2 Chronicles 32:30 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 32:30 mean?

2 Chronicles 32:30 describes how King Hezekiah blocked off the upper water source of Gihon and redirected the water to the west side of the city of David, showing his practical wisdom and resourcefulness. The verse also notes that Hezekiah was successful in everything he did.

This verse is part of a summary about King Hezekiah’s reign, highlighting one of his major achievements in protecting Jerusalem’s water supply, especially during times of threat. The Chronicler is writing about Hezekiah’s actions to secure the city, which included engineering a tunnel to bring water safely inside Jerusalem’s walls, and is emphasizing that Hezekiah’s efforts led to prosperity and success.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 32:30

• גִּיחוֹן (Gihon, transliteration: Gihon): This is the name of a spring just outside Jerusalem, which was the main water source for the city. Mentioning Gihon helps the reader understand the strategic importance of Hezekiah’s project.
• מָסוֹר (masor, transliteration: watercourse): This word refers to a channel or conduit for water. It highlights that Hezekiah’s work involved significant engineering to redirect the flow of water.
• הִצְלִיחַ (hitzliakh, transliteration: prospered): This word means to succeed or thrive. It emphasizes that Hezekiah’s actions were not just clever but also effective, resulting in real benefit for the city.

Why 2 Chronicles 32:30 matters

• This verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s success was not only spiritual but also practical, showing his leadership in safeguarding Jerusalem’s basic needs.
• The verse connects to the larger story of Assyrian threats, explaining why securing the water supply was so important for the city’s survival.
• It highlights the Chronicler’s interest in showing that wise action and faithfulness can lead to prosperity, a theme that runs throughout the book.