2 Chronicles 32: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Chronicles 32 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In 2 Chronicles chapter 32, King Hezekiah of Judah faces a formidable threat from the Assyrian king Sennacherib, who invades Judah and seeks to capture Jerusalem. Hezekiah responds with faith and strategic preparation, fortifying the city's defenses, and encouraging the people to trust in the Lord. He reminds them of God's mighty power, establishing a contrast between the living God of Israel and the idols of the Assyrians.

Key verse

“Yahweh sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains, in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. When he had come into the house of his god, those who came out of his own bowels killed him there with the sword.”
2 Chronicles 32:21 (WEB)

Outline

2 Chronicles 32:1–2 Sennacherib's Threat to Judah
2 Chronicles 32:3–8 Hezekiah's Preparations and Encouragement
2 Chronicles 32:9–19 Sennacherib's Insults and Taunts
2 Chronicles 32:20–21 Hezekiah and Isaiah Pray
2 Chronicles 32:22–23 Divine Deliverance
2 Chronicles 32:24–26 Hezekiah's Illness and Humility
2 Chronicles 32:27–33 Hezekiah's Wealth and Legacy

Discussion questions

In v6, what does Hezekiah do to encourage the people in Jerusalem?
What does Sennacherib claim in v10 about Hezekiah’s trust in God?
Sennacherib’s taunt in v14: how does it challenge the power of Hezekiah’s God?
In v25, why does Hezekiah not reciprocate appropriately for the benefit done for him?
When have you faced a challenge that tested your trust in God's presence, as Hezekiah did?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Chronicles 32: Zechariah 4, Isaiah 41, 2 Chronicles 20.

Before next time: read 2 Chronicles 33.