2 Chronicles 32:10 – “This is what Sennacherib king of Assyria says: ‘On what are you basing your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem under siege?’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In 2 Chronicles 32:10, Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, directly challenges the faith and resolve of the people of Jerusalem. As his army surrounds the city, he sends this message to question the very foundation of their confidence in standing against his might. His question is meant to plant seeds of doubt, implying that their trust in their defenses, their king, or even their God is foolish in the face of the overwhelming military power of Assyria.
Sennacherib’s tactic is psychological warfare. His goal is to demoralize the people by making them question their chances of survival. He wants to undermine their trust in Hezekiah’s leadership and in God’s ability to deliver them. This is the beginning of a series of taunts meant to shake their faith and convince them that surrendering is their only option.
Historical Context
At the time of this event, the Assyrian Empire was the dominant power in the Near East, and its armies were known for their ruthless efficiency and cruelty. Sennacherib had already conquered many cities, including much of the northern kingdom of Israel, and now his sights were set on Jerusalem. The Assyrians had surrounded Jerusalem, and it seemed like only a matter of time before the city would fall. From a human standpoint, the people of Jerusalem were facing impossible odds.
King Hezekiah, however, had prepared for this moment. He had fortified the city and made other practical preparations, but more importantly, he placed his trust in the Lord. This stand-off between the might of Assyria and the faith of Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem would soon become a defining moment, not just in the political history of Judah but in the spiritual history of God’s people.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse represents a common biblical theme: the challenge to trust in God in the face of overwhelming odds. Sennacherib’s question, “On what are you basing your confidence?” is essentially asking whether the people’s faith is strong enough to stand up to reality. From the Assyrian perspective, trusting in anything other than military power would seem foolish. But for Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, their confidence was in God, who had delivered His people countless times before.
This moment serves as a test of faith. The enemy often tries to undermine our trust in God by making us doubt that He is present, powerful, or willing to act on our behalf. Sennacherib’s taunt echoes the doubts that Christians can face when going through trials: “Why do you trust in God when the situation seems hopeless?”
This verse calls believers to consider the foundation of their faith. Do we trust in God only when things look good, or do we hold firm in our faith even when we face overwhelming challenges?
Literary Analysis
This verse is written as a rhetorical question designed to provoke doubt. Sennacherib’s words are confrontational, almost mocking. The phrase “On what are you basing your confidence?” implies that any trust the people have—whether in their king, their military defenses, or their God—is misguided.
The message from Sennacherib is intended to shake the people’s resolve. It’s an example of psychological warfare, where the enemy uses words to attack the mind and heart rather than the body. This type of strategy is seen throughout Scripture, where the enemy challenges the people of God not only with physical threats but with words intended to break their spirit.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This psalm speaks to the kind of confidence that Hezekiah and the people needed to have in the face of Sennacherib’s threats.
- 2 Kings 18:19-22: This parallel account provides more detail on Sennacherib’s taunts, where he specifically questions the people’s trust in God and Hezekiah’s leadership.
- Isaiah 36:4-5: Isaiah records a similar confrontation between Sennacherib’s messengers and the people of Jerusalem, where the enemy questions the wisdom of trusting in God’s power to save them.
- Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” This verse speaks to the kind of unseen confidence Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem had to place in God, despite the visible threat of the Assyrian army.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, 2 Chronicles 32:10 challenges us to consider where we place our confidence when we face trials. Sennacherib’s question, “On what are you basing your confidence?” is a question every believer will have to answer at some point in life. When the challenges we face seem too big, and when the world around us says we are foolish for trusting in God, we must remember where our true strength comes from.
This verse is a reminder that our confidence must be grounded in God, not in our own abilities, resources, or circumstances. Just as the people of Jerusalem had to decide whether to trust in God’s deliverance or give in to fear, we must choose to stand firm in our faith, even when the odds are against us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Sennacherib’s challenge to the people of Jerusalem questioned not only their confidence in their king and defenses but also their confidence in God. But what Sennacherib didn’t understand is that God’s love for His people is constant, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
God’s love is not dependent on the size of the enemy or the strength of the opposition. His love for His people is steadfast, and He is always present to protect and deliver those who trust in Him. Sennacherib’s arrogance in assuming that human power could defeat the God of Israel only sets the stage for God’s love to be demonstrated in a powerful way through His protection of Jerusalem.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Sennacherib’s challenge, “On what are you basing your confidence?” can be connected to the question Jesus asks His followers: “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15). Just as the people of Jerusalem were called to place their trust in God for deliverance from an external enemy, Christians are called to place their trust in Jesus Christ for deliverance from sin, death, and every spiritual enemy.
Jesus faced opposition from religious leaders and the powers of the world, but He never wavered in His mission. He showed us the ultimate example of trusting in God, even to the point of death on the cross. And through His resurrection, Jesus proved that our confidence in Him is never misplaced, no matter what challenges we face.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- When you face difficulties, where do you place your confidence—your own abilities, others, or God?
- How does this verse challenge you to trust in God’s deliverance rather than giving in to fear?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where your faith was questioned or mocked, similar to what the people of Jerusalem faced? How did you respond?
- How does Sennacherib’s question remind you of the spiritual battles we face today, where the world challenges our trust in God?
- How can Jesus’ example of trust in God inspire you to remain confident in God’s power, even in difficult circumstances?
2 Chronicles 32:10 challenges believers to reflect on where they place their trust and confidence in times of trouble. Like the people of Jerusalem, we are often faced with external pressures that test our faith. But through God’s love and Jesus’ victory, we can stand firm, knowing that our confidence in Him will never be in vain.