Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Chronicles 32:27
And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honor: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;
27. riches and honour ] Cp. 2Ki 20:13 (= Isa 39:2).
shields ] If the text be correct we must think of silver and gold in the form of shields; cp. 2Ch 9:15-16; but perhaps we should read migdnoth, “precious things,” (as in 2Ch 32:23), for mginnoth “shields.” LXX. , i.e. “armouries”; Pesh. (text being doubtful here) “shields” or “pearls” or “precious gifts.”
pleasant jewels ] R.V. goodly vessels.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 27. Pleasant jewels] keley chemdah, desirable vessels or utensils.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
27-29. he had exceeding much richesand honour(compare 2Ki 20:13;Isa 39:2). A great portion of hispersonal wealth, like that of David and Uzziah, consisted in immensepossessions of agricultural and pastoral produce. Besides, he hadaccumulated large treasures in gold, silver, and precious things,which he had taken as spoils from the Philistines, and which he hadreceived as presents from neighboring states, among which he was heldin great honor as a king under the special protection of Heaven. Muchof his great wealth he expended in improving his capital, erectingforts, and promoting the internal benefit of his kingdom.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches,…. Increased by the spoil of the Assyrian camp, and the presents sent him after that by neighbouring nations, 2Ch 32:21
and honour; both from his subjects, and the nations around him:
and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels: which were houses both for rich and curious things, and for armour, he showed to the ambassadors of Babylon,
[See comments on Isa 39:2].
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Hezekiah’s riches; concluding estimate of his reign; his death and burial. – 2Ch 32:27. Like Jehoshaphat (2Ch 17:5; 2Ch 18:1), Solomon (2Ch 1:12), and David (1Ch 29:28), Hezekiah attained to riches and glory, and made unto himself treasure-chambers for silver, gold, precious stones, and spices, shields, and all manner of splendid furniture. The are named instead of weapons in general. The collection of them brings to recollection the (2Ki 20:13 and Isa 39:2).
2Ch 32:28 Storehouses also (magazines) for the agricultural produce, and stalls for all manner of cattle, and stalls for the herds, like David ( 1Ch 27:25.) and Uzziah (2Ch 26:10). is a transposition of , storehouses, from , to heap up. “Cattle and cattle” = all kinds of cattle. , synonymous with (2Ch 9:5), stables or stalls for cattle. The word , which occurs only here, must have the same signification, and be held to be a transposed form of that word.
2Ch 32:29 And cities (?) made (procured) he for himself. cannot in this connection denote the usual cities; it must mean either watch-towers (from , to watch) or dwelling-places for herds and cattle, since , according to 2Ki 17:9, is used of any enclosed place, from a watch-tower to a fenced city. , as in 2Ch 31:3, of possessions in herds.
2Ch 32:30 The same Hezekiah covered the upper outlet of the water Gihon, and brought it down westwards to the city of David, i.e., by a subterranean channel into the city of David (see on 2Ch 32:3). The form is Piel ; the Keri is the same conjug., only contracted into , as for , the of the third person having amalgamated with the first radical, under the influence of the consec. With the last clause in 2Ch 32:30 cf. 2Ch 31:21; 1Ch 29:23.
2Ch 32:31 “And so (i.e., accordingly) in the case of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, … God left him.” does not denote attamen ; it never has an adversative meaning. Bertheau rightly translates, “and accordingly,” with the further remark, that by the account of Hezekiah’s treatment of the Babylonian ambassadors, which could not be reckoned among his fortunate deeds, is brought into harmony with the remark that he prospered in all his undertakings. It was permitted by God that Hezekiah should on this occasion be lifted up, and should commit an iniquity which could not but bring misfortune with it; not in order that He might plunge him into misfortune, but to try him, and to humble him (cf. 2Ch 32:26).
2Ch 32:32 , pious deeds, as in 2Ch 6:42. is the book of Isaiah’s prophecies; see the Introduction.
2Ch 32:33 Hezekiah was buried “on the height of the graves of the sons of David,” perhaps because there was no longer room in the hereditary burying-place of the kings; so that for Hezekiah and the succeeding kings special graves had to be prepared in a higher place of the graves of the kings. “They did him honour in his death,” by the burning of many spices, as we may conjecture (cf. 2Ch 16:14; 2Ch 21:19).
