1 As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord.
2 And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and the senior priests, covered with sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz.
3 And they said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace; children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth.
4 It may be that the Lord your God has heard all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard; therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.
5 When the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah,
6 Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me.
7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.
8 So the Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria fighting against Libnah, for he heard that the king had left Lachish.
9 Now the king heard concerning Tirhakah king of Cush, “Behold, he has set out to fight against you.” So he sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying,
10 “Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.
11 Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, devoting them to destruction. And shall you be delivered?
12 have the gods of the nations delivered them, the nations that my fathers destroyed, Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar?
13 Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, the king of Hena, or the king of Ivvah?”
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord.
15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: “O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.
16 Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God.
17 Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands,
18 and have cast their gods into the fire. For they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed.
19 Now, O Lord our God, I pray, save us, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone.
20 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Your prayer to me about Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.
21 This is the word that the Lord has spoken concerning him: “‘She despises you, she scorns you— the virgin daughter of Zion; she wags her head behind you— the daughter of Jerusalem.
22 Whom have you mocked and reviled?
Against whom have you raised your voice
and lifted your eyes to the heights?
Against the Holy One of Israel!
23 By your messengers you have mocked the Lord,
and you have said, ‘With my many chariots
I have gone up the heights of the mountains,
to the far recesses of Lebanon;
I felled its tallest cedars,
its choicest cypresses;
I entered its farthest lodging place,
its most fruitful forest.
24 I dug wells and drank foreign waters, and I dried up with the sole of my foot all the streams of Egypt.
25 “Have you not heard
that I determined it long ago?
I planned from days of old
what now I bring to pass,
that you should make fortified cities
crash into heaps of ruins,
26 Therefore their inhabitants were of small power;
they were dismayed and confounded;
they were like the grass of the field
and like the green herb,
like the grass on the housetops
and like a field of grain
before it is grown.
27 “But I know your sitting down and your going out and coming in, and your raging against me.
28 Because your rage against me and your complacency has come up to my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came.
29 “And this shall be the sign for you: this year you shall eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs from that. Then in the third year sow and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit.
30 And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.
31 For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord will do this.
32 Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it.
33 By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city, declares the Lord.
34 For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.
35 And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.
36 And Sennacherib the king of Assyria departed and went home and lived at Nineveh.
37 And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword. And after they escaped into the land of Ararat, Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.
The True Meaning of 2 Kings 19
The author of this chapter is the biblical historian who compiled the books of Kings, providing a detailed account of the events that unfolded during the reign of the Judean kings. This particular chapter focuses on a critical moment in the life of King Hezekiah, as he faces a formidable threat from the Assyrian empire. We will witness Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian king’s taunting and his subsequent appeal to the Lord for divine intervention as we delve into this chapter. The events described here echo the words of the prophet Isaiah, who had previously warned the people of Judah about the consequences of their unfaithfulness (Isaiah 36:1-22). However, this chapter also offers a glimmer of hope, as Hezekiah’s faith in the Lord is put to the test and ultimately rewarded.
The chapter’s narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the ongoing power struggle between the kingdoms of Judah and Assyria, a conflict that had been brewing for years. Hezekiah’s actions and the divine intervention that follows will have far-reaching implications, not only for the people of Judah but for the entire region. We will be reminded of the importance of unwavering faith in the face of adversity and the power of the Lord to protect and deliver His people as we explore this chapter.
2 Kings 19:1-4
King Hezekiah responds to the distressing news brought to him by messengers regarding the threats made by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib in 2 Kings 19:1-4. This passage highlights how king Hezekiah’s immediate reaction to the impending danger was to seek help from the prophet Isaiah.
When we examine this section closely, it is significant to note the dynamic between King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah. Hezekiah’s decision to approach Isaiah in a time of crisis demonstrates his faith in seeking God’s guidance through a trusted prophet. It underlines the importance of turning to God in times of trouble and seeking counsel from those who are connected to Him.
Isaiah, known for his prophetic messages throughout the Book of Isaiah, serves as a conduit of divine communication between God and His people. His presence in this critical moment signifies the role of prophets in guiding leaders and individuals back to the path of righteousness and faithfulness to God. Isaiah’s reassurance to Hezekiah, conveying God’s response to the Assyrian threat, becomes a vital message of hope and reliance on God’s deliverance in this context.
This passage echoes the overarching theme of the Bible about trust in the Lord amidst adversity. Just as Hezekiah turned to God through Isaiah for guidance and salvation, believers are encouraged to place their trust in God during times of trouble. Psalm 20:7 reflects this sentiment, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” This verse emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s strength and protection rather than earthly means.
