and the LORD sent an angel who annihilated every mighty man of valor and every leader and commander in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons struck him down with the sword. And the LORD sent an angelThe phrase begins with "the LORD," which in Hebrew is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness to His people. The sending of "an angel" signifies divine intervention. In Hebrew, "malak" means messenger, often a supernatural being executing God's will. This highlights God's direct involvement in the affairs of nations, showcasing His power over earthly rulers and armies. who annihilated every mighty warrior, commander, and officer
The term "annihilated" comes from the Hebrew root "shamad," meaning to destroy utterly. This demonstrates the totality of God's judgment against the Assyrian forces. The "mighty warrior, commander, and officer" represent the strength and leadership of the Assyrian army. Historically, the Assyrians were known for their military prowess, yet they were powerless against God's angel, underscoring the futility of human strength against divine power. in the camp of the king of Assyria
The "camp" refers to the military encampment, a place of supposed security and strength. The "king of Assyria" at this time was Sennacherib, a historical figure known for his conquests and arrogance. This context highlights the irony of the Assyrian king's vulnerability despite his earthly power, as his forces were decimated in their own stronghold. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace
The word "withdrew" indicates a retreat, a significant action for a king who had been on a campaign of conquest. "In disgrace" translates from the Hebrew "bosh," meaning shame or humiliation. This reflects the reversal of fortunes for Sennacherib, who left Judah not as a victor but in defeat, illustrating the biblical theme that pride precedes a fall. And when he entered the temple of his god
The "temple of his god" refers to the temple of Nisroch, an Assyrian deity. This setting is significant as it contrasts the powerlessness of false gods with the omnipotence of Yahweh. Sennacherib's seeking refuge in his god's temple underscores the futility of idolatry, a recurring biblical theme. some of his own sons struck him down with the sword
The phrase "some of his own sons" indicates betrayal from within, a tragic end for a king. This act fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 37:7) and serves as divine retribution. The "sword" symbolizes judgment and the ultimate downfall of those who oppose God. This event is historically corroborated by Assyrian records, adding archaeological weight to the biblical narrative. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who intervenes on behalf of His people. 2. AngelA divine messenger or agent sent by God to execute His will, in this case, to defeat the Assyrian army. 3. King of AssyriaSennacherib, the Assyrian king who invaded Judah and besieged Jerusalem. 4. Assyrian ArmyThe military force of Assyria, known for its might and conquests, which was miraculously defeated. 5. Temple of his godThe place where Sennacherib was killed by his sons, highlighting the futility of false gods. Teaching Points Divine InterventionGod is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals. He can deliver His people in miraculous ways. The Power of PrayerHezekiah's prayer and reliance on God led to divine intervention. Prayer is a powerful tool for believers. The Futility of IdolatrySennacherib's death in the temple of his god underscores the impotence of idols compared to the living God. God's SovereigntyThe LORD's control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes, even through supernatural means. Trust in God's ProtectionBelievers can have confidence in God's protection, as He commands His angels concerning them. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of the angel's intervention in 2 Chronicles 32:21 encourage you to trust in God's power and protection in your own life? 2. In what ways can Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat serve as a model for handling crises today? 3. How does the defeat of the Assyrian army demonstrate the futility of relying on human strength and false gods? 4. What other biblical accounts of angelic intervention can you think of, and how do they reinforce the message of God's sovereignty? 5. How can understanding God's sovereignty and power over nations influence your perspective on current world events? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 19:35-37This passage provides a parallel account of the same event, emphasizing God's deliverance of Jerusalem. Isaiah 37:36-38Isaiah's prophecy and its fulfillment, showing God's faithfulness to His word. Psalm 91:11-12Speaks of God's angels protecting His people, illustrating divine intervention. Exodus 12:23The angel of the LORD executing judgment, similar to the Passover event. Hebrews 1:14Describes angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation. People Amoz, David, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Manasseh, SennacheribPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Gihon, Jerusalem, Lachish, MilloTopics Angel, Annihilated, Army, Asshur, Assyria, Assyrian, Body, Bowels, Camp, Captains, Caused, Chiefs, Commander, Commanders, Cut, Cutteth, Death, Destroyed, Disgrace, Entered, Entereth, Face, Fall, Fighting, Forth, Killed, Leader, Leaders, Messenger, Mighty, Officer, Officers, Offspring, Princes, Returned, Shame, Slew, Sons, Struck, Sword, Temple, Turneth, Valor, Valour, War, Warrior, Warriors, WithdrewDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 32:21 1416 miracles, nature of
4111 angels, servants
4113 angels, agents of judgment
5295 destruction
8805 pride, results 2 Chronicles 32:1-22 5305 empires 2 Chronicles 32:13-22 5937 rivalry Library A Strange Reward for Faithfulness
After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came.'--2 CHRON. XXXII. 1. The Revised Version gives a much more accurate and significant rendering of a part of these words. It reads: 'After these things and this faithfulness, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came.' What are 'these things' and 'this faithfulness'? The former are the whole of the events connected with the religious reformation in Judah, which King Hezekiah inaugurated and carried through so brilliantly …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureSome Buildings in Acra. Bezeiha. Millo.
Mount Sion did not thrust itself so far eastward as mount Acra: and hence it is, that mount Moriah is said, by Josephus, to be "situate over-against Acra," rather than over-against the Upper City: for, describing Acra thus, which we produced before, "There is another hill, called Acra, which bears the Lower City upon it, steep on both sides": in the next words he subjoins this, "Over-against this was a third hill," speaking of Moriah. The same author thus describes the burning of the Lower City: …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Chronicles 32:21 NIV2 Chronicles 32:21 NLT2 Chronicles 32:21 ESV2 Chronicles 32:21 NASB2 Chronicles 32:21 KJV
2 Chronicles 32:21 Commentaries
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