2 Chronicles 32:3
he consulted with his leaders and commanders about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out.
he consulted with his leaders and mighty men
This phrase highlights King Hezekiah's leadership style, emphasizing collaboration and seeking counsel from trusted advisors. In the biblical context, Hezekiah was known for his faithfulness to God and his reforms in Judah (2 Kings 18:5-6). Consulting with leaders and mighty men reflects the wisdom found in Proverbs 15:22, which underscores the importance of seeking advice. The "mighty men" were likely his military commanders, indicating the seriousness of the impending threat from the Assyrian army led by Sennacherib. This approach contrasts with the actions of some other kings who acted independently, often leading to poor decisions.

about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city
The strategic move to stop the waters was a defensive measure to deprive the Assyrian army of water resources during their siege. This action is supported by archaeological findings, such as the Siloam Tunnel (also known as Hezekiah's Tunnel), which redirected water from the Gihon Spring into the city of Jerusalem. This tunnel is a testament to Hezekiah's foresight and engineering prowess. The act of stopping the springs also symbolizes cutting off the enemy's life source, a tactic seen in other biblical narratives where water plays a crucial role, such as in the Exodus story (Exodus 14:21-22).

and they helped him carry it out
The cooperation of Hezekiah's leaders and mighty men in executing this plan demonstrates unity and shared purpose among the people of Judah. This collective effort is reminiscent of the unity seen in Nehemiah's time when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:6). It also reflects the biblical principle found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which speaks to the strength found in working together. The successful implementation of this plan was crucial in the defense of Jerusalem, showcasing the importance of community and teamwork in overcoming challenges.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hezekiah
The King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship in the kingdom. He is the central figure in this passage, demonstrating leadership and strategic planning.

2. Officials and Military Staff
These are the advisors and leaders under King Hezekiah's command. They play a crucial role in executing the king's plans and ensuring the safety of Jerusalem.

3. Springs Outside the City
These are the water sources that Hezekiah and his officials decided to block. This strategic move was intended to deprive the Assyrian army of water during their siege.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, which was under threat from the Assyrian army led by King Sennacherib. The city's defense was a primary concern for Hezekiah.

5. Assyrian Siege
The impending threat from the Assyrian army, which prompted Hezekiah to take defensive measures to protect Jerusalem.
Teaching Points
Strategic Leadership
Hezekiah's consultation with his officials demonstrates the importance of wise and strategic leadership in times of crisis. Leaders should seek counsel and make informed decisions to protect and guide their people.

Preparation and Planning
The act of blocking the springs shows the necessity of preparation and planning in the face of adversity. Believers are encouraged to be proactive in addressing potential challenges.

Faith and Works
Hezekiah's actions illustrate the balance between faith in God and taking practical steps. While trusting in God's protection, he also took concrete measures to defend the city.

Community and Cooperation
The cooperation between Hezekiah and his officials highlights the power of working together towards a common goal. Unity and collaboration are essential in overcoming obstacles.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as Hezekiah prepared for a physical siege, Christians are called to prepare for spiritual battles by equipping themselves with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Hezekiah's approach to the Assyrian threat demonstrate the importance of seeking wise counsel in decision-making?

2. In what ways can we apply Hezekiah's balance of faith and practical action in our own lives when facing challenges?

3. How does the cooperation between Hezekiah and his officials serve as a model for teamwork and unity in the church today?

4. What are some "springs" or resources in our lives that we need to manage wisely to prevent the enemy from gaining an advantage?

5. How can the account of Hezekiah's preparations inspire us to be vigilant and prepared in our spiritual lives, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 20:20
This passage also mentions Hezekiah's efforts to secure water for Jerusalem, highlighting his wisdom and foresight.

Isaiah 22:9-11
These verses describe the preparations made by Hezekiah, including the construction of a tunnel to bring water into the city, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning in times of crisis.

Proverbs 21:31
This verse underscores the balance between human effort and reliance on God, a theme evident in Hezekiah's actions.
An Assyrian Invasion of JudahT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 32:1-8
In Face of the EnemyW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 32:1-8
People
Amoz, David, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Manasseh, Sennacherib
Places
Assyria, Babylon, Gihon, Jerusalem, Lachish, Millo
Topics
Blocking, Counsel, Cut, Decided, Fountains, Heads, Helped, Mighty, Military, Officers, Officials, Ones, Outside, Planned, Princes, Question, Rulers, Springs, Staff, Stop, Stopping, Supply, Support, Taketh, Town, War, Warriors, Waters, Water-springs
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 32:1-5

     5529   sieges

2 Chronicles 32:1-22

     5305   empires

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 Scripture

Some 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

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