Furthermore, the story of King Hezekiah confronting the Assyrian threat and his reliance on God’s intervention serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to His people. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of God delivering His people from their enemies, showcasing His power and divine intervention. One such example is found in Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” This verse illustrates the idea that God is the ultimate protector and defender of His people, emphasizing the importance of faith and patience in challenging times. The interaction between King Hezekiah and the Prophet Isaiah in 2 Kings 19:1-4 portrays a timeless message of faith, reliance on God, and the importance of seeking divine guidance during moments of crisis. It underscores the significance of trusting in God’s wisdom and providence, resonating with believers to turn to Him in times of trouble and to have faith in His deliverance.
2 Kings 19:5-7
King Hezekiah sends his officials to the prophet Isaiah after receiving a threatening letter from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib in 2 Kings 19:5-7. The letter mocked God and threatened destruction, instilling fear in Hezekiah and the people of Judah. Hezekiah’s response to this crisis is crucial and serves as a lesson in turning to God in times of distress and seeking the counsel of wise and faithful individuals.
Hezekiah’s immediate reaction to the Assyrian threat is to seek the guidance of the prophet Isaiah. This action highlights the importance of seeking advice from spiritual leaders when facing challenges. Isaiah’s presence in this situation symbolizes the role of spiritual guidance and the importance of turning to God for wisdom and protection. Hezekiah’s trust in Isaiah shows his faith in God’s power to deliver them from their enemies.
The letter sent by Sennacherib was filled with blasphemy against God, challenging His sovereignty and power. The Assyrian king’s arrogance and pride are evident in his words, as he exalted himself above the God of Israel. This act of defiance not only threatened the physical safety of Judah but also insulted the honor and glory of God. Sennacherib’s actions ultimately lead to his downfall, as God defends His people and displays His supremacy over all earthly powers. Hezekiah takes the letter to the house of the Lord and spreads it out before God in response to the Assyrian threat. This act symbolizes surrendering the problem to God and seeking His intervention. Hezekiah’s humility and reliance on God’s guidance demonstrate a model of faith for believers facing adversity. Hezekiah brings the issue before God in prayer, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and trusting in His ability to deliver them from danger.
This passage serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and power to protect His people in times of trouble. Just as Hezekiah turned to God and sought the counsel of Isaiah in the face of the Assyrian threat, believers today are encouraged to seek God’s wisdom and guidance when confronted with challenges. The story of Hezekiah and the Assyrian siege is a testament to the enduring truth that God is our defender and protector, and He will deliver us from our enemies when we put our trust in Him (Psalm 46:1-3).
2 Kings 19:8-13
King Hezekiah receives a threatening letter from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib in 2 Kings 19:8-13. This section of the verse starts with messengers bringing Hezekiah the letter, which contains intimidating words questioning the power of God and threatening destruction upon Jerusalem. Hezekiah then goes to the house of the Lord and spreads the letter before God.
Hezekiah’s reaction in bringing the letter before God demonstrates his faith and dependency on Him in times of trouble. He doesn’t immediately panic or resort to his own strategies; instead, he seeks divine intervention and places the situation in God’s hands. This action shows the importance of turning to God first in times of trouble.
The Assyrian threat against Jerusalem was not just a physical threat but also a spiritual one, as they mocked the power of God. Hezekiah recognizes that by spreading the letter before God, the battle is not just for the physical protection of Jerusalem but also for the honor and glory of God’s name. This act is a powerful reminder that our battles are not always what they seem on the surface; there are often deeper spiritual forces at play.
Hezekiah’s action can be compared to David’s response when facing the giant Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Just as David trusted in the Lord’s deliverance against all odds, Hezekiah shows a similar unwavering faith in God’s ability to rescue Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat. Both stories serve as potent reminders of the power of faith and prayer in the face of overwhelming challenges. Spreading the letter before God symbolizes surrendering our fears, doubts, and anxieties to Him. It reflects Hezekiah’s acknowledgment that only God has the power to save and protect, and that human efforts alone are insufficient. This act of surrender aligns with biblical teachings that encourage believers to cast their burdens upon the Lord because He cares for them (1 Peter 5:7). Thus, Hezekiah’s actions serve as a model for us to follow in times of trouble, reminding us to trust in God’s sovereignty and seek His guidance and protection in all circumstances.
2 Kings 19:14-19
King Hezekiah’s response to the threatening letter from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, is seen in 2 Kings 19:14-19. Let’s break down this passage further.
Verse 14 begins with King Hezekiah receiving the letter from the hand of messengers who had come to deliver Sennacherib’s menacing message. The king’s reaction is significant because instead of reacting impulsively out of fear or despair, he approaches the situation with reverence. Hezekiah recognizes the severity of the threat posed by the Assyrian army but chooses not to rely on his own strength or military might. This response sets a powerful example for us today, emphasizing the importance of turning to God in times of trouble rather than solely depending on our own resources or abilities.
