2 Chronicles 32:31
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
2 Chronicles 32:31 (KJV)
Context
This verse closes the account of King Hezekiah’s reign in 2 Chronicles. Hezekiah was a righteous king of Judah who had seen God’s deliverance from the Assyrian army and enjoyed a period of peace and prosperity. During that time, ambassadors from Babylon arrived to ask about the wonder that had happened in the land.
Meaning
The phrase “God left him” does not mean God abandoned Hezekiah forever. It means God withdrew His special guiding hand for a time, allowing Hezekiah to act on his own. The purpose was “to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.” God already knows every heart, so this testing was for Hezekiah’s own benefit. It would reveal the true condition of his faith, pride, and devotion.
Biblical connections
The parallel account in 2 Kings 20:12-19 and Isaiah 39:1-8 shows what happened next. Hezekiah welcomed the Babylonian envoys and showed them all his treasures. The prophet Isaiah then warned that these same treasures would one day be carried to Babylon. That warning came true years later, when Judah fell to Babylon. The test exposed a weakness: Hezekiah took pride in his wealth and sought favor with a foreign power instead of giving glory to God.
Application
This account teaches us to examine our own hearts. Success and blessing can hide pride. When others notice our achievements, we may be tempted to display them for our own honor. We must remember that every good thing comes from God. We should also be careful in our dealings with worldly powers and alliances, seeking God’s wisdom rather than trusting in human strength.
Reflection
God sometimes allows tests to show us what is truly inside us. Hezekiah’s failure reminds us that even faithful believers can stumble when left to themselves. Let us humbly ask God to search our hearts and keep us dependent on Him, so that our lives bring glory to Him alone.
