What does 2 Chronicles 32:3 Mean?

Context Summary

We might have supposed that Hezekiah's faithfulness in cleansing the Temple and restoring the worship of Jehovah would have secured for him and his people complete immunity from invasion. Surely for such a loyal servant, God would graciously interpose and defend from Sennacherib's encampment on the sacred soil of the south country. We are taught the lesson that faith is not rewarded by the unbroken summer of prosperity, but tried, tested, and matured by the stormy blasts of attack and peril. The great Husbandman mined Hezekiah that he might bring forth more fruit.

These careful preparations made by the king and his people for cutting off the water-supply and equipping the soldiers and fortifications against attack, were perfectly consistent with a true faith. Hezekiah's ultimate confidence was not in these things, but in that Greater One who was undoubtedly with them, 2 Chronicles 32:7. There was considerable subtlety in Sennacherib's messages, but he did not understand how much that one altar meant, and how different Jehovah was from the idols of the nations, 2 Chronicles 32:12; 2 Chronicles 15:1-19. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Chronicles 32

¹  Sennacherib invading Judah, Hezekiah fortifies himself, and encourages his people
⁹  Hezekiah and Isaiah pray against the blasphemies of Sennarchib
²¹  An angel destroys the host of the Assyrians
²⁴  Hezekiah praying in his sickness, God gives him a sign of recovery
²⁵  His proud heart is humbled by God
²⁷  His wealth and works
³¹  His error in the ambassage of Babylon
³²  He dying, Manasseh succeeds him