Post by Dana Parriera:)
2 Chronicles 32-33.
The Lord God above will judge all those who go against Him. And He will bless those who stay faithful to Him...
We already heard about the King of Assyria and how he was destroyed.
We learned about King Hezekiah - his sickness and his healing. As well as his sentence for his pride.
Now we are going to take another look at the same instances through the eyes of the Chronicler. All this is - is another account from another author which verifies the other books of the Bible. The similar instances, as well as the overlaps remind us that there is more than one writer, telling us the Historical account. This is good for us. For although they are now all in our Bible. Remember the Bible is a collection of many books, from many writers.
2 Chronicles 32.
Shadows 2 Kings 18-19.
Verses 1-2: Sennacherib, King of Assyria, wanted to conquer Judah and came against it to capture it. But this wasn't going to be a quick little capture. The Assyrians parked themselves outside of Judah and the King of Judah, Hezekiah, knew this typical battle plan.
A common way to overtake a city, back in the day. Was to surround the city and starve them out. This process could take years, depending on the city. But the one who endured to the end would win. Either the city would win as they thrived inside the walls. Or the challenging outside army would win as they thrived outside the walls. If the city starved, they would surrender. If the challenging outside army would starve, they would march back home in a state of surrender.
We aren't talking about a little wall around a little place. We are talking a wall around the city. Think of the great wall of China. China wasn't the first one to think of placing a wall around themselves for safety. Instead, this was very common. And if you had water, supplies, farms, and businesses all within the walls of the city, you could live quite a long time within the walls of safety.
Jerusalem was known for its water tunnels. These underground tunnels of water could make the city self sufficient for quite a while. Other cites who had to leave the outside walls for water, were more venerable and the siege against the city would be shorter since the need for water is so great.
Verses 3-8: Instead of letting the enemy camp around Judah and gain strength by the water from the water system they had built for Jerusalem, that went in and out of the city, which would have gone through the enemy camp. King Hezekiah decided that he was going to make it difficult for the Assyrians and not easy. The first thing he did, was cut the water supply that traveled outside of Jerusalem, so that the enemy couldn't get easy water to their troops. Hezekiah also rebuilt the walls that needed fixing and built a look out tower on it. This shows us that there is quite a bit of time that has taken place. As the walls are built, Hezekiah encourages his people that are inside the city.
Verses 9-12: The King of Assyria sent some servants with a message to the gates of Jerusalem. These servants spoke the message of the enemy King. These servants of the enemy try to speak lies and content against the King that is within the walls of Judah. These words were suppose to cause of fear and doubt in the ears of the listeners. But who was the fear and doubt aimed at? The King of Judah, Hezekiah.
A common way to overtake a city, back in the day. Was to surround the city and starve them out. This process could take years, depending on the city. But the one who endured to the end would win. Either the city would win as they thrived inside the walls. Or the challenging outside army would win as they thrived outside the walls. If the city starved, they would surrender. If the challenging outside army would starve, they would march back home in a state of surrender.
We aren't talking about a little wall around a little place. We are talking a wall around the city. Think of the great wall of China. China wasn't the first one to think of placing a wall around themselves for safety. Instead, this was very common. And if you had water, supplies, farms, and businesses all within the walls of the city, you could live quite a long time within the walls of safety.
Jerusalem was known for its water tunnels. These underground tunnels of water could make the city self sufficient for quite a while. Other cites who had to leave the outside walls for water, were more venerable and the siege against the city would be shorter since the need for water is so great.
Verses 3-8: Instead of letting the enemy camp around Judah and gain strength by the water from the water system they had built for Jerusalem, that went in and out of the city, which would have gone through the enemy camp. King Hezekiah decided that he was going to make it difficult for the Assyrians and not easy. The first thing he did, was cut the water supply that traveled outside of Jerusalem, so that the enemy couldn't get easy water to their troops. Hezekiah also rebuilt the walls that needed fixing and built a look out tower on it. This shows us that there is quite a bit of time that has taken place. As the walls are built, Hezekiah encourages his people that are inside the city.
Verses 9-12: The King of Assyria sent some servants with a message to the gates of Jerusalem. These servants spoke the message of the enemy King. These servants of the enemy try to speak lies and content against the King that is within the walls of Judah. These words were suppose to cause of fear and doubt in the ears of the listeners. But who was the fear and doubt aimed at? The King of Judah, Hezekiah.
