2 chronicles 32:15 - Now therefore don’t let Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you in this way. Don’t believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of my hand, and out of the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you out of my hand?”

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 32:15

What does "2 chronicles 32:15" mean?


This verse is part of a speech given by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, to the people of Jerusalem. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:

"Now therefore don’t let Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you in this way." Sennacherib is warning the people of Jerusalem not to listen to their King Hezekiah. He implies that Hezekiah is trying to trick them or convince them to resist the Assyrian siege.

"Don’t believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of my hand, and out of the hand of my fathers." This is the core of Sennacherib's argument. He is boasting that no other nation's god has ever been powerful enough to save its people from Assyrian conquest, either under his rule or the rule of his predecessors. He is emphasizing the unmatched power of the Assyrian empire.

"How much less will your God deliver you out of my hand?" This is a direct challenge to the faith of the people of Jerusalem. Sennacherib is saying that if no other god could save their people from Assyria, then the God of Israel is also powerless to do so. This is meant to instill fear and hopelessness, making the people more likely to surrender.

In essence, the verse is a propaganda tactic by Sennacherib to demoralize the people of Jerusalem and break their will to resist. It relies on fear, intimidation, and a boastful claim of Assyrian supremacy. He is trying to undermine their faith in God by asserting that their God is no more powerful than the gods of the nations he has already conquered.

Context is important:

This verse comes during a time when the Assyrian empire was a major world power. Sennacherib had already conquered many cities and regions, and the people of Jerusalem were facing a formidable siege. Sennacherib's speech is designed to exploit the fear and uncertainty of the situation.

Theological Significance:

The verse is not just a historical account; it also raises important theological questions about the nature of God's power and faithfulness in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The people of Jerusalem had to decide whether to believe Sennacherib's boasts or to trust in God's promise of deliverance.