King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 32:5 Mean?

2 Chronicles 32:5 in the King James Version says “Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wal...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 32:5 · KJV

Context

3

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.

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

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

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 21 words
וַיְחַזֵּ֥ק1 of 21

“Also he strengthened”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וַיִּבֶן֩2 of 21

“himself and built up”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת3 of 21
H853

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

כָּל4 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַֽחוֹמָ֣ה5 of 21

“all the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

הַפְּרוּצָ֜ה6 of 21

“that was broken”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

וַיַּ֣עַל7 of 21

“and raised it up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל8 of 21
H5921

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

הַמִּגְדָּל֗וֹת9 of 21

“to the towers”

H4026

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

וְלַח֙וּצָה֙10 of 21

“without”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

הַֽחוֹמָ֣ה11 of 21

“all the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

אַחֶ֔רֶת12 of 21

“and another”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וַיְחַזֵּ֥ק13 of 21

“Also he strengthened”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

אֶת14 of 21
H853

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

הַמִּלּ֖וֹא15 of 21

“Millo”

H4407

a rampart (as filled in), i.e., the citadel

עִ֣יר16 of 21

“in the city”

H5892

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

דָּוִ֑יד17 of 21

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ18 of 21

“and made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שֶׁ֛לַח19 of 21

“darts”

H7973

a missile of attack, i.e., spear; also (figuratively) a shoot of growth; i.e., branch

לָרֹ֖ב20 of 21

“in abundance”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

וּמָֽגִנִּֽים׃21 of 21

“and shields”

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

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

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 32:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 25:231 Kings 9:242 Samuel 5:9Isaiah 22:9-102 Kings 25:42 Chronicles 26:8

Places in This Verse

City of DavidSettlement · Modern: City of David · 31.77°N, 35.24°E46 verses across 7 books
MilloFortification · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E6 verses across 4 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 32 →

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