2 Chronicles 32:31 – “But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, we see a pivotal moment in King Hezekiah’s life. After experiencing many blessings and successes, including divine healing and deliverance, envoys from Babylon visited him. They came to inquire about the “miraculous sign” that had taken place—likely referring to Hezekiah’s miraculous recovery from illness, as well as the sign of the shadow moving backward on a sundial (as seen in 2 Kings 20:8-11).
During this visit, however, something significant happened: God “left him to test him.” This does not mean that God abandoned Hezekiah completely but that God stepped back to allow Hezekiah to reveal his own heart. This test would show whether Hezekiah would remain humble and give glory to God, or if he would fall into pride and self-reliance. Unfortunately, as we learn from other Scriptures (2 Kings 20:12-19 and Isaiah 39), Hezekiah showed off his wealth and treasures to the envoys from Babylon, a decision that revealed his pride.
God tested Hezekiah to reveal what was truly in his heart, and this test highlighted the danger of pride creeping in after blessings and success.
Historical Context
Hezekiah had been a faithful king of Judah, and God had blessed him in many ways. He had led religious reforms, trusted in God during the Assyrian siege, and experienced miraculous healing from a life-threatening illness. During his recovery, envoys from Babylon, a rising power at the time, came to inquire about the miraculous sign that had taken place, likely curious about the supernatural events in Judah.
Babylon’s interest in Judah, as revealed later, was not just diplomatic curiosity but the beginning of its ambition to conquer the region. Hezekiah’s decision to show them his wealth and resources foreshadowed the future exile of Judah to Babylon. Although this visit seemed innocent, it became a spiritual test for Hezekiah. It exposed his pride and ultimately set the stage for Babylon’s future dominance over Judah.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches a key theological truth: God tests His people to reveal what is in their hearts. While God had blessed Hezekiah with healing, wealth, and success, He also allowed moments where Hezekiah’s character was tested. This test was not to trap Hezekiah but to reveal whether He would remain faithful and humble after experiencing so many blessings.
This reminds us that tests from God are opportunities for us to grow and examine ourselves. God knows our hearts, but these tests show us our own weaknesses and areas where we need to repent or rely on Him more fully. Hezekiah’s failure in this moment highlights the danger of pride, especially when we are successful and blessed.
It also teaches that blessings and success come with responsibility. When God blesses us, it’s important to remember that we are stewards of those blessings. If we become prideful or lose sight of God’s grace, we risk failing the tests that reveal our true hearts.
Literary Analysis
The structure of the verse shows a contrast: “God left him to test him” emphasizes that this moment was a divine examination. The phrase “to know everything that was in his heart” points to the deeper purpose of the test. The use of “left him” suggests that Hezekiah was momentarily on his own to make decisions without direct intervention from God, highlighting the weight of personal responsibility in moments of testing.
The focus on Hezekiah’s heart shows that the issue wasn’t merely external behavior but internal attitudes—pride, self-reliance, and a failure to give God glory. This inner focus is a common biblical theme, where God looks beyond actions to the motivations and condition of the heart.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 8:2: “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” This verse explains the purpose of God’s testing—He wants to reveal and refine what is in our hearts.
- 1 Samuel 16:7: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Hezekiah’s test was about the condition of his heart, not just his outward actions.
- James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Testing can lead to spiritual growth and reward when we respond in faithfulness.
- Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Hezekiah’s pride in showing off his wealth to Babylonian envoys set the stage for future consequences for Judah.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that even during times of blessing, we can face tests of our faith and character. God may allow situations in our lives where our true motivations and attitudes are revealed. These moments are not meant to harm us but to help us grow in humility and dependence on God.
This verse also warns against the subtle danger of pride, especially when we’ve experienced success or prosperity. It’s easy to forget that all blessings come from God, and pride can lead us to take credit for what He has done. Like Hezekiah, we are called to remain humble and give glory to God in all things, recognizing that our blessings are a result of His grace.
Finally, this verse encourages us to examine our hearts regularly. When we face challenges or opportunities, we should ask ourselves: Am I relying on God, or am I becoming self-reliant and proud? God tests us to help us grow, and these tests can lead to greater maturity in our faith if we respond with humility and trust in Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God’s love includes refining and testing us. God’s purpose in allowing Hezekiah to be tested was not to abandon him but to help him grow in humility and reliance on Him. God’s testing is an act of love because it reveals the areas in our lives where we need to change or grow.
Just as a loving parent disciplines and tests a child to help them mature, God allows tests in our lives to shape us into the people He wants us to be. His love is not just about giving us blessings—it’s also about helping us grow spiritually by refining our hearts.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Hezekiah’s test and failure stand in stark contrast to the perfect example of Jesus Christ. Jesus was also tested, particularly during His 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Unlike Hezekiah, Jesus remained faithful and resisted temptation. He did not seek His own glory but always pointed back to the Father.
Jesus’ perfect obedience and humility are the ultimate fulfillment of what God desires in our hearts. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus not only sets an example for us but also empowers us to live faithfully. Because of Jesus, we can face tests with confidence, knowing that He has already secured victory over sin and pride.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever faced a situation where you felt tested by God? How did you respond, and what did you learn from it?
- How can you guard against pride, especially when you experience success or blessings?
- In what ways can you ensure that your heart remains humble and dependent on God during times of prosperity?
- How does the example of Jesus, who was tested but remained faithful, encourage you when you face tests in your own life?
- What steps can you take to keep God at the center of your heart and avoid falling into self-reliance or pride?
2 Chronicles 32:31 teaches us that God allows tests in our lives to reveal what is in our hearts. Like Hezekiah, we may face moments where we are tempted by pride or self-reliance, but these are opportunities for growth. Through humility, dependence on God, and the example of Jesus, we can overcome these tests and grow in our faith. This verse reminds us to always give glory to God and to trust Him in every circumstance.