order to know his true motives.

New Heart English Bible
However concerning the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

Webster's Bible Translation
But, in the business of the embassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

World English Bible
However, concerning the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him to test him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and so with the ambassadors of the heads of Babylon, those sending to him to inquire of the wonder that has been in the land, God has left him to try him, to know all in his heart.

Young's Literal Translation
and so with the ambassadors of the heads of Babylon, those sending unto him to inquire of the wonder that hath been in the land, God hath left him to try him, to know all in his heart,

Smith's Literal Translation
Thus in the chiefs of Babel interceding, sending to him to seek out the sign which was in the land, God left him, to try him, to know all in his heart.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But yet in the embassy of the princes of Babylon, that were sent to him, to inquire of the wonder that had happened upon the earth, God left him that he might be tempted, and all things might be made known that were in his heart.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet still, concerning the legates from the leaders of Babylon, who had been sent to him so that they might inquire about the portent which had happened upon the earth, God permitted him to be tempted, so that everything might be made known which was in his heart.

New American Bible
Nevertheless, in respect to the ambassadors of the Babylonian officials who were sent to him to investigate the sign that had occurred in the land, God abandoned him as a test, to know all that was in his heart.

New Revised Standard Version
So also in the matter of the envoys of the officials of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he sought the law of the LORD, as it was given in the land, and the LORD knew all that was in his heart.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he was seeking the Law of LORD JEHOVAH, just as it was given in the land, and it knew everything that was in his heart.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that He might know all that was in his heart.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Notwithstanding, in regard to the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who were sent to him to enquire of him concerning the prodigy which came upon the land, the Lord left him, to try him, to know what was in his heart.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery
30It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Spring of Gihon and channeled it down to the west side of the City of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all that he did. 31And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart.

Cross References
2 Kings 20:12-19
At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness. / And Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. / Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?” “They came from a distant land,” Hezekiah replied, “from Babylon.” ...

Isaiah 39:1-8
At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness and recovery. / And Hezekiah welcomed the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his entire armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. / Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?” “They came to me from a distant land,” Hezekiah replied, “from Babylon.” ...

2 Chronicles 32:25-26
But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem. / 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.

2 Chronicles 32:24
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. So he prayed to the LORD, who spoke to him and gave him a sign.

2 Chronicles 32:27-30
Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles. / He also made storehouses for the harvest of grain and new wine and oil, stalls for all kinds of livestock, and pens for the flocks. / He made cities for himself, and he acquired herds of sheep and cattle in abundance, for God gave him very great wealth. ...

2 Chronicles 32:32-33
As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his deeds of loving devotion, they are indeed written in the vision of the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. / And Hezekiah rested with his fathers and was buried in the upper tombs of David’s descendants. All Judah and the people of Jerusalem paid him honor at his death. And his son Manasseh reigned in his place.

2 Kings 18:13-16
In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. / So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand from me.” And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. / Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. ...

2 Kings 18:17-37
Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. / Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them. / The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? ...

2 Kings 19:1-37
On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. / And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz / to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them. ...

Isaiah 38:1-22
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” / Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, / saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. ...

Isaiah 37:1-38
On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. / And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz / to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them. ...

Daniel 4:28-37
All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. / Twelve months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, / the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?” ...

1 Kings 10:1-13
Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain. ...

1 Kings 10:23-25
So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. / Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.

2 Chronicles 9:1-12
Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain. / When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, ...


Treasury of Scripture

However, in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

A.

2 Kings 20:12,13
At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick…

Isaiah 39:1,2
At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered…

ambassadors [heb] interpreters

2 Kings 20:8-11
And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day? …

Isaiah 38:8
Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.

left him

Judges 16:20
And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

Psalm 27:9
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Psalm 51:11,12
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me…

to try him

Genesis 22:1
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

Deuteronomy 8:2,16
And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no…

Job 1:11,12
But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face…

that he might

Deuteronomy 8:2
And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Deuteronomy 13:3
Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Jump to Previous
Alone Ambassadors Babylon Business Embassadors Enquire Envoys Guiding Heads Heart Howbeit However Inquire Left Matter Miraculous News Occurred Order Princes Representatives Rulers Sending Testing Try Wonder
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Alone Ambassadors Babylon Business Embassadors Enquire Envoys Guiding Heads Heart Howbeit However Inquire Left Matter Miraculous News Occurred Order Princes Representatives Rulers Sending Testing Try Wonder
2 Chronicles 32
1. Sennacherib invading Judah, Hezekiah fortifies himself, and encourages his people
9. Hezekiah and Isaiah pray against the blasphemies of Sennarchib
21. An angel destroys the host of the Assyrians
24. Hezekiah praying in his sickness, God gives him a sign of recovery
25. His proud heart is humbled by God
27. His wealth and works
31. His error in the ambassage of Babylon
32. He dying, Manasseh succeeds him














And so in the matter of the envoys
The phrase "in the matter of the envoys" refers to a specific incident involving representatives from Babylon. The Hebrew word for "envoys" is "מַלְאָכִים" (mal'akhim), which can also mean messengers or ambassadors. This highlights the diplomatic nature of the visit, indicating a formal and significant interaction. Historically, envoys were often sent to establish alliances or gather intelligence, suggesting that this was a moment of political and spiritual significance for Hezekiah.

