Hezekiah’s vigorous work on Jerusalem’s walls and fortifications prepared God’s people for the coming Assyrian campaign and vividly demonstrated how faith in God often goes hand in hand with diligent, prudent action.
“And he took courage and rebuilt all the wall that had been broken down and erected towers on it, and built another outside wall and strengthened the Millo in the city of David, and made weapons and shields in great number.” (v.5)
Hezekiah, the king of Judah who reigned from about 715 to 686 BC, found himself facing the constant threat of the mighty Assyrian empire. Having seen the northern kingdom of Israel be captured and taken into exile, Hezekiah understood the danger confronting Jerusalem. Thus, he fulfilled this verse in 2 Chronicles 32 by taking bold action to protect the city. In “And he took courage…” (v.5), we see that Hezekiah refused to lose heart, rallying the people to restore broken fortifications around Jerusalem. He rebuilt damaged portions of the wall, “erected towers on it,” and even “built another outside wall,” improving the city’s defenses against potential invasion. Historically, he also secured the city’s water supply and stored provisions (2 Chronicles 32:30), demonstrating remarkable preparedness and steadfast faith.
The verse further states that Hezekiah “strengthened the Millo in the city of David” (v.5). The city of David refers to the original fortification in Jerusalem captured centuries earlier by King David. The Millo itself was likely an important embankment or terrace structure that helped buttress and support the city’s defenses. By reinforcing the Millo, Hezekiah ensured that this critical area of Jerusalem could withstand siege warfare. He also “made weapons and shields in great number,” showing not only his commitment to fortifications but also to equipping his soldiers for every contingency. This proactive effort reveals Hezekiah’s trust in the LORD while also acknowledging the need for responsible action in the face of daunting odds.
This episode powerfully illustrates how Hezekiah’s faith emboldened him to strengthen his people both spiritually and practically, modeling diligence, responsibility, and reliance on God to safeguard the city he was called to protect.
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2 Chronicles 32:5 meaning
“And he took courage and rebuilt all the wall that had been broken down and erected towers on it, and built another outside wall and strengthened the Millo in the city of David, and made weapons and shields in great number.” (v.5)
Hezekiah, the king of Judah who reigned from about 715 to 686 BC, found himself facing the constant threat of the mighty Assyrian empire. Having seen the northern kingdom of Israel be captured and taken into exile, Hezekiah understood the danger confronting Jerusalem. Thus, he fulfilled this verse in 2 Chronicles 32 by taking bold action to protect the city. In “And he took courage…” (v.5), we see that Hezekiah refused to lose heart, rallying the people to restore broken fortifications around Jerusalem. He rebuilt damaged portions of the wall, “erected towers on it,” and even “built another outside wall,” improving the city’s defenses against potential invasion. Historically, he also secured the city’s water supply and stored provisions (2 Chronicles 32:30), demonstrating remarkable preparedness and steadfast faith.
The verse further states that Hezekiah “strengthened the Millo in the city of David” (v.5). The city of David refers to the original fortification in Jerusalem captured centuries earlier by King David. The Millo itself was likely an important embankment or terrace structure that helped buttress and support the city’s defenses. By reinforcing the Millo, Hezekiah ensured that this critical area of Jerusalem could withstand siege warfare. He also “made weapons and shields in great number,” showing not only his commitment to fortifications but also to equipping his soldiers for every contingency. This proactive effort reveals Hezekiah’s trust in the LORD while also acknowledging the need for responsible action in the face of daunting odds.
This episode powerfully illustrates how Hezekiah’s faith emboldened him to strengthen his people both spiritually and practically, modeling diligence, responsibility, and reliance on God to safeguard the city he was called to protect.