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2 Chronicles 32:17

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.

2 Chronicles 32:17 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse "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." is a statement made by the Assyrian commander who was sent by the king of Assyria to threaten Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. In his arrogance, the commander mocked the power of the God of Israel, claiming that just as the gods of other nations failed to protect them, so too would the God of Hezekiah fail to deliver his people from the Assyrian army. This verse serves as a reminder of the constant threat that the people of Israel faced from hostile nations and the importance of trusting in the power and protection of their God, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It also demonstrates the faithlessness and arrogance of those who seek to defy the one true God.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, there is a clear example of blasphemy towards the God of Israel. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, attempts to belittle the power of the true God by comparing Him to the gods of the nations that he has conquered. This highlights the arrogance and pride of Sennacherib, who fails to recognize that the God of Hezekiah is not just another deity, but the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals the importance of acknowledging and honoring the power and sovereignty of God. Additionally, a word study of the term "rail" in this context sheds light on the severity of Sennacherib's disrespect towards the Lord. It emphasizes the magnitude of his blasphemy and the gravity of his words against the God of Israel. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of speaking against the one true God and the importance of revering Him in all circumstances.

2 Chronicles 32:17 in other translations

American Standard Version

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

World English Bible

He also wrote letters insulting Yahweh, the God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, “As the gods of the nations of the lands, which have not delivered their people out of my hand, so shall the God of Hezekiah not deliver his people out of my hand.”

Douay-Rheims

He wrote also letters full of blasphemy against the Lord the God of Israel, and he spoke against him: As the gods of other nations could not deliver their people out of my hand, so neither can the God of Ezechias deliver his people out of this hand.

Geneva Bible (1599)

He wrote also letters, blaspheming the Lord God of Israel and speaking against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other countreies could not deliuer their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliuer his people out of mine hande.