of the rulers of Babylon
The "rulers of Babylon" refers to the leaders of a powerful and influential kingdom. Babylon, known for its grandeur and might, was a center of culture and power in the ancient Near East. The mention of Babylon here underscores the geopolitical importance of the event. It also foreshadows the future Babylonian captivity, making this encounter a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative.

who were sent to him
The phrase "who were sent to him" indicates that the envoys were dispatched with a purpose. This action suggests intentionality and the importance of the mission. In the biblical context, being "sent" often implies a divine or significant mandate, reflecting the seriousness of the inquiry and the potential consequences of Hezekiah's response.

to inquire about the wonder
The word "inquire" comes from the Hebrew "דָּרַשׁ" (darash), meaning to seek or investigate. The "wonder" refers to a miraculous event, likely the sign of the sun moving backward as recorded in 2 Kings 20:8-11. This miracle was a divine intervention, capturing the attention of distant nations and prompting their curiosity about the God of Israel.

that had happened in the land
This phrase situates the miracle within the land of Judah, emphasizing its local impact and significance. The "land" in biblical terms often refers to the Promised Land, a place of divine promise and activity. The occurrence of such a wonder in this land highlights God's active presence and power among His people.

God left him
The phrase "God left him" is profound, indicating a temporary withdrawal of divine guidance. The Hebrew word "עָזַב" (azav) means to leave or forsake. This does not imply abandonment but rather a deliberate step back to allow Hezekiah to act independently. It reflects a moment of testing, where Hezekiah's faith and character are put to the test.

to test him
The word "test" comes from the Hebrew "נָסָה" (nasah), meaning to try or prove. This testing is not for God's knowledge, as He is omniscient, but for Hezekiah's growth and revelation of his heart's true condition. It is a common biblical theme where God tests individuals to refine their faith and reveal their dependence on Him.

and to know everything that was in his heart
The phrase "to know everything that was in his heart" suggests a deep examination of Hezekiah's inner motives and desires. In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (לֵב, lev) is the center of will, emotion, and intellect. This testing was to reveal whether Hezekiah's trust was in God or in his own strength and alliances. It serves as a reminder of the importance of a heart fully devoted to God, free from pride and self-reliance.

(31) Howbeit.--Literally, And thus; that is, and when things were thus prosperous with him. In the midst of Hezekiah's prosperity, God left him for a moment to himself, by way of putting him to the proof.

The princes of Babylon.--The same vague plural which we have already noticed in 2Chronicles 28:16; 2Chronicles 30:6, and 2Chronicles 32:4, supra. The king who "sent letters and a present "to Hezekiah, with congratulations on his recovery from Sickness, and overtures of alliance against the common enemy, Assyria, was Merodach-baladan (Maruduk-abla-iddina, "Merodach gave a son"). (See the account in 2Kings 20:12, seq.; Isaiah 39)

Who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder (Hebrew, the sign, as in 2Chronicles 32:24).--This is not mentioned in the parallel passage of Kings and Isaiah. But such an inquiry is quite in harmony with what we know of the Babylonians from their own monuments. Babylon was the home of the arts of divination and augury, from observation of all kinds of signs and portents in every department of nature. Moreover, the sign given to Hezekiah would have a special interest for the astrologers and astronomers of the Babylonian temple-towers. . . .

Verse 31. - Howbeit; literally, and thus. The italic type dispensed with, the verse may be rendered, And thus with or among the ambassadors of the princes... God left him to, etc. The princes. This plural may be the pluralis excellentiae, and designate the king himself, who doubtless issued the official command to the messengers to visit Hezekiah with gifts, etc., but not necessarily so. The word may betray the inquiries and curiosity of the princes of Babylon, under the king, the expression of which led to the embassy, so to call it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And so
וְכֵ֞ן (wə·ḵên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

when ambassadors
בִּמְלִיצֵ֣י ׀ (bim·lî·ṣê)
Preposition-b | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker

of the rulers
שָׂרֵ֣י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of Babylon
בָּבֶ֗ל (bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city

were sent
הַֽמְשַׁלְּחִ֤ים (ham·šal·lə·ḥîm)
Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

to him
עָלָיו֙ (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

to inquire about
לִדְרֹ֗שׁ (liḏ·rōš)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

the wonder
הַמּוֹפֵת֙ (ham·mō·w·p̄êṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4159: A miracle, a token, omen

that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

had happened
הָיָ֣ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

in the land,
בָאָ֔רֶץ (ḇā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

God
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

left
עֲזָב֖וֹ (‘ă·zā·ḇōw)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit

him [alone] to test him,
לְנַ֨סּוֹת֔וֹ (lə·nas·sō·w·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5254: To test, to attempt

that He might know
לָדַ֖עַת (lā·ḏa·‘aṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3045: To know

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that was in [Hezekiah's] heart.
בִּלְבָבֽוֹ׃ (bil·ḇā·ḇōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 32:31 However in the business of the ambassadors (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 32:30
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