2 Chronicles 32:31
Howbeit, in the businesse of the Embassadours of the Princes of Babylon, who sent vnto 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)
This verse belongs to the narrative of King Hezekiah’s reign in 2 Chronicles. Hezekiah was a righteous king of Judah who had experienced God’s deliverance from the Assyrian army and enjoyed a period of victory and prosperity. During this time ambassadors from the kingdom of Babylon arrived to inquire about the miracle that had been wrought in the land.
The Babylonian envoys were shown the wealth and treasures stored in Hezekiah’s palace. The biblical record notes that after inspecting these riches the ambassadors retired and went away into the land of the Assyrians. The passage records their departure but does not explicitly state that God deliberately left Hezekiah to be tested; rather, the visit provided an occasion to observe how Hezekiah would respond to foreign interest in his kingdom.
Hezekiah’s response revealed a vulnerability to pride and a reliance on worldly alliances. Instead of giving glory to God for the wonders, he displayed his material riches, shifting focus from God’s faithfulness to his own accomplishments and possessions. This attitude foreshadowed later trouble for Judah.
It is important to note that the prophet Isaiah had warned Hezekiah about the consequences of revealing such treasures to the Babylonians (see 2 Kings 20:16‑18; 2 Chronicles 32:34‑35). Isaiah prophesied that this disclosure would later be used against Judah, leading to future harm.
Lessons for contemporary readers remain clear. First, we are called to trust wholly in God, recognizing that every success and deliverance comes from Him, not from personal effort or political alliances. Second, we must guard against pride that can arise from victories and blessings, maintaining humility before God. Finally, we should seek God’s guidance in every decision, relying on divine wisdom rather than solely on human understanding or worldly solutions. In sum, 2 Chronicles 32:31 invites believers to reflect on humility, gratitude, and dependence on God rather than on worldly power or riches.
