2 Chronicles 32:1
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It's easy to skip over that opening phrase, but "after these things and these acts of faithfulness" is crucial! It tells us that what follows—the Assyrian invasion and Hezekiah's preparations—happened because God's people had just demonstrated remarkable faithfulness, implying that God allowed this test to come even to the faithful. This isn't just a random historical event; it's a divine response to a spiritual state, showing that even those walking with God can face intense trials.
After these things and these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them for himself.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Hezekiah has just experienced a powerful revival and a significant victory over the Philistines, leading the people back to God and restoring worship. Now, a massive threat looms as the formidable Assyrian king Sennacherib arrives, determined to conquer Judah and subjugate its cities. This invasion immediately tests the renewed faith and leadership of Hezekiah and the people.
Right before the storm hits, the Bible highlights something crucial about King Hezekiah. It’s not just about the battle that’s coming, but what happened just before it.
The Prelude to Invasion
This verse doesn't just drop us into a crisis. It starts with a reminder:
Acts of Faithfulness
"After these things and these acts of faithfulness..." This phrase points back to Hezekiah's earlier reforms and his devotion to God. He had previously purged idolatry, re-established proper worship, and trusted in the Lord (as detailed in chapters 30-31). This wasn't just a random good deed; it was a pattern of life.
When trouble arrives, it often tests the foundations we've already laid. The strength to face massive threats comes from consistent, often unseen, obedience that precedes the crisis.
Sennacherib didn't just march an army; he came with a plan. And part of that plan was to sow fear and despair before the first sword was even drawn.
More Than Just Brute Force
The verse tells us Sennacherib "encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them for himself."
The Mind Game
This wasn't just about military might. The Assyrian king understood the power of intimidation. By surrounding the cities and making his presence known, he aimed to crush the people's morale. His process ('thinking to win them') reveals a strategy that included psychological warfare – making the conquest seem inevitable.
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In spiritual battles, the enemy often works similarly. He besieges our minds with doubts, fears, and lies, trying to convince us that surrender is the only option. His goal is to weaken our resolve before we even engage.
Understand the original words
emuna · Hebrew Noun
Used in Scripture to describe a state of steadfastness, integrity, and reliable allegiance to God and His covenant. It often implies a settled disposition of trust and obedience toward the Lord.
melek · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting a king or ruler, often used in the Old Testament to describe pagan monarchs who serve as instruments of God's judgment or enemies of His people.
bo · Hebrew Verb
A verb frequently used for military incursions, encroachment upon land, or the violation of boundaries, often signaling divine discipline or a trial for the covenant community.
Yehudah · Hebrew Proper Noun
Referring to the southern kingdom of Israel after the division; theologically, it represents the place where God chose to place His name and where the Davidic line resided.
This passage unfolds against the terrifying backdrop of the Assyrian Empire's might and its brutal campaigns. Sennacherib's invasion wasn't just a political event; it was an existential threat that tested Judah's faith and fortifications to their absolute limits.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
Assyria conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its citizens. This event served as a stark warning to the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 705 BC
Sennacherib Becomes King of Assyria
Sennacherib inherits a powerful Assyrian empire and continues its aggressive expansionist policies. He would soon turn his attention to the Levant.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Sennacherib launches a major campaign into the region, conquering numerous cities in Judah. He boasts of imprisoning King Hezekiah in Jerusalem 'like a bird in a cage'.
c. 701 BC
Siege and Plague of Jerusalem
Assyrian forces surround Jerusalem, but the city is miraculously saved from conquest, possibly by a plague that decimated the Assyrian army, as described in the biblical account.
c. 681 BC
Death of Sennacherib
Sennacherib is assassinated by his own sons. His reign, marked by extensive military campaigns, eventually came to a violent end.
This passage directly parallels the invasion, showing Sennacherib's attack from the perspective of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Judah's king, Hezekiah, during that time.
Isaiah 36:1Isaiah recounts Sennacherib's invasion as well, but this account is embedded within prophecies that highlight God's ultimate control and His people's reliance on Him.
Jeremiah 1:17-19This prophetic word to Jeremiah speaks of nations rising up against Judah, echoing the theme of external threats and God's assurance of protection, even when surrounded.
Psalm 46:1-3This psalm beautifully captures the heart of trusting God amidst chaos and invasion, describing a similar scenario where the earth shakes but God is our refuge.
It's easy to skip over that opening phrase, but "after these things and these acts of faithfulness" is crucial! It tells us that what follows—the Assyrian invasion and Hezekiah's preparations—happened because God's people had just demonstrated remarkable faithfulness, implying that God allowed this test to come even to the faithful. This isn't just a random historical event; it's a divine response to a spiritual state, showing that even those walking with God can face intense trials.
King Hezekiah has just experienced a powerful revival and a significant victory over the Philistines, leading the people back to God and restoring worship. Now, a massive threat looms as the formidable Assyrian king Sennacherib arrives, determined to conquer Judah and subjugate its cities. This invasion immediately tests the renewed faith and leadership of Hezekiah and the people.
King Hezekiah has just experienced a powerful revival and a significant victory over the Philistines, leading the people back to God and restoring worship. Now, a massive threat looms as the formidable Assyrian king Sennacherib arrives, determined to conquer Judah and subjugate its cities. This invasion immediately tests the renewed faith and leadership of Hezekiah and the people.
"After these things and these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them for himself." — It's easy to skip over that opening phrase, but "after these things and these acts of faithfulness" is crucial! It tells us that what follows—the Assyrian invasion and Hezekiah's preparations—happene…
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Last reviewed October 2026
