19 They spoke of the God of Jerusalem as of the gods of the peoples of the earth , the work of men's hands .
20 But King Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet , the son of Amoz , prayed about this and cried out to heaven . 21 And the Lord sent an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior , commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria . So he returned in shame e to his own land . And when he had entered the temple of his god , some of his own children e killed him there with the sword . 22 So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side . 23 And many were bringing gifts to the Lord at Jerusalem and choice presents to Hezekiah king of Judah , so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations thereafter e e .
24 In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill ; and he prayed to the Lord , and the Lord spoke to him and gave him a sign . 25 But Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit he received , because his heart was proud ; therefore wrath came on him and on Judah and Jerusalem . 26 However, Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart , both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem , so that the wrath of the Lord did not come on them in the days of Hezekiah .
27 Now Hezekiah had immense riches and honor ; and he made for himself treasuries for silver , gold , precious stones , spices , shields and all kinds of valuable articles , 28 storehouses also for the produce of grain , wine and oil , pens for all kinds of cattle and sheepfolds for the flocks . 29 He made cities for himself and acquired flocks and herds in abundance , for God had given him very great wealth . 30 It was Hezekiah who stopped the upper outlet of the waters of Gihon and directed them to the west side of the city of David . And Hezekiah prospered in all that he did . 31 Even in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon , who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that had happened in the land , God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart .
32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his deeds of devotion , behold , they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet , the son of Amoz , in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel . 33 So Hezekiah slept with his fathers , and they buried him in the upper section of the tombs of the sons of David ; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him at his death . And his son Manasseh became king in his place .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:19-40
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:1-23
(Read 2 Chronicles 32:1-23)
Those who trust God with their safety, must use proper means, else they tempt him. God will provide, but so must we also. Hezekiah gathered his people together, and spake comfortably to them. A believing confidence in God, will raise us above the prevailing fear of man. Let the good subjects and soldiers of Jesus Christ, rest upon his word, and boldly say, Since God is for us, who can be against us? By the favour of God, enemies are lost, and friends gained.
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:24-33
(Read 2 Chronicles 32:24-33)
God left Hezekiah to himself, that, by this trial and his weakness in it, what was in his heart might be known; that he was not so perfect in grace as he thought he was. It is good for us to know ourselves, and our own weakness and sinfulness, that we may not be conceited, or self-confident, but may always live in dependence upon Divine grace. We know not the corruption of our own hearts, nor what we shall do if God leaves us to ourselves. His sin was, that his heart was lifted up. What need have great men, and good men, and useful men, to study their own infirmities and follies, and their obligations to free grace, that they may never think highly of themselves; but beg earnestly of God, that he will always keep them humble! Hezekiah made a bad return to God for his favours, by making even those favours the food and fuel of his pride. Let us shun the occasions of sin: let us avoid the company, the amusements, the books, yea, the very sights that may administer to sin. Let us commit ourselves continually to God's care and protection; and beg of him never to leave us nor forsake us. Blessed be God, death will soon end the believer's conflict; then pride and every sin will be abolished. He will no more be tempted to withhold the praise which belongs to the God of his salvation.