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
(27) Had.Or, got.
Riches and honour (or, wealth; kbd).Comp. 1Ch. 29:28 (David); 2Ch. 1:12 (Solomon), 2Ch. 17:5; 2Ch. 18:1 (Jehoshaphat).
He made himself treasuries.Comp. 2Ki. 20:13; Isa. 39:2, where silver and gold and spices are mentioned among the treasures of Hezekiah.
Shields.Comp. Solomons golden, and Rehoboams brazen, shields. No doubt the term is here used to suggest arms in general. Kings and Isaiah mention his armoury.
All manner of pleasant jewels.Literally, all vessels of desire. (Comp. Nah. 2:10, wealth of every vessel of desire.) Costly implements and utensils of all sorts are included.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
27. Pleasant jewels Rather, precious vessels. The reference may be to jewels or to splendid furniture.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2Ch 32:27. And for shields Houbigant here reads precious things, instead of shields.
REFLECTIONS.1st, We might have expected that all would be peace and safety after these good things that Hezekiah had done; but behold a dreadful storm arises. We may be in the way of duty, and yet exposed to severe sufferings. It was happy that Hezekiah was not interrupted before he had well proceeded in his work; and now, having God’s blessing, he is better prepared to meet his violent foe.
1. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, invades his country with an army which threatened to swallow him up. His father had lately subdued Israel, and he hoped to find Judah as easy a prey.
2. Hezekiah, who perceived his design against Jerusalem, not having forces to meet him in the field, prepares wisely for the siege that he expected, by endeavouring to cut off all supplies of water from the besiegers, strengthening the city with new fortifications, and providing abundance of military weapons. Note; When danger threatens, it is prudent to prepare for it. We must trust God above all means, but never tempt him in the neglect of them.
3. The good thing assembles the people, and, while he marshals them under proper officers, encourages their hearts, and comforts them, that they may not think of surrender, but bravely stand in the evil day. The danger was great, and required boldness and courage; yet they need not be dismayed at this mighty and numerous host. Angelic legions, if needful, more numerous, should protect them; and, above all, God was with them, in power almighty, in faithfulness unchangeable; and therefore they might confidently expect the victory over their enemies. Note; (1.) Strong faith silences fear. (2.) No foes can stand before him who is the captain of our salvation; who, having already vanquished for us sin, death, and hell, will make us more than conquerors over them.
2nd, The account of this siege we had before, more at large, 2 Kings 18; 2 Kings 19. The substance is here shortly summed up, of Sennacherib’s blasphemy, Hezekiah’s prayer, and God’s gracious interposition to save him. It may teach us, (1.) The enmity of the natural heart against God and his people. (2.) The great enemy of souls especially labours to discourage us; knowing, that till our faith is shaken we cannot be moved. (3.) Railing and abuse are poor arguments; and sinners will find, that shortly their own tongues shall fall upon themselves. (4.) Prayer, in every distress, is the way to the door of hope. (5.) God covers the proud with confusion, and turns against themselves the sword which they draw upon others.
3rdly, Such a wonderful deliverance alarmed the neigh-hour-nations, and they with presents courted his favour who had God so evidently for his friend. God thus protected them from every enemy, and guided and guarded them as a shepherd does his flock. How happy, how honourable, how safe the soul, which dwells thus under the shadow of the Almighty!
4thly, Hezekiah’s reign concludes gloriously, notwithstanding the fall which is here recorded.
1. Hezekiah’s sickness and recovery, more largely treated of before, are here scarcely mentioned. But,
2. His sin and recovery have several particulars more than in 2 Kings 20. [l.] The embassy of the king of Babylon was intended not so much to congratulate him on his recovery or his victory, as to inquire into the wonder of the sun’s going back at the prophet’s word. [2.] He did not suitably improve his mercies; but, instead of being humbled before God, grew proud on the instances of his favour, and the honour and respect paid him by the neighbouring nations. Note; (1.) Though we can never repay the obligations that we owe to God, he expects at least the tribute of a grateful heart. (2.) Pride is the busy sin: even God’s gifts and graces may afford a handle for self-complacence. We had need ever pray that God would clothe us with humility. [3.] His sin provoked the divine displeasure. Pride in God’s people is especially offensive to him. [4.] His humiliation, in which the people joined him, prevented the immediate execution of the threatened judgments. Note; (1.) Heart-sins must be repented of, or they will destroy us. (2.) When God gives a spirit of humility, it is a proof of his reconciliation.
