2 Chronicles 32:31
“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.”
This is an interesting scripture. It says God left him alone. This isn’t abandonment. More so God stepping back to see what Hezekiah would do. Did God not know this? He knew. He wanted Hezekiah to see. To see what? The last phrase says, “so that He might know everything that was in his heart”.
All throughout scripture we see God testing His people or His children. He tests us. He doesn’t let us in on the reasons. He usually wants us to learn or mature. Hebrews 12:6 says, “He the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” It’s what parents do. They teach their children.
Jesus says in Matthew 7:11, “So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” He points out that even though we aren’t perfect we can be good parents. We train, we educate, we lead our children in the ways of the Lord.
How much more is God’s training of us. He is perfect. In some that could be scary, but in God He is all loving. His knowledge is meant for good. If we understood all that He does for us we would be utterly amazed. So, believe it and rest in it.
This is easier said than done. I am at the tail end of a tough time. I think it was God ordained. I learned much. I knew He was with me. Thinking back I would say it was the most challenging time in the last ten years. I did ok. I trusted Him and knew that He was with me.
This test was about justice, anger, my rights, forgiveness and moving on. It was in my rights to speak up. I wasn’t disrespectful. I was righteously angry and I wrestled with forgiveness constantly. Then I had to move on. While I wasn’t wrong, was it really all that important that I protect my rights? Sometimes it’s better to let it go. Yesterday I treasured the scripture, “We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”, (2 Corinthians 10:5). When unforgiveness creeps in, take that thought captive and ignore it. I’ve forgiven them and moved on. Don’t dwell on it. Yesterday many unhelpful thoughts creeped in. I ignored them. They were thoughts that would stir up anger. I don’t need to go there.
Lord, thank You for these lessons. They can be tough, but You are with us and promise to not let it be more than we can bare.
The word “test” comes from the Hebrew “נָסָה” (nasah), meaning to try or prove. This testing is not for God’s knowledge, as He is omniscient, but for Hezekiah’s growth and revelation of his heart’s true condition. It is a common biblical theme where God tests individuals to refine their faith and reveal their dependence on Him.
and to know everything that was in his heart
The phrase “to know everything that was in his heart” suggests a deep examination of Hezekiah’s inner motives and desires. In Hebrew thought, the “heart” (לֵב, lev) is the center of will, emotion, and intellect. This testing was to reveal whether Hezekiah’s trust was in God or in his own strength and alliances. It serves as a reminder of the importance of a heart fully devoted to God, free from pride and self-reliance.