Hezekiah’s immediate action upon receiving the letter is to go to the house of the Lord, spreading it before the Lord. This act symbolizes Hezekiah’s humility and submission to God’s authority. Hezekiah is essentially placing the matter in God’s hands by taking the letter to the temple, acknowledging that only God has the power to intervene and deliver them from their enemies. This act of surrendering to God’s will is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reminding us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and protection in times of distress.
Hezekiah’s prayer in verses 15-19 is a beautiful example of heartfelt supplication and faith in God’s deliverance. He begins by acknowledging God’s supremacy over all the kingdoms of the earth, highlighting God’s sovereignty and power. Hezekiah appeals to God to see and hear the threats made by Sennacherib and to deliver his people from the hands of their enemies. Hezekiah not only seeks deliverance for his people in his prayer but also prays for a powerful display of God’s might so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that He alone is God.
The mention of the Assyrian king’s taunts against the living God in verse 16 serves to emphasize the blasphemous nature of Sennacherib’s threats. Sennacherib is not only defying a mortal king but directly opposing the Almighty by daring to challenge the God of Israel. This sets the stage for God’s decisive response to the Assyrian threat, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to protect His people and uphold His name in the face of adversity.
Hezekiah’s plea for God to save them for the sake of His reputation and for the sake of His servant David in verse 19 reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people throughout the Old Testament. Hezekiah appeals to God’s faithfulness to His promises and invokes the memory of King David, whom God had chosen and established as a ruler over His people. Hezekiah demonstrates his understanding of God’s enduring faithfulness to His chosen ones by appealing to God’s covenant with David. The passage in 2 Kings 19:14-19 serves as a powerful lesson on trust, humility, and reliance on God in the face of adversity. King Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian threat exemplifies the importance of seeking God’s intervention, acknowledging His sovereignty, and trusting in His deliverance. We may be inspired by Hezekiah’s example to turn to God in prayer, lay our fears and concerns before Him, and trust in His unfailing protection and guidance as we navigate our own challenges and confrontations.
2 Kings 19:20-28
Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, boasted of his victories over other nations and mocked the power of God to save Jerusalem in a threatening letter received by King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19:20-28. Hezekiah took this letter and spread it out before the Lord in the temple, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and seeking his intervention in the face of the Assyrian threat.
This action by King Hezekiah reveals a deep sense of humility and dependence on God in times of crisis. Instead of relying on his own strength or turning to other nations for help, he chose to place his trust in God alone. This serves as a powerful lesson for believers today, reminding us of the importance of seeking God first in all circumstances and trusting in His sovereign power to deliver us.
The response from the prophet Isaiah to Hezekiah was a comforting reassurance from God, promising that the Assyrian king would not enter Jerusalem or even shoot an arrow there. This affirmation of divine protection highlights the faithfulness of God to His people and demonstrates that no earthly power can stand against the Almighty.
This passage also underscores the significance of prayer and seeking the will of God in times of trouble. Hezekiah’s earnest prayer for deliverance from the Assyrian threat was met with a swift and decisive response from God through the prophet Isaiah. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of turning to God in times of distress, knowing that He is always ready to listen to the cries of His children and intervene on their behalf. God’s faithfulness to His people and His power to deliver them from their enemies is a recurring theme reflected in this episode in the broader context of the Bible. Throughout the Old Testament, we see numerous accounts of God’s intervention on behalf of the Israelites, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to protecting those who trust in Him. Hezekiah’s prayer in the face of the Assyrian threat serves as a timeless example of faith, humility, and dependence on God in times of trouble. It encourages us to approach God with boldness and confidence, knowing that He is always ready to hear our prayers and act on behalf of those who seek Him wholeheartedly.
2 Kings 19:29-31
Verse 29 of 2 Kings 19 reads, “And this shall be a sign for you: this year you shall eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs from that. Then in the third year sow and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit.” This section is part of the prophecy given by the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah of Judah in response to the threat from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. The sign given here is that despite the impending invasion by the Assyrians, Judah will be sustained for three years without needing to sow new crops. This not only reveals God’s power to provide for His people in times of crisis but also demonstrates His faithfulness in keeping His promises.
The significance of this sign lies in the reassurance it provides to King Hezekiah and the people of Judah that despite the fearsome power of the Assyrian army, their ultimate security and sustenance come from God alone. It serves as a reminder that no matter how dire the circumstances may appear, God is in control and will always provide for His faithful followers. The prophecy also highlights the importance of trusting in God’s plans and timing, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Themes of divine provision seen throughout the Old Testament echo God’s ability to sustain His people without the need for human effort or intervention in the context of the broader biblical narrative. For example, in the story of the Israelites wandering in the desert, God provided manna from heaven to feed them daily (Exodus 16). This sign in 2 Kings 19 serves as a testimony to God’s consistent care for His people and reinforces the message of reliance on Him rather than on human strength or resources.