3. Hezekiah’s days ended prosperously. His riches and treasures were greatly increased. The supply of the city with water from the stream of Gihon, is remarked among his noble works, many other of which, as well as a farther account of his goodness, are written in the books of Isaiah and Kings. Death at last removed him to a better crown; and the people, afflicted with the loss of so great and good a king, shewed him every distinguished honour, by laying him in the noblest sepulchre of his fathers, burning spices, and lamenting him with no feigned grief. Note; They who have lived reverenced and respected will in death be justly lamented.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Ch 32:27 And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;
Ver. 27. And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour. ] And these puffed him up; his heart was lifted up with his wealth, as a boat riseth with the rising of the water that carrieth it.
And for all manner of pleasant jewels.
“ Difficile est amimos opibus non tradere. ”
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2Ch 32:27-31
2Ch 32:27-31
THE IMMENSE WEALTH AND GLORY OF HEZEKIAH
“And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honor: and he provided him treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of goodly vessels; storehouses also for the increase of grain and new wine and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and flocks in folds. Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance; for God had given him very much substance. This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper spring of the waters of Gihon, and brought them straight down on the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.”
There can be no wonder that Hezekiah’s wealth was so great, because the death of that immense army (185,000 men) of Sennacharib made all of their personal possessions the spoil for Hezekiah, as well as all of the vast treasures they had looted from Lachish and the other destroyed cities of Judah. History hardly affords another example of so great a windfall. No wonder he had to make a treasury for shields, etc.
It is very evident here that the author of Chronicles was an inspired man, a magnificent refutation of any suggestion that this material is not historical. Only an inspired author would have catalogued the sins and pride of Hezekiah along with his marvelous achievements. That is not the manner in which uninspired men write the records of their heroes.
E.M. Zerr:
2Ch 32:27. The riches and honor came from the nations that brought their tokens of recognition as stated in 2Ch 32:23. The treasuries were depositories made safe and convenient for storing the precious metals and other articles of great value.
2Ch 32:28. Storehouses for grain and stalls for animals were for the same purpose as the depositories for gems and metals. They were needed for the proper care of the things that God had given the king. We have the basis for the lesson in connection with the parable of the “certain rich man” in Luk 12:16-20. The two instances are alike in that the surplus of crops made it necessary to build additional storage room. But Hezekiah was not condemned while the other man was. The explanation is that the man in the parable was not condemned for building greater barns to care for his crops. He would have been condemned had he not done something to care for them. His sin was in the wrong use of them that he proposed to his soul.
2Ch 32:29. The cities did not produce the flocks, but they provided a means of caring for them. With such provisions at hand, the king was free to keep in possession some of the things that would otherwise have been disposed of. Since God had given him all this substance, Hezekiah felt that he should take proper care of it.
2Ch 32:30. This watercourse was a spring and its waters had been running down through a valley named Gihon, and was thus being wasted. Hezekiah stopped this spring which means he curbed it or put it under control so it could be directed down near the city of David. In this way the spring was made to be of service. His works were made to prosper because they were good and helpful to the people.
2Ch 32:31. This refers to an error in judgment that Hezekiah made. The fuller account is in 2Ki 20:12-19.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
am 3278-3306, bc 726-698
exceeding much: 2Ch 1:12, 2Ch 9:27, 2Ch 17:5, Pro 10:22
treasuries: 1Ch 27:25-31
pleasant jewels: Heb. instruments of desire
Reciprocal: Jos 22:8 – Return 2Ki 20:13 – showed 2Ch 17:12 – in Judah Ecc 2:7 – also Isa 33:6 – wisdom Isa 39:2 – showed Eze 26:12 – thy pleasant houses