(7) Be not afraid . . . the multitude.--Comp. 2Chronicles 20:15, "Be not afraid nor dismayed for this great multitude." "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid" occurs in Deuteronomy 31:6 (Heb.).

For there be more with us than with him.--A reminiscence of 2Kings 6:16, "Be not thou afraid; for more are they that are with us than they that are with them." It is not necessary to suppose that the chronicler professes to give the exact words of Hezekiah's exhortation, but only the substance and spirit of it.

Verse 7. - Several of the descriptive dramatic touches of Isaiah 22:4-14 are forcible and apt commentary to this verse.

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.Be strong and courageous,.... Be of good heart and spirit, and quit yourselves like men:

be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him; which was very large; for no less than 185,000 were slain of them by an angel in one night, 2 Kings 19:35.

for there be more with us than with him; though not in number, yet in power and might; and if angels are meant, they are more in number; but it seems, by what follows, that Hezekiah had only the Lord his God in his thoughts and view.