And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.

2 CHRONICLES 28:20KJV
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2 Chronicles 28:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 28:20 mean?

2 Chronicles 28:20 says that Tilgathpilneser, the king of Assyria, came to King Ahaz of Judah but did not help him; instead, he caused Ahaz even more trouble. The verse highlights that seeking help from Assyria backfired and only made Judah’s situation worse.

The setting is the reign of King Ahaz, who was facing threats from neighboring nations. Instead of trusting in God, Ahaz tried to hire the Assyrian king for protection. The verse points out that Tilgathpilneser (the Assyrian king) did not "strengthen" Ahaz, but rather "distressed" him, showing that turning to foreign powers did not bring the relief Ahaz hoped for.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 28:20

  • "Tilgathpilneser" (תִּלְּגַ֣ת פִּלְנְאֶ֔סֶר, Tilgathpilneser): This is the Hebrew form of the Assyrian king’s name, reminding readers that a foreign ruler is central to the story.
  • "distressed" (צָרַר, tsarar): This word often means to bring trouble, oppress, or besiege. Here, it shows that instead of helping, the Assyrian king made things harder for Ahaz.
  • "strengthened" (חָזַק, chazaq): This term means to make strong or give support. The verse stresses that Ahaz did not receive the help or support he expected from Assyria.

Why 2 Chronicles 28:20 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that alliances with powerful nations always bring safety; in this case, seeking help from Assyria only increased Judah’s problems.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing the consequences of Ahaz’s choices and his lack of trust in God.
  • It emphasizes a key theme in Chronicles: relying on human power instead of God leads to disappointment and more trouble, not the security that was hoped for.

Where else these words appear

“Tilgathpilneser” Hebrew H8407 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:29 In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.
  • 2 Kings 16:7 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites.

“distressed” Hebrew H6696 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 23:22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.
  • 1 Kings 15:27 And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon.
  • Esther 8:11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,

“Assyria” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 20:6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
  • Isaiah 36:13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.