View 2nd Chronicles 32 in the note window.
Sennacherib invading Judah, Hezekiah fortifies himself, ver. 1 - 8.
The insolent letters and messages sent by Sennacherib, ver. 9 - 19.
The destruction of his army, ver. 20 - 23.
Hezekiah's sickness, riches, and death, ver. 24 - 33.
1: After, &c. - An emphatical preface, signifying, that
notwithstanding all his zeal for God, God saw fit to exercise him with
a sore trial. And God ordered it at this time, that he might have an
opportunity of shewing himself strong, on the behalf of his returning
people. It is possible, we may be in the way of our duty, and yet meet
with trouble and danger. God permits this, for the trial of our confidence
in him, and the manifestation of his care over us.
3: To stop - And withal to draw the waters by secret pipes
underground to Jerusalem.
21: The Lord sent an angel - The Jewish comment says the word of
the Lord sent Gabriel to do this execution, and that it done with
lightning, and in the passover night, the same night wherein the
first - born in Egypt were slain.
25: Lifted up - For that prodigious victory over the Assyrians,
for his miraculous restoration from sickness, and for the honour
since done him by an embassy from the great king of Babylon.
All which probably raised in him too great an opinion of himself,
as if these things were done for his piety and virtues.
29: Provided - He repaired, fortified, and beautified them for
the honour and safety of his kingdom.
30: Stopped, &c. - A rivulet near Jerusalem consisting of two
streams, the upper which was brought into one pool, called the
upper pool, (Isa 7:3), and the lower which was brought into another,
called the lower pool, (Isa 22:9). The former he diverted and
brought by pipes into Jerusalem, which was a work of great art and
labour.
31: Wonder that was done - Either the destruction of the
Assyrians, or the going back of the sun. These miracles were wrought
to alarm and awaken a stupid, careless world, and to turn them from
dumb and lame idols to the living God. God left him - To himself, and
suffered Satan to try him; that he might know he had infirmities and
sins as well as virtues. O what need have great men, and good men,
and useful men, to study their own follies and infirmities, and to
beg earnestly of God, that he would hide pride from them!
33: Did him honour - It is a debt we owe to those who have been
eminently useful, to do them honour at their death, when they are out
of the reach of flattery, and we have seen the end of their conversation.
