Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: "With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest outposts, the densest of its forests. Through your servants you have taunted the LordThis phrase highlights the arrogance of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, who used his messengers to mock the God of Israel. In the ancient Near East, kings often sent envoys to deliver messages, and these envoys were seen as extensions of the king's authority. The taunting of the Lord by Sennacherib's servants reflects a common practice of psychological warfare, intended to demoralize the enemy. This act of defiance against God is reminiscent of other biblical instances where pagan nations underestimated the power of the God of Israel, such as Pharaoh in Exodus. and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains,
Chariots were a symbol of military might and technological advancement in the ancient world. The Assyrians were known for their powerful and well-equipped army, which included a formidable chariotry. The reference to ascending the mountains signifies a boast of military conquest and dominance over difficult terrain, which was often seen as a divine realm. This echoes the pride of other rulers in the Bible who trusted in their military strength, such as Pharaoh in Exodus 14:7 and the Canaanite kings in Joshua 11:4. to the remote peaks of Lebanon.
Lebanon was renowned for its majestic mountains and valuable cedar trees, which were highly prized in the ancient world for construction and trade. The mention of Lebanon signifies the extent of Assyrian ambition and conquest. The cedars of Lebanon are frequently mentioned in the Bible as symbols of strength and beauty (Psalm 92:12, Ezekiel 31:3). This phrase underscores the Assyrian king's pride in his ability to reach and conquer even the most distant and revered places. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses.
The cutting down of cedars and cypresses symbolizes the destruction and exploitation of natural resources by the Assyrians. In biblical literature, trees often represent nations or leaders (Judges 9:8-15, Ezekiel 17:22-24). The act of cutting down these trees can be seen as a metaphor for the subjugation of nations and the stripping away of their glory. This imagery also foreshadows the eventual downfall of the Assyrian empire, as pride and defiance against God lead to judgment (Isaiah 10:33-34). I have reached its farthest outposts, the densest of its forests.
This phrase emphasizes the extent of Assyrian expansion and the thoroughness of their conquests. The "farthest outposts" and "densest of its forests" suggest a complete domination over the land, leaving no area untouched. This reflects the historical reality of the Assyrian empire's vast reach and their reputation for ruthlessness. Biblically, it serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations, as even the most powerful empires are ultimately subject to His will (Daniel 4:34-35). Persons / Places / Events 1. SennacheribThe king of Assyria, who is boasting about his conquests and power, challenging the God of Israel. 2. HezekiahThe king of Judah, who is the recipient of Sennacherib's threats and seeks God's intervention. 3. LebanonA region known for its majestic cedar trees, symbolizing strength and pride, which Sennacherib claims to have conquered. 4. MessengersThe envoys sent by Sennacherib to deliver his blasphemous message to Hezekiah and the people of Judah. 5. The Lord (Yahweh)The God of Israel, whom Sennacherib has taunted, demonstrating his arrogance and lack of reverence. Teaching Points The Danger of PrideSennacherib's boastful claims serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. Pride can lead individuals to challenge God, forgetting that all power and authority ultimately belong to Him. God's Sovereignty Over NationsDespite Sennacherib's military might, God demonstrates His sovereignty by protecting Judah. This reminds us that no earthly power can thwart God's plans. The Power of PrayerHezekiah's response to Sennacherib's threats was to seek God in prayer. This teaches us the importance of turning to God in times of crisis, trusting in His ability to deliver. Respect for God's CreationSennacherib's destruction of Lebanon's forests symbolizes a lack of respect for God's creation. We are called to be stewards of the earth, recognizing its value and beauty. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Sennacherib's attitude in 2 Kings 19:23 reflect the dangers of pride, and how can we guard against similar attitudes in our own lives? 2. In what ways does the account of Sennacherib and Hezekiah illustrate God's sovereignty over human affairs? 3. How can Hezekiah's response to Sennacherib's threats inspire us to approach challenges in our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from the destruction of Lebanon's forests about our responsibility towards God's creation? 5. How does the account of 2 Kings 19:23 connect with other biblical accounts of God's deliverance, and what does this teach us about His character? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 37:24This verse parallels 2 Kings 19:23, as it is part of the same account, emphasizing Sennacherib's arrogance and God's impending judgment. Psalm 29:5This psalm speaks of the power of the Lord's voice, which can break the cedars of Lebanon, contrasting human pride with divine power. Proverbs 16:18This proverb warns that pride precedes destruction, a principle evident in Sennacherib's downfall. 