Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 32 - Verse 4

32:4
So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?

Meaning

In this verse, the people gathered together in a land faced with the threat of invasion by the kings of Assyria decided to stop all the fountains and the brook that ran through their land. This action was a strategic move to prevent the Assyrian army from finding water sources easily accessible. By cutting off the water supply, the people hoped to create difficulties for the invading army and hinder their progress. Water was a precious resource in ancient times, crucial for survival during military campaigns. This verse highlights the importance of water in a time of war and how controlling access to it could be a strategic defense tactic. It also demonstrates the people's willingness to take drastic measures to protect their land and resist foreign invasion. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of warfare and the lengths that people would go to defend their homes and resources.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, we see a situation where the people gathered together to take action against potential threats. The theological interpretation of this verse can be seen as a reflection of human nature and the instinct to protect oneself and one's community. By stopping the fountains and the brook, the people were attempting to prevent the kings of Assyria from finding much water, which would have made their land more vulnerable to attack. This act can be interpreted as a display of fear and a lack of trust in God's protection. Instead of relying on God to deliver them from their enemies, the people took matters into their own hands, which ultimately led to their downfall. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the context and meaning of specific terms used in this verse, such as 'fountains' and 'brook,' to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the story being told. By examining the original Hebrew words and their nuances, we can uncover layers of significance that may not be immediately apparent in the English translation.

American Standard Version

So there was gathered much people together, and they stopped all the fountains, and the brook that flowed through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
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