And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,

2 CHRONICLES 32:6KJV
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2 Chronicles 32:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 32:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 32:6 describes how King Hezekiah appointed military leaders over the people, gathered them together at the city gate, and spoke encouragingly to them. The verse shows Hezekiah organizing his people and preparing them emotionally and strategically for the threat they faced.

King Hezekiah is addressing the people of Jerusalem as the Assyrian army, led by Sennacherib, threatens the city. Hezekiah’s actions—setting captains of war (military officers), gathering the people in a public place (the street by the city gate), and speaking "comfortably" to them—show both practical leadership and care for the morale of his people. This verse sets the stage for Hezekiah’s speech of reassurance in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 32:6

  • "Captains" (שָׂרֵי, saray): This word refers to leaders or commanders, emphasizing that Hezekiah put experienced officers in charge, not just any men.
  • "Spake comfortably" (עַל־לֵב, al-lev): Literally "upon the heart," this phrase means Hezekiah spoke in a way meant to encourage and strengthen the people’s spirits, not just give orders.
  • "Gathered them together" (וַיַּקְהֵל, vayakhel): This word carries the sense of assembling people for a significant purpose, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and Hezekiah’s intent to unify his people.

Why 2 Chronicles 32:6 matters

  • This verse shows that Hezekiah’s leadership was both practical and compassionate—he did not just prepare defenses but also cared for the people’s morale.
  • The detail about speaking "comfortably" highlights the importance of encouragement and reassurance in times of crisis, not just military preparation.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of Jerusalem’s deliverance, showing the steps Hezekiah took before God’s intervention, and helps the reader see the human side of leadership in a moment of national danger.

Where else these words appear

“street” Hebrew H7339 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Esther 6:11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
  • Jeremiah 9:21 For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.

“together” Hebrew H6908 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 41:35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
  • 2 Chronicles 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?
  • Jeremiah 31:8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.