Lectionary Calendar
Saturday, July 26th, 2025
the Week of Proper 11 / Ordinary 16
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Easy-to-Read Version

2 Chronicles 32:31

One time the leaders of Babylon sent messengers to Hezekiah. The messengers asked about a strange sign that had happened in the nations. When they came, God left Hezekiah alone to test him and to know everything that was in Hezekiah's heart.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Ambassadors;   Hezekiah;   Interpreter;   Pride;   Temptation;   Thompson Chain Reference - Tests, Spiritual;  

Dictionaries:

- American Tract Society Bible Dictionary - Dial;   Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Hezekiah;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Mediator, Mediation;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Ambassador;   Hezekiah;   Temptation;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Hezekiah;   Manasseh (2);   Merodach Baladan;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Ambassador;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Chronicles, I;   Interpretation;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Ambassador;   Dial, Sun-Dial;   Merodachbaladan ;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Dial;   Hezekiah;   Merodach-baladan;   Smith Bible Dictionary - Ambassador,;   Mero'dach-Bal'adan;  

Encyclopedias:

- Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia - Kingdom of Judah;   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Ambassador;   Dial of Ahaz, the;   Hezekiah (2);   How;   Temple;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - Hezekiah;   Sun;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
When the ambassadors of Babylon’s rulers were sent to him to inquire about the miraculous sign that happened in the land, God left him to test him and discover what was in his heart.
Hebrew Names Version
However in [the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Bavel, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
King James Version
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
English Standard Version
And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.
New Century Version
But one time the leaders of Babylon sent messengers to Hezekiah, asking him about a strange sign that had happened in the land. When they came, God left Hezekiah alone to test him so he could know everything that was in Hezekiah's heart.
New English Translation
So when the envoys arrived from the Babylonian officials to visit him and inquire about the sign that occurred in the land, God left him alone to test him, in order to know his true motives.
Amplified Bible
And so in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, who were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone only to test him, in order to know everything that was in his heart.
New American Standard Bible
Even in the matter of the messengers of the rulers of Babylon, who were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land; God left him alone only to test him, so that He might know everything that was in his heart.
World English Bible
However in [the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
Geneva Bible (1587)
But because of the ambassadours of the princes of Babel, which sent vnto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the lande, God left him to trie him, and to knowe all that was in his heart.
Legacy Standard Bible
Even in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the miraculous sign that had happened in the land, God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.
Berean Standard Bible
And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah's heart.
Contemporary English Version
Even when the leaders of Babylonia sent messengers to ask Hezekiah about the sign God had given him, God let Hezekiah give his own answer to test him and to see if he would remain faithful.
Complete Jewish Bible
However, in the matter of the ambassadors from the princes of Bavel, who sent to him to learn of the marvel that had taken place in the land, God left him by himself, in order to test him, so that he might know everything that was in his heart.
Darby Translation
However in [the matter of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all [that was] in his heart.
George Lamsa Translation
And he sought the law of the LORD, as it was given in the land, and the LORD knew all that was in his heart.
Good News Translation
and even when the Babylonian ambassadors came to inquire about the unusual event that had happened in the land, God let Hezekiah go his own way only in order to test his character.
Lexham English Bible
And thus in the matter of the envoys of the commanders of Babylon who had been sent to him to seek the sign that had happened in the land, God forsook him, to test him and to know all that was in his heart.
Literal Translation
Even so with the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, those sent to him to inquire of the wonder that had been in the land, God left him to test him, to know all his heart.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
But whan the interpreters the chefe of Babilon were sent vnto him, to axe question at him (concernynge the wondertoke that had happened in the londe) God lefte him to be tempted, that it mighte be knowne what soeuer was in his hert.
American Standard Version
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
Bible in Basic English
However, in the business of the representatives sent by the rulers of Babylon to get news of the wonder which had taken place in the land, God gave up guiding him, testing him to see what was in his heart.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And when the princes of Babylon sent vnto him ambassadours, to enquire of the wonder that chaunced in the lande, God left him, to trye him, and that all that was in his heart might be knowen.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that He might know all that was in his heart.
King James Version (1611)
Howbeit, in the businesse of the Embassadours of the Princes of Babylon, who sent vnto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
Notwithstanding, in regard to the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who were sent to him to enquire of him concerning the prodigy which came upon the land, the Lord left him, to try him, to know what was in his heart.
English Revised Version
Howbeit in [the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Netheles in the message of the princes of Babiloyne, that weren sent to hym for to axe of the grete wondir, that bifelde on the lond, God forsook hym, that he were temptid, and that alle thingis weren knowun that weren in his herte.
Update Bible Version
Nevertheless in [the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
Webster's Bible Translation
But, in [the business of] the embassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was [done] in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all [that was] in his heart.
New King James Version
However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.
New Living Translation
However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.
New Life Bible
It was so even when the men were sent to him from the rulers of Babylon to ask about the wonder that had happened in the land. God left Hezekiah alone to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.
New Revised Standard
So also in the matter of the envoys of the officials of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Yet verily, with regard to the ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire concerning the wonderful token which came to pass in the land, God left him, - to prove him, to take note of all that was in his heart.
Douay-Rheims Bible
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
Revised Standard Version
And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to try him and to know all that was in his heart.
Young's Literal Translation
and so with the ambassadors of the heads of Babylon, those sending unto him to inquire of the wonder that hath been in the land, God hath left him to try him, to know all in his heart,
New American Standard Bible (1995)
Even in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.

