2 chronicles 32:25 - But Hezekiah didn’t reciprocate appropriate to the benefit done for him, because his heart was lifted up. Therefore there was wrath on him, and on Judah and Jerusalem.

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 32:25

What does "2 chronicles 32:25" mean?


2 Chronicles 32:25 states, "But Hezekiah didn’t reciprocate appropriate to the benefit done for him, because his heart was lifted up. Therefore there was wrath on him, and on Judah and Jerusalem."

Let's break down what this verse means:

"But Hezekiah didn’t reciprocate appropriate to the benefit done for him..." This refers to the blessings and deliverance that God had bestowed upon Hezekiah. Specifically, it likely points to God saving Jerusalem from the Assyrian army (as described in the preceding verses). God had dramatically intervened and shown Hezekiah great favor. Hezekiah, however, did not adequately show gratitude or humility in response.

"...because his heart was lifted up." This is the key to understanding Hezekiah's failure. "Lifted up" means he became proud, arrogant, and self-sufficient. He began to take credit for the victory (or at least to think too highly of himself). He forgot, or minimized, God's role in saving him and his kingdom. This is a common theme throughout the Old Testament where pride leads to downfall.

"Therefore there was wrath on him, and on Judah and Jerusalem." Because of Hezekiah's pride and lack of gratitude, God's anger was kindled. The wrath was directed not only at Hezekiah himself but also at the entire kingdom of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. In the Old Testament, the leader's actions often had consequences for the entire nation. God's wrath could manifest in various ways, such as further trials, loss of favor, or eventual judgment.

In essence, the verse communicates the following:

Hezekiah received great blessings and divine intervention from God, especially in the deliverance from the Assyrian invasion. However, instead of remaining humble and grateful, Hezekiah grew proud and took credit for the victory. This pride displeased God, and as a consequence, divine wrath was directed at Hezekiah and the entire nation of Judah.

Key themes:

Gratitude: The importance of showing gratitude to God for blessings received.
Humility: The necessity of remaining humble, even after experiencing great success.
Pride: The dangers of pride and arrogance, which can lead to downfall.
Consequences: The idea that actions, especially those of leaders, have consequences for themselves and for others.
God's Sovereignty: The reminder that God is ultimately in control and expects recognition for His actions.

This verse serves as a warning against pride and a reminder to give God the glory for all good things. It highlights the importance of maintaining a humble and grateful heart, even in times of prosperity and success.