King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 32:8 Mean?

2 Chronicles 32:8 in the King James Version says “With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. rested: Heb. leaned

2 Chronicles 32:8 · KJV


Context

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:

8

With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. rested: Heb. leaned

9

After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with him,) unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying, power: Heb. dominion

10

Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem? siege: or, strong hold


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hezekiah's exhortation to Judah explains why they need not fear Assyria: 'With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Ahaz king of Judah.' The contrast - 'arm of flesh' (zero'a basar) versus 'LORD our God' - distinguishes between mere human power and divine omnipotence. Sennacherib had only creaturely strength, while Judah had the Creator who 'helps' and 'fights battles.' The people's response - 'rested themselves' (samakh - lean/rely) on Hezekiah's words - demonstrated faith. This teaches that spiritual leaders must direct people's trust to God, not human resources. Christ incarnates this truth - fully human ('arm of flesh') yet fully God, fighting and winning our battles.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sennacherib's invasion (701 BCE) brought Assyria's vast military machine against Jerusalem. Hezekiah's faith-building words prepared people for the miraculous deliverance when God's angel destroyed 185,000 Assyrians (32:21), vindicating trust in God over human calculation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'arms of flesh' - human solutions, political powers, personal abilities - are you tempted to trust instead of God?
  2. How can you cultivate the ability to 'rest yourself' on God's promises when circumstances seem overwhelming?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
עִמּוֹ֙1 of 16
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

זְר֣וֹעַ2 of 16

With him is an arm

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

בָּשָׂ֔ר3 of 16

of flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְעִמָּ֜נוּ4 of 16
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְהוָ֤ה5 of 16

but with us is the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙6 of 16

our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְעָזְרֵ֔נוּ7 of 16

to help

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

וּלְהִלָּחֵ֖ם8 of 16

us and to fight

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

מִלְחֲמֹתֵ֑נוּ9 of 16

our battles

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַיִּסָּֽמְכ֣וּ10 of 16

rested

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

הָעָ֔ם11 of 16

And the people

H5971

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

עַל12 of 16
H5921

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

דִּבְרֵ֖י13 of 16

themselves upon the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְחִזְקִיָּ֥הוּ14 of 16

of Hezekiah

H3169

jechizkijah, the name of five israelites

מֶֽלֶךְ15 of 16

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָֽה׃16 of 16

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory


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 32:8 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 32:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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