(23) Brought.—Were bringing =used to bring.

Gifts.—An offering (minchah), or tribute.

Presents to Hezekiah.—Among those who brought such were the envoys of Meroaach Baladan, king of Babylon (2Kings 20:12). Probably also the neighbouring peoples—e.g., the Philistines—relieved from the pressure of the Assyrian invaders, would thus evince their gratitude to the God of Israel. (Comp. 2Chronicles 18:11.)

So that he was magnified . . . nations.—Literally, and he was lifted up, to the eyes of all the nations.

32:1-23 Those who trust God with their safety, must use proper means, else they tempt him. God will provide, but so must we also. Hezekiah gathered his people together, and spake comfortably to them. A believing confidence in God, will raise us above the prevailing fear of man. Let the good subjects and soldiers of Jesus Christ, rest upon his word, and boldly say, Since God is for us, who can be against us? By the favour of God, enemies are lost, and friends gained.Guided them ... - A slight alteration of the existing text gives the sense - "gave them rest round about;" a common expression in Chronicles 2 Chronicles 15:15; 2 Chronicles 20:30. 2Ch 32:21-23. An Angel Destroys the Assyrians.

21. an angel … cut off all the mighty men—(See on [468]2Ki 19:35-37).

Or, of all those nations which were not very remote from Canaan, and heard these matters.

And many brought gifts unto the Lord to Jerusalem,.... Even out of neighbouring nations, things which they devoted to the service of God in the temple, being convinced that this wonderful deliverance was wrought by the Lord God of Israel, and by him only:

and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah; being desirous of living in friendship with him, who appeared to be the favourite of the God of heaven:

so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth; from the time of the destruction of the Assyrian army in such a wonderful manner, he was highly esteemed, and his name and fame spread abroad among all the neighbouring nations round about him.

And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was {q} magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.

(q) Thus after trouble God sends comfort to all them who patiently wait on him, and constantly put their trust in his mercies.