“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
2 Chronicles 32:7
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The real kicker here isn't just "God's with us," it's the direct comparison: "there are more with us than with him." This isn't just about faith in the unseen; it's a bold declaration that even numerically, when you factor in God, they have the superior force. It’s a reminder that our battles aren’t always as lopsided as they appear.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Hezekiah and Jerusalem are facing an overwhelming invasion by the Assyrian army, led by the formidable King Sennacherib. Just before this, Hezekiah had defied Assyria, and now the enemy is at the gates, boasting and threatening. This verse is Hezekiah's rallying cry to his people, reminding them of a greater power on their side as they prepare to defend their city.
When faced with seemingly impossible challenges, what's the first thing God tells us to do? It's not to strategize or analyze, but something much simpler, yet profound.
God's First Response: Courage!
Hezekiah and his people were facing an enormous threat – the Assyrian army, a superpower of the ancient world. The natural human response would be terror. But God’s command comes before any tactical advice: 'Be strong and courageous.' This isn't just about willpower; it's a reliance on God's power within us. It’s a foundational call to face fear not by denying it, but by choosing to trust God's strength over our own perceived weakness.
The Assyrian king had a massive army. How could Judah possibly stand a chance? The answer lies in understanding who – or rather, Who – is on their side.
More Than Just Numbers
The verse declares, 'for there are more with us than with him.' This isn't a miscalculation; it's a theological statement. The 'more' refers to God Himself and His divine might. When we feel outnumbered, outmatched, or out-resourced, we must remember that God’s power is infinite. His presence transforms the battlefield from a numbers game to a demonstration of His sovereignty. It’s a reminder that our ultimate security isn't in our own capabilities, but in the Almighty God who fights for us.
Understand the original words
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chazaq · Hebrew Verb
To be firm, steadfast, and resolute. Biblically, it denotes a strength of character and purpose often grounded in trust in God's promises rather than mere physical might.
amats · Hebrew Verb
A state of being brave and resolute in the face of danger. It implies a heart that is not intimidated by external threats because it relies on the sovereignty of God.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
To be terrified or struck with sudden dread. In a theological context, it is often contrasted with the command to trust in the Lord and his protection.
chathath · Hebrew Verb
To be broken in spirit, shattered, or terrified. It conveys the feeling of being overwhelmed to the point of losing one's courage or ability to act.
This verse is spoken by King Hezekiah to his people during the terrifying Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Sennacherib. The reminder that 'more are with us than with him' speaks not just to human soldiers but to God's powerful presence defending His people.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants. This event demonstrated Assyria's military might and served as a stark warning to the southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 705 BC
Sennacherib Becomes King of Assyria
Sennacherib succeeded his father Sargon II, inheriting a vast and powerful empire. He would soon turn his attention towards the Levant, including the Kingdom of Judah.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Campaign Against Judah
King Sennacherib launched a major military campaign into the region of Judah, conquering many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem.
c. 701 BC
Hezekiah's Preparations for Siege
In anticipation of the Assyrian invasion, King Hezekiah took significant steps to prepare Jerusalem for defense, including strengthening walls and securing water supplies.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Sennacherib's forces surrounded Jerusalem, aiming to force its surrender. The inhabitants faced immense pressure and fear during this prolonged siege.
c. 701 BC
Angel of the Lord Destroys Assyrian Army
According to the biblical account, a divine intervention miraculously destroyed a large portion of the Assyrian army overnight, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw his forces from Jerusalem.
This passage echoes the same charge given to Joshua as he led Israel into the Promised Land, emphasizing courage in the face of overwhelming odds and God's presence as the ultimate strength.
1 Samuel 17:45David's words to Goliath show a similar conviction that victory comes not from military might, but from the power of the Lord, highlighting the contrast between outward appearances and divine backing.
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic promise reassures God's people that they don't need to fear, because God Himself is with them, strengthening and upholding them, just as He did for Hezekiah.
Nehemiah 4:14During the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah exhorted his people to remember the Lord, their great and awesome God, and to fight for their families, showing that faith empowers courage against opposition.
The real kicker here isn't just "God's with us," it's the direct comparison: "there are more with us than with him." This isn't just about faith in the unseen; it's a bold declaration that even numerically, when you factor in God, they have the superior force. It’s a reminder that our battles aren’t always as lopsided as they appear.
King Hezekiah and Jerusalem are facing an overwhelming invasion by the Assyrian army, led by the formidable King Sennacherib. Just before this, Hezekiah had defied Assyria, and now the enemy is at the gates, boasting and threatening. This verse is Hezekiah's rallying cry to his people, reminding them of a greater power on their side as they prepare to defend their city.
King Hezekiah and Jerusalem are facing an overwhelming invasion by the Assyrian army, led by the formidable King Sennacherib. Just before this, Hezekiah had defied Assyria, and now the enemy is at the gates, boasting and threatening. This verse is Hezekiah's rallying cry to his people, reminding them of a greater power on their side as they prepare to defend their city.
"“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him." — The real kicker here isn't just "God's with us," it's the direct comparison: "there are more with us than with him." This isn't just about faith in the unseen; it's a bold declaration that *even nume…
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Last reviewed October 2026