What does 2 Chronicles 32:18 mean?
"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 32:18
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 32:18 (KJV) says, "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."
This verse comes from the book of 2 Chronicles, which is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. The book of 2 Chronicles is a historical account of the reigns of the kings of Judah, focusing primarily on the southern kingdom. This particular verse is part of the narrative about King Hezekiah's reign and his confrontation with the Assyrian king Sennacherib.
In this verse, we see a clear example of psychological warfare being employed by the Assyrians against the people of Jerusalem. The Assyrians, seeking to conquer Jerusalem, cried out in the Jews' own language, attempting to demoralize and terrify the inhabitants of the city. The intent was to cause fear and panic among the people, making it easier for the Assyrians to take control of the city.
This verse speaks to the tactics and strategies employed in times of war, particularly the psychological aspect of warfare. It highlights the importance of understanding the power of language and communication in influencing and manipulating people's emotions and behaviors. It also shows the ruthless nature of the Assyrians in their quest for conquest, as well as the vulnerability and fear experienced by the people of Jerusalem in the face of impending attack.
The broader context of this verse is the historical account of the Assyrian invasion of Judah during King Hezekiah's reign. The Assyrians, under King Sennacherib, had already conquered many fortified cities in Judah and were now laying siege to Jerusalem. In the preceding verses, we read about the Assyrian officials speaking in Hebrew to the people on the city walls, attempting to undermine their confidence in their king and their God. This verse follows the same pattern of psychological manipulation and intimidation.
One of the central themes in this verse is the contrast between fear and faith. The Assyrians sought to instill fear and panic in the people of Jerusalem, while King Hezekiah sought to instill faith and trust in the Lord. Throughout this account, we see how the people's response to these competing messages ultimately shapes their destiny.
From a symbolic perspective, this verse can be seen as a representation of the spiritual battles that believers face. The Assyrians' use of language to sow fear and confusion parallels the spiritual attacks that Christians may face in the form of doubt, temptation, and discouragement. On the other hand, King Hezekiah's unwavering trust in God serves as an example of how believers should respond to these attacks with faith and reliance on God's strength and protection.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 32:18 (KJV) provides a glimpse into the psychological warfare employed by the Assyrians in their attempt to conquer Jerusalem. It serves as a reminder of the power of language and communication in influencing people's emotions and behaviors, as well as the contrast between fear and faith in the face of adversity. This verse also holds symbolic significance for believers facing spiritual battles, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's protection and strength.
2 Chronicles 32:18 Artwork
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 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 32:2 - "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 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
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 18:1 - "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab."
1 Chronicles 18:2 - "And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts."
2 Chronicles 21:18 - "¶ And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease."
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 18:6 - "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?"
2 Chronicles 18:28 - "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead."
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 17:18 - "And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war."
1 Chronicles 11:32 - "Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,"
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."
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 18:13 - "And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak."
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 18:4 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day."
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."
1 Chronicles 7:32 - "And Heber begat Japhlet, and Shomer, and Hotham, and Shua their sister."