King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 32:5 Mean?

“Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance. darts: or, swords, or, weapons”

Context

He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him.

So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water? ran: Heb. overflowed

Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance. darts: or, swords, or, weapons

And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying, spake: Heb. he spoke to their heart

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Also he strengthened himself.**—*And h***e** *took courage.* (2Chronicles 15:8; 2Chronicles 18:1.) **Built up all the wall that was broken.**—Isaiah 22:9-10, where “many breaches” are spoken of, and it is said that “houses were pulled down to fortify the wall.” **Raised it up to the towers.**—Heb., *and went up on the towers,* or, *and caused to go up on the towers.* A different division of the Hebrew letters will give the sense “and raised upon it towers,” which is probably correct. Thenius prefers to keep the ordinary reading, which he understands to mean, *and heightened the towers;* alleging that 2Chronicles 26:9 shows that the wall was already furnished with towers. The LXX. has simply καί πύργους*,* “and towers;” the Vulgate, “et exstruxit turres desuper.” The Syriac renders, “Let them show themselves strong, and make another wall opposite the wall, and let them stop up the ditch which David made.” **Another wall without.**—Literally, *and on the outside of the wall* (he built) *another*—viz., the wall enclosing the lower city or Aera, which he “built,” that is, repaired and strengthened. (See Isaiah 22:11, “the two walls.”) **Repaired.**—2Chronicles 11:11. **Millo.**—*The rampart.* See Note on 1Chronicles 11:8. **In the city of David.**—To *wit, the city of David.* **Darts.**—*Shelah.* See Note on 2Chronicles 23:10, and comp. 2Chronicles 26:14. The Hebrew is “missiles in abundance, and shields.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 32:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.