In the siege - Perhaps "in straitness" (compare Jeremiah 19:9). Jerusalem is thought by some to have been not so much besieged at this time, as distressed and straitened for supplies, because the Assyrians were masters of the open country.

Thus saith Sennacherib - See all these circumstances largely explained 2 Kings 18:17-36 (note).

Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, whereon do ye trust,.... On what power in heaven or on earth?

that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem? hold out against the siege of it, and do not deliver it up.

Only the main ideas contained in the speech of these generals are reported; in 2 Chronicles 32:10-12 we have the attempt to shake the trust of the people in Hezekiah and in God (2 Kings 18:19-22). וישׁבים is a continuation of the question, In what do ye trust, and why sit ye in the distress, in Jerusalem? מסּית as in 2 Kings 18:32 : Hezekiah seduces you, to give you over to death by hunger and thirst. This thought is much more coarsely expressed in 2 Kings 18:27. - On 2 Chronicles 32:12, cf. 2 Kings 18:22 : אחד מזבּח is the one altar of burnt-offering in the temple.

Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem?

siege: or, strong hold

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.