ESV Reformation Study Bible – 2 Chr 32:31
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2 Chr 32:31

32:31 The historian abbreviates the record of 2 Kin. 20:12–19 (cf. Is. 39) in which Isaiah told Hezekiah that his treasures would be taken to Babylon. The author, apparently assuming that his readers are familiar with the account in Kings, leaves out Isaiah’s harsh rebuke.

envoys . . . of Babylon. The Babylonian ambassadors came to investigate reports of Hezekiah’s “sign” (v. 24; cf. 2 Kin. 20:8–11). Apparently, they desired a military alliance with Hezekiah against Assyria.

to test him. Hezekiah was tested to see whether he would form an alliance with Babylon against Assyria. As the Book of Kings reports, Hezekiah failed the test (2 Kin. 20:12–19).