Verses 12-14: The King of Assyria's servants continue with the message at the gates of Jerusalem. These servants continue to speak the message of the enemy King. These servants of the enemy, change their position a bit and try to speak lies and content against the God that is worshipped within the walls of Judah. These words were suppose to cause of fear and doubt in the ears of the listeners. But who was the fear and doubt aimed at? The King of Universe, Yahweh.
This switch, shows that this battle was more than just conquering land. It was also about the war of the gods. Which god was greater? The King of Assyria? The gods of the Assyrians? Or the God of the Bible? This challenge was on. As Sennacherib talks about himself as if he is a god. And that he has power in his hand to win battles. His challenge to the Lord God above is heard and the Lord Himself will show Sennacherib who is the real God.
This switch, shows that this battle was more than just conquering land. It was also about the war of the gods. Which god was greater? The King of Assyria? The gods of the Assyrians? Or the God of the Bible? This challenge was on. As Sennacherib talks about himself as if he is a god. And that he has power in his hand to win battles. His challenge to the Lord God above is heard and the Lord Himself will show Sennacherib who is the real God.
Verse 16: The servants said much more to the people of Judah about Yahweh and King Hezekiah, but the Lord isn't even going to let us read about it. Those who talk smack against the God of the Bible and His leaders, will only leave Yahweh with the last word...
Verses 17-19: Oh, the servants of Sennacherib couldn't stop there, could they? Nooooo. Instead they just keep on going. They basically call judgment on the God of the Bible and liken Him to mute idol images. These servants even spoke Hebrew to the people, making sure that all the people in the city could hear the blasphemy of their words by speaking their language.
At this point. I imagine a woman with one hand on her hip. The other hand up in front of her, waving her pointer finger back and forth. And moving her head as she says with a loud, strong voice, "OH. NO YOU DIDN'T..."
How dare they challenge the God of the Universe. How dare they mock God. Oh the shame. Sadly, they aren't going to get very far with this.
Verse 20: And so in response to listening to this tragedy of the servants speak ill of Yahweh. The King of Judah and Isaiah the Prophet, pray to the God of Heaven. They don't take action, without first screaming out to the God of the Universe. The only One who is in ultimate control.
Verse 21: The Lord intervenes and sends an angel to wipe out the evil army that is standing against Judah. With Sennacherib's army destroyed he returns home in shame at the realization that he is no god. But his sons throw a welcome party for him, by stabbing him to death. What great sons, Sennacherib had... (Sarcasm.)
Verses 22-23: So the Lord is the One who saved the day. And no one else gets the glory for the battle won. If Hezekiah would have gone out and fought and won, it wouldn't have only been the Lord. Because the army was slaughtered by an angel, we know that it was a miracle of salvation for Judah, but the King of the Armies of the Lord. And those that heard this, brought gifts to Yahweh and to King Hezekiah.
This next part is a recap of the same story in 2 Kings 20-21, but it also has some other hints and angles that 2 Kings didn't mention. If you haven't read that, please do first. It will make more sense as I am just speeding the story along.
Verses 24-26: Hezekiah got sick and asked God for healing. The Lord granted him 15 more years because Hezekiah sought the Face of the Lord. But Hezekiah had forgotten that all he had came from God, and in his pride - he showed off to the Babylonians and received a judgment from God that the city of Judah would be destroyed after he was dead.
Verses 27-31: States all the greatness, wealth, and accomplishments that Hezekiah did. And lets the reader know, that the men from Babylon were sent to Hezekiah as a test, to see if King Hezekiah would be proud or not. We see that God uses every opportunity to test us and to know our heart. So that we may be refined and turn to God at every test and temptation.
Whether we pass or fail. We always should return to the Lord and learn from our mistakes.
Verses 32-33: And Hezekiah died and his son took his place on the throne of Judah.
2 Chronicles 33
Verses 1-9: When Manasseh was only 12 years old, he started his reign as King. And this boy set out to destroy the ways of the Lord and he reestablished all of the false gods, that his dad tried so hard to wipe out. Manasseh rebuilt all the false god alters and dedicated himself to Baal worship. He reinstated Baal and Asherah worship, even sacrificing his own children. He turned to witchcraft and paganism.
