Chapter Summary

Invasion of Sennacherib. His army defeated in answer to prayer.

Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles, Chapter 32

1. What does Hezekiah's strategic response against the Assyrians teach us about using wisdom to respond to life's situations? What God-given gifts and talents has He given you to help others in times of tragedy or difficulty?
2. Describe the circumstances surrounding the siege of Jerusalem. Who are the major people and places involved? Why do you think God allows this seige to happen to His people, even though in chapter 31 Hezekiah worked hard to "seek his God" (HCSB)? What does this teach us about life events in relation to our good or bad deeds? How have you seen bad things happen even when you felt like you had done something good? How did you respond?
3. What is the significance of the messages from King Sennacherib's servant to the people of Judah? In what ways does this represent the intention to deceive people away from the truth of God? How does our world today submit messages that intentionally try to steer us away from God's truth? How do you respond to the culture when it does this?
4. What role does pride play in this narrative? Why is it important that the Assyrians boasted so much in their own power? What does this say about God allowing people to prosper for a time, even when they mock Him as the Assyrians did? How would you respond to someone who mocked God in the way the Assyrians did here?
5. Where else can you find the phrase "be strong and courageous" (HCSB)? Why is it important that Hezekiah couches this statement with "we have Yahweh our God to help us" (HCSB)? Where does true strength come from? How do you rely on the Lord's strength in difficult situations?
6. What is the significance of an "angel" striking down the Assyrian army? How does this play in to Hezekiah's encouragement of the people to rely on God's strength? How have you seen God work miraculously in your life, apart from any action from you? What did that teach you about trusting in God's power?
7. Why do you think "some of his own children" struck down the king of Assyria after his humiliating military defeat? What does this show us about the dysfunction and evil in pagan families and societies? How does idolatry and wickedness play a role in this story? How have you seen dysfunctional family dynamics because of sin and evil?
8. What do verses 24-26 teach us about the relationship between pride and God's work in our life? How does pride impact both your decisions and the outcomes of your decisions? How have you seen pride bring conflict or destruction in your life and relationships, and how did you respond?
9. Why do you think Hezekiah "succeeded in everything that he did" (HCSB)? Does this mean that we are guaranteed success and wealth in this life? How do you reconcile when you follow God faithfully but you are not monetarily blessed?
10. Why is it significant that Hezekiah was remembered for "his deeds of faithful love" (HCSB)? What does this say about what are important qualities in leaders? How do you demonstrate deeds of faithful love in your daily life?

Key Words/Phrase

Trust, v. 8.

Characters

God, Hezekiah, Isaiah, angel.

Strong Verse(s)