So now, was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this place to destroy it? The LORD Himself said to me, 'Go up against this land and destroy it.'" Have I now come upThis phrase is spoken by the Assyrian king's representative, Rabshakeh, as he taunts the people of Jerusalem. The Hebrew root for "come up" is "עָלָה" (alah), which often implies ascending or approaching with intent. Historically, this reflects the Assyrian military campaigns, which were known for their strategic and aggressive advances. The phrase suggests a presumption of divine sanction, a common claim by ancient Near Eastern kings to legitimize their conquests. without the LORD’s approval
The Hebrew term for "approval" here is "מִבַּלְעֲדֵי" (mibbaladei), meaning "without" or "apart from." This phrase challenges the Israelites' understanding of divine will, as the Assyrians claim to act under Yahweh's command. It reflects the theological tension in the narrative, where foreign powers often claimed divine backing to demoralize their enemies. This assertion tests the faith of the Israelites, who believed Yahweh was their protector. against this place
"Place" in Hebrew is "מָקוֹם" (maqom), referring specifically to Jerusalem. The city holds significant religious and cultural importance as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. The historical context here is crucial, as Jerusalem was seen as inviolable due to God's covenant with David. The Assyrian threat against such a sacred site would have been deeply unsettling for the Israelites. to destroy it?
The Hebrew root "שָׁחַת" (shachat) means to ruin or annihilate. This word underscores the severity of the threat posed by the Assyrians. Historically, Assyrian campaigns were brutal, often involving the complete destruction of cities and deportation of their inhabitants. The use of this term highlights the existential threat to Jerusalem and serves as a test of faith for its inhabitants. The LORD said to me
This phrase is a bold claim by Rabshakeh, suggesting direct divine communication. The Hebrew "אָמַר" (amar) means "said" or "declared," implying a prophetic or authoritative message. In the biblical narrative, such claims by foreign powers are often false, serving to challenge the Israelites' trust in their God. It reflects the common ancient practice of invoking deities to justify political and military actions. ‘Go up against this land
The command "Go up" uses the same Hebrew root "עָלָה" (alah) as earlier, reinforcing the idea of a divinely sanctioned military campaign. "This land" refers to Judah, the southern kingdom. The historical context is the Assyrian expansion under King Sennacherib, who sought to subdue Judah as part of his empire-building efforts. This phrase is intended to intimidate the Israelites by suggesting divine abandonment. and destroy it.’”
The repetition of "destroy" (שָׁחַת, shachat) emphasizes the totality of the threat. The Assyrian strategy often involved psychological warfare, using fear to weaken enemy resolve. In the biblical context, this claim is a direct affront to the covenantal promises of protection and prosperity given to Israel. Theologically, it challenges the Israelites to discern true divine will amidst external threats and internal doubts. Persons / Places / Events 1. King HezekiahThe king of Judah during this time, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. 2. SennacheribThe king of Assyria, who invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem. 3. RabshakehThe Assyrian field commander who delivered the message to the people of Jerusalem, claiming divine sanction for the invasion. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, under threat from the Assyrian army. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, whom the Assyrians claimed had commanded them to attack Judah. Teaching Points Discernment of False ClaimsJust because someone claims divine authority does not mean it is true. We must discern and test such claims against Scripture and the character of God. God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and their leaders. Even when they claim to act on His behalf, it is essential to seek His true will and purpose. Faith in Times of CrisisLike Hezekiah, we should turn to God in prayer and trust His deliverance when facing overwhelming challenges. The Importance of Godly LeadershipHezekiah's faithfulness set a standard for his people. Leaders today should strive to lead with integrity and reliance on God. The Power of PrayerHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to pray and seek God's guidance, demonstrating the power and necessity of prayer in difficult times. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we discern whether someone truly speaks with God's authority, as opposed to making false claims like the Assyrian commander? 2. In what ways does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat serve as a model for handling crises in our own lives? 3. How does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrians illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty over nations and rulers? 4. What role does prayer play in Hezekiah's leadership, and how can we apply this in our personal and communal lives? 5. How do the events in 2 Kings 18:25 connect with the assurance found in Romans 8:31, and how can this assurance impact our daily walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 36-37These chapters parallel the events of 2 Kings 18-19, providing additional context and details about the Assyrian invasion and Hezekiah's response. 2 Chronicles 32Offers another account of Hezekiah's reign and the Assyrian threat, emphasizing Hezekiah's faith and God's deliverance. Exodus 5:2Pharaoh's challenge to Moses, questioning the authority of the LORD, similar to the Assyrian's claim of divine approval. Psalm 2Speaks of the futility of nations plotting against the LORD and His anointed, relevant to the Assyrian's presumptuous claim. Romans 8:31Highlights the assurance that if God is for us, no one can stand against us, contrasting the false claim of divine support by the Assyrians. People Abi, Abijah, Ahaz, Asaph, David, Elah, Eliakim, Hezekiah, Hilkiah, Hoshea, Israelites, Joah, Pharaoh, Rabsaris, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Shalmaneser, Shebna, Tartan, Zachariah, ZechariahPlaces Arpad, Assyria, Egypt, Gaza, Gozan, Habor River, Halah, Hamath, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Samaria, Sepharvaim, Washer's FieldTopics Approval, Attack, Authority, Destroy, Destroyed, Destruction, Hast, Lord's, March, Moreover, WasteDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:13-35 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:17-35 8833 threats 2 Kings 18:19-25 8027 faith, testing of 2 Kings 18:23-25 8816 ridicule, nature of Library Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
'Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel.... 6. He clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments.'--2 KINGS xviii. 5,6. Devout people in all ages and stations are very much like each other. The elements of godliness are always the same. This king of Israel, something like two thousand six hundred years ago, and the humblest Christian to-day have the family likeness on their faces. These words, which are an outline sketch of the king's character, are really …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Woman of Samaria
(Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 1856.) 2 Kings xviii. 9-12. And it came to pass in the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came up against Samaria, and besieged it. And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken. And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons 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 Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language...
CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making 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 18:25 NIV2 Kings 18:25 NLT2 Kings 18:25 ESV2 Kings 18:25 NASB2 Kings 18:25 KJV
2 Kings 18:25 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