2 Chronicles 32:21Chronicles the defeat of Sennacherib, highlighting God's deliverance of Judah in response to Hezekiah's prayer. People Adrammelech, Amoz, Assyrians, David, Eliakim, Esarhaddon, Haran, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Sharezer, Shebna, TirhakahPlaces Ararat, Arpad, Assyria, Cush, Egypt, Gozan, Hamath, Haran, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Lebanon, Libnah, Mount Zion, Nineveh, Rezeph, Sepharvaim, Telassar, Tigris-Euphrates Region, ZionTopics Ascended, Best, Borders, Carmel, Cedar, Cedars, Chariots, Choice, Choicest, Cut, Cypresses, Defied, Densest, Enter, Entered, Evil, Extremity, Farthest, Felled, Field, Finest, Fir, Firs, Fir-trees, Forest, Forests, Fruitful, Furthest, Hast, Heaped, Height, Heights, Highest, Hight, Inmost, Innermost, Insults, Lebanon, Lodge, Lodging, Lodging-place, Lodgings, Messengers, Mocked, Mountain, Mountains, Multitude, Pines, Places, Reached, Recesses, Remotest, Reproached, Retreat, Sayest, Servants, Sides, Tall, Tallest, Taunted, Thereof, Thick, Thickest, Trees, Utmost, War-carriages, WoodsDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 19:23 4424 cedar
4528 trees
5143 climbing
5252 chariots 2 Kings 19:20-23 5893 insults 2 Kings 19:20-28 8782 mockery 2 Kings 19:20-37 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment 2 Kings 19:21-28 5776 achievement 2 Kings 19:22-24 4448 forests 2 Kings 19:23-24 8820 self-confidence Library 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
'Then Isaiah the son of Amos sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. 21. This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. 22. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Invasion of the Assyrians
(Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity, Morning.) 2 Kings xix. 15-19. And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the Lord, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons Whether Charity Requires that we Should Love Our Enemies?
Objection 1: It would seem that charity does not require us to love our enemies. For Augustine says (Enchiridion lxxiii) that "this great good," namely, the love of our enemies, is "not so universal in its application, as the object of our petition when we say: Forgive us our trespasses." Now no one is forgiven sin without he have charity, because, according to Prov. 10:12, "charity covereth all sins." Therefore charity does not require that we should love our enemies. Objection 2: Further, charity …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
1. Conviction of guilt necessary.--2. A charge of rebellion against God advanced.--3. Where it is shown--that all men are born under God's law.--4. That no man hath perfectly kept it.--5. An appeal to the reader's conscience on this head, that he hath not.--6. That to have broken it, is an evil inexpressibly great.--7. Illustrated by a more particular view of the aggravations of this guilt, arising--from knowledge.--8. From divine favors received.--9. From convictions of conscience overborne.--10. …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was Ready to Die. He Attempts to Kill Himself. He Commands Antipater to be Slain.
1. Now Herod's distemper became more and more severe to him, and this because these his disorders fell upon him in his old age, and when he was in a melancholy condition; for he was already seventy years of age, and had been brought by the calamities that happened to him about his children, whereby he had no pleasure in life, even when he was in health; the grief also that Antipater was still alive aggravated his disease, whom he resolved to put to death now not at random, but as soon as he should …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 It is Strange that These Delightful Promises Affect us Coldly...
It is strange that these delightful promises affect us coldly, or scarcely at all, so that the generality of men prefer to wander up and down, forsaking the fountain of living waters, and hewing out to themselves broken cisterns, rather than embrace the divine liberality voluntarily offered to them (Jer. 2:13). "The name of the Lord," says Solomon, "is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." (Pr. 18:10) Joel, after predicting the fearful disaster which was at hand, subjoins the …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Letter xxviii (Circa A. D. 1130) to the Abbots Assembled at Soissons
To the Abbots Assembled at Soissons [45] Bernard urges the abbots zealously to perform the duty for which they had met. He recommends to them a great desire of spiritual progress, and begs them not to be delayed in their work if lukewarm and lax persons should perhaps murmur. To the Reverend Abbots met in the name of the Lord in Chapter at Soissons, brother Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, the servant of their Holiness, health and prayer that they may see, establish, and observe the things which are …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux A Living Book
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Symbol of "Asshur", the principal Assyrian idol.] There is only one Book that never grows old. For thousands of years men have been writing books. Most books are forgotten soon after they are written; a few of the best and wisest are remembered for a time. But all at last grow old; new discoveries are made; new ideas arise; the old books are out of date; their usefulness is at an end. Students are the only people who still care to read them. The nations to which the …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 19:23 NIV2 Kings 19:23 NLT2 Kings 19:23 ESV2 Kings 19:23 NASB2 Kings 19:23 KJV
2 Kings 19:23 Commentaries
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