2 chronicles 32:20 - Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, prayed because of this, and cried to heaven.

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 32:20

What does "2 chronicles 32:20" mean?


This verse from 2 Chronicles 32:20 describes a pivotal moment of desperation and faith in the face of overwhelming odds. Let's break it down:

"Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz..." - This identifies the two key figures involved:
Hezekiah: The king of Judah, known for his righteousness and reforms, including his devotion to the one true God and purging idolatry.
Isaiah: One of the most important prophets in the Old Testament, serving as God's messenger and advisor to the kings of Judah.

"...prayed because of this..." - The "this" refers to the context of the surrounding verses, specifically the threat posed by the Assyrian king Sennacherib. Sennacherib had invaded Judah, captured many cities, and was now besieging Jerusalem. He was boasting of his power and blaspheming God, trying to intimidate Hezekiah and the people into surrender.
The Assyrian army was known for its ruthlessness, making this threat especially concerning.

"...and cried to heaven." - This emphasizes the intensity and earnestness of their prayer. It wasn't a casual or routine prayer. They were desperately appealing to God for help, expressing their deep distress and complete reliance on Him. "Cried" suggests a passionate, heartfelt, and urgent plea.

In essence, the verse means:

King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, faced with the overwhelming threat of the Assyrian army and Sennacherib's blasphemous taunts, united in a powerful and desperate prayer to God for deliverance. They recognized that their only hope lay in divine intervention.

Significance and Implications:

Reliance on God in Times of Crisis: The verse highlights the importance of turning to God in times of trouble, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The Power of Prayer: It demonstrates the belief that prayer can move God to act.
Leadership and Faith: It showcases the roles of a righteous king (Hezekiah) and a faithful prophet (Isaiah) in leading the people in prayer and faith.
God's Sovereignty: It implicitly acknowledges God's power over earthly kingdoms and His ability to intervene in human affairs.

The subsequent verses (2 Chronicles 32:21-22) reveal that God answered their prayer and miraculously delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrians, further emphasizing the effectiveness of their plea.

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