What does 2 Chronicles 32:4 mean?
"So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?" - 2 Chronicles 32:4
The verse 2 Chronicles 32:4 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?"
This verse comes from the book of 2 Chronicles, which is a historical narrative of the kings of Judah and their reign. In this particular verse, the focus is on King Hezekiah, who reigned in Judah during a time of great turmoil and uncertainty. The verse describes how the people gathered together and stopped all the fountains and the brook that ran through the land in an effort to prevent the kings of Assyria from finding much water.
The historical context of this verse is important for understanding its meaning and significance. At the time of King Hezekiah, the Assyrian Empire was a dominant force in the region, and they posed a significant threat to Judah. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and was now turning his sights towards Judah. Hezekiah understood the strategic importance of water sources in the event of a siege, as without access to water, the Assyrian army would not be able to sustain themselves.
In response to the Assyrian threat, Hezekiah took various measures to prepare for the impending siege. One of these measures was to stop up the water sources outside the city walls to deny the Assyrians access to water. This bold and strategic move was designed to weaken the enemy's position and buy time for Judah to prepare for the impending attack.
The themes present in this verse revolve around the themes of faith, courage, and strategic planning in the face of adversity. Hezekiah's actions demonstrate his faith in God's protection and his willingness to take bold steps to defend his people and his kingdom. The verse also highlights the importance of strategic planning and preparation in times of crisis. By denying the enemy access to water, Hezekiah was taking decisive action to protect his people and his land.
Symbolically, the stopping of the fountains and the brook can be seen as a metaphor for the power of faith and strategic thinking in overcoming obstacles. It represents the idea of taking proactive measures to protect oneself in the face of danger, and the willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. In a broader sense, the verse can also be interpreted as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for challenges and threats that may arise in life.
Overall, 2 Chronicles 32:4 is a powerful and evocative verse that captures the essence of faith, courage, and strategic planning in the midst of adversity. It serves as a timeless reminder of the power of faith and the importance of taking decisive action to protect oneself and others in the face of danger.
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2 Chronicles 32:4 - "So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?"
"So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?" - 2 Chronicles 32:4
1 Chronicles 4:32 - "And their villages were, Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities:"
2 Chronicles 32:2 - "And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,"
2 Chronicles 32:32 - "Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
2 Chronicles 32:20 - "And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven."
1 Chronicles 2:32 - "And the sons of Jada the brother of Shammai; Jether, and Jonathan: and Jether died without children."
2 Chronicles 32:16 - "And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah."
2 Chronicles 32:28 - "Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks."
2 Chronicles 20:32 - "And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 32:10 - "Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem?"
2 Chronicles 32:19 - "And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of man."
2 Chronicles 18:32 - "For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him."
2 Chronicles 32:7 - "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:"
2 Chronicles 34:32 - "And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers."
2 Chronicles 32:29 - "Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much."
2 Chronicles 32:24 - "¶ In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign."
"And their villages were, Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities:" - 1 Chronicles 4:32
2 Kings 4:32 - "And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed."
2 Chronicles 4:22
2 Chronicles 32:6 - "And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,"
2 Chronicles 32:18 - "Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city."
2 Chronicles 32:3 - "He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him."
2 Chronicles 32:1 - "After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself."
2 Chronicles 32:23 - "And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth."
"And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem," - 2 Chronicles 32:2
2 Chronicles 29:32 - "And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD."
2 Chronicles 32:25 - "But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 32:22 - "Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side."
2 Chronicles 32:30 - "This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works."