2 Chronicles 32:4

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

وَتَجَمَّعَ جُمهُورٌ كَبِيرٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ وَطَمُّوا اليَنَابِيعَ وَالجدْوَلَ المُتَدَفِّقَ إلَى وَسَطِ البَلَدِ وَقَالُوا: «لَا نُرِيدُ أنْ يَجِدَ مَلِكُ أشُّورَ مَاءً كَثِيرًا عِنْدَمَا يَصِلُ إلَى هُنَا!»

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, King Hezekiah of Judah is telling the people to stop up the fountains and the brook to prevent the Assyrians from having easy access to water. The people agree, saying it will make it harder for the Assyrian kings to find water when they come.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a lemonade stand, and you don't want your rival to get any lemonade. So, you decide to close up your stand and take away all the lemons and sugar. That way, your rival won't be able to get any lemonade. This is kind of what King Hezekiah did with the water sources to protect his city from the Assyrians.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of 2 Chronicles, which was likely written after the Babylonian Exile, around the 4th century BCE. It was written for the returned exiles to remind them of their history and the importance of faithfulness to God. The cultural setting is one where water sources were critical for survival and defense.

Living It Out Today

Today, you might apply this principle by securing your home or business to protect against potential threats. For example, installing a security system to deter burglars or keeping important documents safe to prevent identity theft.

Topics

• defense
• water
• protection
• leadership
• strategy
• security

Related Verses

• Isaiah 37:30
• 2 Kings 18:32
• 2 Kings 19:32
• Psalm 46:4
• Matthew 24:44

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did they stop the water sources?

They stopped the water sources to prevent the Assyrians from having easy access to water, making it harder for the enemy to sustain their forces and siege.

Who is speaking in this verse?

The verse indicates that King Hezekiah of Judah is directing the people to stop the water sources, though it is not explicitly stated that he is speaking.

What was the significance of water in ancient times?

Water was crucial for survival and defense in ancient times. Controlling water sources could mean the difference between life and death, especially during a siege.

How does this relate to modern-day preparation?

This verse highlights the importance of preparation and strategic thinking. In modern times, this could apply to securing homes or businesses to protect against potential threats like burglary or other security risks.