Remember-
Baal is the god of money, sex, power, wealth, riches, and masculinity.
Asherah is the goddess of sex, beauty, attraction, children, lust, riches, and female sexuality.
And the temptation to worship these gods of the world, were just as tempting back then as they are prevalent and tempting today.
Verse 10: And the Lord spoke to Manasseh. But he would not listen.
Is the Lord speaking to you? Are you listening? Are you paying attention?
Verses 11-12: Speaks of the Judgement that was foretold by the Lord in the days of Manasseh's father. The King of Assyria, who couldn't conquer Judah during the time of Hezekiah, has no problem conquering in the days of Manasseh. The winners of the city of Judah took the King of Judah back to Babylon, to humble and humiliate him. In his shamed state, this pagan disobedient man, turned to the Lord and prayed to be brought back to Jerusalem.
How it worked, sometimes back in the day. Was that a foreign King would come and conquer a city and a territory. Since the cities were inhabited, sometimes they would put whatever King they wanted over the city, as a submissive leader and the city would pay a high tax back to the conquering King. That way, the cities could continue and the conquering Kings would get more wealthy. Thus just placing on the throne of the conquered city someone who they trusted and who would obey and submit to them.
Verse 13: While in prison Manasseh humbled him to the Lord and the Lord heard his prayer. The Lord caused the conquering King to send Manasseh back to reign in Judah, under the power of the Assyrians. When Manasseh got home, he knew that the Lord was really the only God, as he had prayed to Him, for this.
Is the Lord speaking to you? Are you listening? Are you paying attention?
Verses 11-12: Speaks of the Judgement that was foretold by the Lord in the days of Manasseh's father. The King of Assyria, who couldn't conquer Judah during the time of Hezekiah, has no problem conquering in the days of Manasseh. The winners of the city of Judah took the King of Judah back to Babylon, to humble and humiliate him. In his shamed state, this pagan disobedient man, turned to the Lord and prayed to be brought back to Jerusalem.
How it worked, sometimes back in the day. Was that a foreign King would come and conquer a city and a territory. Since the cities were inhabited, sometimes they would put whatever King they wanted over the city, as a submissive leader and the city would pay a high tax back to the conquering King. That way, the cities could continue and the conquering Kings would get more wealthy. Thus just placing on the throne of the conquered city someone who they trusted and who would obey and submit to them.
Verse 13: While in prison Manasseh humbled him to the Lord and the Lord heard his prayer. The Lord caused the conquering King to send Manasseh back to reign in Judah, under the power of the Assyrians. When Manasseh got home, he knew that the Lord was really the only God, as he had prayed to Him, for this.
Verses 14-17: While Manasseh was back home, he fixed the city from the destruction of war from the Assyrians. And took down all the other gods alters and idols. But although his heart was changed by the Living God, the King Manasseh couldn't change the heart of all those that lived in Judah. As the inhabitants of the city of Judah still loved false gods and worshiped other gods.
Verses 18-20: Now there are other accounts of this story, as well. And Manasseh died and his son over took his throne.
Verses 21-25: Manasseh's son, was evil, like his daddy in the beginning of his life. Amon was 22 years old and reigned for 2 years. Amon followed in his early fathers foot steps and did all the evils of following Baal and Asherah. But this didn't go well for him, as even his servants didn't like him and murdered him. Some of the people who lived in Judah found these servants and killed them for killing the appointed King. Since King Amon was dead, they buried him and put his little 8 year old son on the throne. But this was a good thing. As Josiah, this little boy will obey the Lord...
Verses 18-20: Now there are other accounts of this story, as well. And Manasseh died and his son over took his throne.
Verses 21-25: Manasseh's son, was evil, like his daddy in the beginning of his life. Amon was 22 years old and reigned for 2 years. Amon followed in his early fathers foot steps and did all the evils of following Baal and Asherah. But this didn't go well for him, as even his servants didn't like him and murdered him. Some of the people who lived in Judah found these servants and killed them for killing the appointed King. Since King Amon was dead, they buried him and put his little 8 year old son on the throne. But this was a good thing. As Josiah, this little boy will obey the Lord...
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