Continuing to verse 30, it says, “And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.” This verse emphasizes the idea of restoration and renewal for the people of Judah. Despite the imminent threat of invasion and destruction, there is hope for a future where Judah will not only survive but thrive. The image of taking root downward signifies a strong foundation and connection to God, while bearing fruit upward symbolizes growth, prosperity, and abundance.
The message of restoration and growth seen in this verse is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting God’s desire to redeem and renew His people. Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches in the New Testament to illustrate the importance of remaining connected to Him in order to bear fruit (John 15:1-17). The promise of the surviving remnant of Judah taking root and bearing fruit serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing about new life and transformation, even in the midst of challenges and hardships. The prophecy given to King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19:29-31 not only provided a sign of God’s provision and protection for Judah but also offered a message of hope, restoration, and renewal. Through these verses, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, His ability to sustain us in times of trouble, and His power to bring about growth and abundance even in the face of adversity. It encourages us to trust in God’s plans, remain rooted in Him, and look towards a future filled with His blessings and grace.
2 Kings 19:32-34
We can break down a few important sections in 2 Kings 19:32-34 to gain a better understanding of the verse.
Firstly, in verse 32, the Lord speaks through the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah, assuring him of the deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian king. The Lord promises that the king of Assyria will not enter the city or shoot an arrow there, nor will he come before it with a shield or build a siege ramp against it. This proclamation from the Lord through Isaiah is a powerful demonstration of God’s protection over His people. It serves as a reminder that no matter how dire the circumstances may appear, God is ultimately in control and can deliver His people from any threat.
Secondly, in verse 33, the Lord declares that the king of Assyria will return by the way he came and will not enter the city. This statement emphasizes the sovereignty and power of God over the plans and actions of earthly rulers. Despite the boasting and threats of the Assyrian king, his defeat and retreat ultimately serve as a testimony to the authority of God. This moment is a powerful reminder that God can humble the proud and bring down the plans of the arrogant.
Finally, verse 34 concludes with the prophecy that God will defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David. This reference to David is significant because it ties back to the covenant God made with David, promising that his line would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:16). The Lord is reaffirming His faithfulness to His promises and His commitment to preserving the lineage from which the Messiah would ultimately come by invoking the name of David. This passage from 2 Kings 19:32-34 serves as a powerful testament to God’s protection, sovereignty, and faithfulness. It highlights the importance of trusting in God’s promises, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The story of King Hezekiah and the deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat stands as a testimony to the enduring power of God to rescue His people and fulfill His purposes.
2 Kings 19:35-37
The angel of the Lord went out that night and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp, as read in 2 Kings 19:35-37. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisrok, his sons Adrammelek and Sharezer killed him with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son succeeded him as king. We witness the power and protection of God through the angel of the Lord in the first part of these verses. God intervenes to deliver the people of Judah from the threat of the Assyrian army by striking down a vast number of soldiers in one night. This miraculous event showcases God’s ability to defeat the enemies of His people in a decisive and overwhelming manner. It reminds us that God is sovereign and has the ultimate authority over all powers on earth.
The defeat of Sennacherib’s army by the angel of the Lord echoes the theme of divine intervention seen throughout the Bible. It brings to mind instances like the parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites fleeing from Egypt (Exodus 14) and the victory of Gideon’s small army over the Midianites (Judges 7). These events demonstrate that human strength and numbers are no match for the power of God when He decides to act on behalf of His people.
Furthermore, the downfall of Sennacherib serves as a warning against pride and arrogance. Sennacherib, like many other rulers in the Bible, allowed his success and power to go to his head. His disrespect towards God and His chosen people led to his ultimate demise. Proverbs 16:18 cautions, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Sennacherib’s story stands as a poignant reminder of the consequences of exalting oneself above God.
The account of Sennacherib’s assassination by his own sons reflects the volatile nature of human kingdoms and power struggles. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of rulers being betrayed and overthrown by those closest to them. This narrative reinforces the transient and unpredictable nature of earthly power. It emphasizes the contrast between the fleeting kingdoms of this world and the eternal kingdom of God, which stands firm and unshakable (Hebrews 12:28). The verses in 2 Kings 19:35-37 illustrate the themes of divine intervention, the consequences of pride, and the instability of human power. They point to God’s sovereignty, His protection of His people, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. Whether facing external threats or internal conflicts, believers can find reassurance in the fact that God is in control and will bring about justice and deliverance according to His perfect plan.
After 2 Kings 19
The king’s messengers returned with a dire report from the Assyrian commander. The Assyrian king had boasted of his power and threatened to destroy Jerusalem. But the prophet Isaiah had a message from the Lord. The Lord would defend the city and protect His people. That night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. The Assyrian king retreated in shame, only to be assassinated by his own sons later. The Lord had delivered His people from their enemies, just as He had promised. But the people’s trials were not over. They would soon face an even greater challenge that would test their faith in the Almighty.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.