Contextual Overview

24 It was in those days that Hezekiah became very sick and near death. He prayed to the Lord , and he spoke to Hezekiah and gave him a sign. 25 But Hezekiah's heart was proud, so he did not give God thanks for his kindness. This is why God was angry with Hezekiah and with the people of Judah and Jerusalem. 26 But Hezekiah and the people living in Jerusalem changed their hearts and lives. They became humble and stopped being proud. So the Lord 's anger didn't come on them while Hezekiah was alive. 27 Hezekiah had many riches and much honor. He made places to keep silver, gold, valuable jewels, spices, shields, and all kinds of things. 28 Hezekiah had storage buildings for the grain, new wine, and oil that people sent to him. He had stalls for all the cattle and stalls for the sheep. 29 Hezekiah also built many towns, and he got many flocks of sheep and cattle. God gave him much wealth. 30 It was Hezekiah who stopped up the upper source of the waters of the Gihon Spring in Jerusalem and made the waters flow straight down on the west side of the City of David. And he was successful in everything he did. 31 One time the leaders of Babylon sent messengers to Hezekiah. The messengers asked about a strange sign that had happened in the nations. When they came, God left Hezekiah alone to test him and to know everything that was in Hezekiah's heart. 32 Everything else Hezekiah did as king and the ways he served God faithfully are written in the book, The Vision of the Prophet Isaiah Son of Amoz and in the book, The History of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 33 Hezekiah died and was buried with his ancestors. The people buried him on the hill where the graves of David's ancestors are. All the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem gave honor to Hezekiah when he died. Hezekiah's son Manasseh became the new king in his place.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

am 3292, bc 712

in the business: 2 Kings 20:12, 2 Kings 20:13, Isaiah 39:1, Isaiah 39:2-8

ambassadors: Heb. interpreters

the wonder: 2 Kings 20:8-11, Isaiah 38:8

left him: Judges 16:20, Psalms 27:9, Psalms 51:11, Psalms 51:12, Psalms 119:116, Psalms 119:117, John 15:5

to try him: Genesis 22:1, Deuteronomy 8:2, Deuteronomy 8:16, Job 1:11, Job 1:12, Job 2:3-6, Psalms 139:1, Psalms 139:2, Psalms 139:23, Psalms 139:24, Proverbs 17:3, Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:2, Malachi 3:3, 1 Peter 1:7, James 1:13

that he might: Deuteronomy 8:2, Deuteronomy 13:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 20:2 - said Judges 2:22 - prove Judges 3:1 - prove 2 Samuel 24:2 - that I may 1 Kings 8:42 - For they shall 2 Kings 20:11 - he brought 2 Chronicles 32:25 - his heart Job 39:17 - General Daniel 11:35 - to try Mark 7:22 - pride Luke 22:54 - And Peter John 6:6 - prove 2 Corinthians 12:7 - lest Philippians 3:9 - not Hebrews 11:17 - when Revelation 12:1 - there

Cross-References

Genesis 19:15
The next morning at dawn, the angels were trying to make Lot hurry. They said, "This city will be punished, so take your wife and your two daughters who are still with you and leave this place. Then you will not be destroyed with the city."
Genesis 19:23
Lot was entering the town as the sun came up,
Genesis 32:25
When the man saw that he could not defeat Jacob, he touched Jacob's leg and put it out of joint.
Judges 8:8
Gideon left the city of Succoth and went to the city of Penuel. He asked the men of Penuel for food, just as he had asked the men of Succoth. But the men of Penuel gave Gideon the same answer that the men of Succoth had given.
Psalms 38:17
I know I am guilty of doing wrong. I cannot forget my pain.
Malachi 4:2
"But, for my followers, goodness will shine on you like the rising sun. And it will bring healing power like the sun's rays. You will be free and happy, like calves freed from their stalls.
2 Corinthians 12:7
But I must not be too proud of the wonderful things that were shown to me. So a painful problem was given to me—an angel from Satan, sent to make me suffer, so that I would not think that I am better than anyone else.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But the Lord said, "My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power." So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can stay in me.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Howbeit, [in the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire the wonder that was [done] in the land,.... Not to see the two tables of stone which were in the ark, with the other two that were broken because of the sin of the calf, as the Targum; nor to ask about the destruction of the Assyrian army, and the manner of it, as Grotius; but to be informed of the miracle of the sun's going back ten degrees, when Hezekiah was recovered from his sickness; the Chaldeans being a people much given to astrology, and curious in their observations of that kind:

God left him to try him; by showing him all his treasures:

that he might know all that was in his heart; not that God might know, who knows all things, unless spoken of him after the manner of men; but rather that Hezekiah might know the pride lurking in his heart, and other sins which escaped his notice, Jeremiah 17:9 or that it might be known by others; that the children of men might know it, as Kimchi; and take warning by it, and observe the frailty and infirmity of the best of men.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 2 Chronicles 32:31. Of the ambassadors — See 2 Kings 20:13, and the observations at the end of that chapter. 2 Chronicles 20:20.


 
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