2 Chronicles 32:20 – “King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In 2 Chronicles 32:20, we see a powerful moment of faith and dependence on God. King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah are faced with an overwhelming threat from the Assyrian army, led by King Sennacherib. Instead of responding with fear or relying on military strength alone, they turn to God in prayer. They cry out to heaven, seeking God’s intervention in a situation that appears humanly impossible to overcome.
This verse highlights the importance of prayer as the first and most crucial response in times of crisis. Hezekiah and Isaiah understood that only God could deliver them from the mighty Assyrian army. Their actions demonstrate a deep trust in God’s power to protect His people, and their faith contrasts sharply with the arrogance of the Assyrians, who trusted only in their own strength.
Historical Context
At this time, Jerusalem was under siege by the Assyrian army, which had already conquered many nations, including the northern kingdom of Israel. Sennacherib was confident that Jerusalem would fall, just as the other cities had. He mocked the people of Judah and their God, trying to demoralize them. The situation seemed hopeless from a human perspective, and the people of Jerusalem were likely filled with fear and uncertainty.
King Hezekiah had taken practical steps to prepare for the siege, such as strengthening the city’s defenses and securing the water supply. However, he knew that these measures alone would not be enough. Hezekiah recognized that their only real hope for deliverance was in God, and so he, along with the prophet Isaiah, turned to prayer. This act of turning to God in prayer marked a crucial moment in the story, as it showed that they were placing their trust in God’s sovereignty rather than their own abilities.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the power of prayer and the necessity of relying on God, especially in the face of overwhelming odds. Hezekiah and Isaiah didn’t place their confidence in their military might, but in the Lord. This reflects a key biblical principle: God invites His people to come to Him in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers. Prayer isn’t just a last resort; it’s a demonstration of faith in God’s ability to intervene in human circumstances.
Their response also teaches us that prayer is a powerful tool for engaging in spiritual warfare. While Sennacherib’s army boasted in their strength and mocked God, Hezekiah and Isaiah’s prayer was an act of spiritual defiance, acknowledging that true power belongs to God. The story reminds us that when we rely on God, even the mightiest enemies can be overcome.
Literary Analysis
This verse presents a dramatic contrast between the arrogance of Sennacherib and the humility of Hezekiah and Isaiah. While Sennacherib trusted in his vast army and military power, Hezekiah and Isaiah placed their trust in God alone. The phrase “cried out in prayer to heaven” conveys the urgency and intensity of their plea. It wasn’t a casual prayer; it was a desperate cry for divine help in a time of great need.
The combination of Hezekiah, the king, and Isaiah, the prophet, crying out to God together also highlights the unity of spiritual and political leadership in Judah. Both the ruler and the spiritual leader recognized their dependence on God and sought His intervention.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 50:15: “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” This verse aligns with Hezekiah and Isaiah’s decision to turn to God in prayer during their time of crisis.
- Isaiah 37:21: This verse recounts God’s response to Hezekiah’s prayer, where He sends a message through Isaiah, saying that God has heard their prayers and will deliver Jerusalem.
- Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Hezekiah and Isaiah embody this principle by turning their anxiety into prayer.
- James 5:16: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” This verse reflects the effectiveness of Hezekiah and Isaiah’s prayer in seeking God’s deliverance.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse teaches us the importance of turning to God in prayer, especially in times of trouble. When faced with challenges that seem impossible, our first response should be to cry out to God, just as Hezekiah and Isaiah did. Too often, prayer can be viewed as a last resort, something we turn to when all other options have failed. But this verse shows us that prayer should be our first and most important response.
The example of Hezekiah and Isaiah also encourages us to trust that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people. No matter how overwhelming the situation may seem, God is able to deliver us when we place our trust in Him. It’s a reminder that prayer is not just a religious activity—it’s a powerful connection to the Creator of the universe who is sovereign over every situation.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s desire to be in relationship with His people and His willingness to respond to their prayers. Hezekiah and Isaiah’s cry to God shows that they believed in God’s love and care for them. They knew that God wasn’t distant or disinterested, but that He was actively involved in the lives of His people.
God’s love is seen in His responsiveness to prayer. Throughout Scripture, we see that God listens to the cries of His people and acts on their behalf. He is not a God who is removed from our struggles—He is deeply concerned with our lives and invites us to come to Him in prayer, trusting in His power to save.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in a profound way. Just as Hezekiah and Isaiah turned to God in their moment of greatest need, Jesus modeled a life of prayer and reliance on the Father. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently withdrew to pray, especially before significant moments, such as His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion.
In Luke 22:42, Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus demonstrated the same dependence on God that Hezekiah and Isaiah showed in 2 Chronicles 32:20. Jesus’ ultimate act of prayer and submission to the Father’s will led to His victory over sin and death, providing the greatest example of God’s power to deliver.
Through Jesus, we are invited into a relationship with God where we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He hears our prayers. Jesus’ life and ministry remind us that prayer is central to our walk with God, and it is through prayer that we experience His presence and power in our lives.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you typically respond when faced with overwhelming challenges? Is prayer your first response or your last resort?
- What does this verse teach you about the power of prayer and the importance of turning to God in difficult situations?
- How does Hezekiah and Isaiah’s example encourage you to trust in God’s ability to deliver you from seemingly impossible situations?
- How does Jesus’ example of prayer in the Gospels deepen your understanding of the role of prayer in your own life?
- In what ways can you make prayer a more central part of your daily walk with God, especially in times of crisis?
2 Chronicles 32:20 reminds us that in moments of great need, prayer is our greatest resource. Hezekiah and Isaiah’s example shows that when we cry out to God, He hears and responds. Just as God delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrians, He continues to hear our prayers today and invites us to trust in His power and love, especially as revealed through Jesus Christ.