King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 32:18 Mean?

2 Chronicles 32:18 in the King James Version says “Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright th...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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

Context

16

And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah.

17

He wrote also letters to rail on the LORD God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand.

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.

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.

20

And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.

Read 2 Chronicles 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God's deliverance of the faithful; pride's danger even after blessing. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּקְרְא֨וּ1 of 16

“Then they cried”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בְקוֹל2 of 16

“voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

גָּד֜וֹל3 of 16

“with a loud”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

יְהוּדִ֗ית4 of 16

“in the Jews' speech”

H3066

the jewish (used adverbially) language

עַל5 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַ֤ם6 of 16

“unto the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙7 of 16

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל9 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַֽחוֹמָ֔ה10 of 16

“that were on the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

לְיָֽרְאָ֖ם11 of 16

“to affright”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וּֽלְבַהֲלָ֑ם12 of 16

“them and to trouble”

H926

to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously

לְמַ֖עַן13 of 16
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יִלְכְּד֥וּ14 of 16

“them that they might take”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

אֶת15 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעִֽיר׃16 of 16

“the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 32:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 32:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 36:13Nehemiah 6:91 Samuel 17:102 Kings 18:26-281 Samuel 17:26

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 32 →

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