John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. So there was gathered much people together , etc.] At the instance of Hezekiah, his nobles and officers: who stopped all the fountains ; perhaps by laying planks over them, and earth upon them, so that it could not be discerned there were any fountains there: and the brook that ran through the midst of the land ; which, according to Kimchi, was Gihon, ( 2 Chronicles 32:30), which was near Jerusalem; the stream of this very probably they turned into channels under ground, whereby it was brought into the city into reservoirs there provided, that that might have a supply during the siege, while the enemy was distressed for want of it: saying, why should the kings of Assyria come and find much water ? by which means they would be able to carry on the siege to a great length, when otherwise they would be obliged to raise it quickly: mention is made of kings of Assyria, though there was but one, with whom there might be petty kings, or tributary ones; and, besides, as he boasted, his princes were altogether kings, ( Isaiah 10:8).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-23 - Those who trust God with their safety, must use proper means, else the tempt him. God will provide, but so must we also. Hezekiah gathered his people together, and spake comfortably to them. A believing confidenc in God, will raise us above the prevailing fear of man. Let the goo subjects and soldiers of Jesus Christ, rest upon his word, and boldl say, Since God is for us, who can be against us? By the favour of God enemies are lost, and friends gained.
Original Hebrew ויקבצו6908 עם5971 רב7227 ויסתמו5640 את853 כל3605 המעינות4599 ואת853 הנחל5158 השׁוטף7857 בתוך8432 הארץ776 לאמר559 למה4100 יבואו935 מלכי4428 אשׁור804 ומצאו4672 מים4325 רבים׃7227
