This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you; he cannot deliver you from my hand. This is what the king saysThis phrase introduces the words of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, through his messenger, the Rabshakeh. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's words were considered authoritative and powerful, often seen as the ultimate decree. The phrase sets the stage for a direct challenge to the authority of King Hezekiah of Judah, highlighting the political tension and the Assyrian king's attempt to assert dominance over Judah. Do not let Hezekiah deceive you
The Hebrew root for "deceive" is "נָשָׁא" (nasha), which means to lead astray or to cause to err. The Assyrian envoy is attempting to undermine Hezekiah's leadership by suggesting that he is misleading the people of Judah. This reflects a common tactic in warfare: to sow doubt and fear among the enemy's ranks. Historically, this was a psychological strategy used to weaken the resolve of a besieged city or nation. He cannot deliver you
The word "deliver" comes from the Hebrew "נָצַל" (natsal), meaning to rescue or save. The Rabshakeh is directly challenging Hezekiah's ability to protect his people, implying that reliance on Hezekiah is futile. This statement is not only a political maneuver but also a theological challenge, as it questions the power of Hezekiah's God to save Judah from the might of Assyria. from my hand
The phrase "from my hand" signifies power and control, with "hand" often symbolizing strength and capability in biblical literature. The Assyrian king is asserting his dominance and the inevitability of his conquest. In the broader scriptural context, this phrase sets up a contrast between human power and divine intervention, as the narrative later reveals God's deliverance of Judah despite the Assyrian threats. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people by removing idolatry. 2. SennacheribThe King of Assyria, who invaded Judah and sent his officials to intimidate and demoralize the people of Jerusalem. 3. RabshakehThe Assyrian official who delivered the message from Sennacherib to the people of Jerusalem, attempting to undermine their trust in Hezekiah and God. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, under siege by the Assyrian army during this event. 5. Assyrian InvasionA significant military campaign by Assyria against Judah, aiming to conquer Jerusalem and expand Assyrian control. Teaching Points Trust in God Over Human LeadersHezekiah's faithfulness contrasts with the Assyrian message of doubt. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's deliverance rather than solely relying on human leaders. The Power of IntimidationThe Assyrian strategy involved psychological warfare. Christians should be aware of how fear and intimidation can be used to weaken faith and resolve. God's Sovereignty in CrisisDespite the overwhelming threat, God remains sovereign. This passage reminds believers to seek God's guidance and intervention in times of crisis. Faithfulness in LeadershipHezekiah's example shows the importance of leading with integrity and faith, even when facing external pressures and threats. The Role of Prophetic EncouragementProphets like Isaiah played a crucial role in encouraging and guiding leaders like Hezekiah. Believers should seek and value godly counsel. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat demonstrate his faith in God, and what can we learn from his example about handling crises in our own lives? 2. In what ways does the Assyrian message attempt to undermine the people's trust in God, and how can we guard against similar tactics in our spiritual journey? 3. How does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrian siege connect with the themes of God's protection and deliverance found in other parts of Scripture, such as the Psalms? 4. What role does prayer and seeking God's guidance play in Hezekiah's leadership, and how can we apply this principle in our personal and communal decision-making? 5. How can we support and encourage our leaders to remain faithful and trust in God's sovereignty, especially when facing external pressures and challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 36-37These chapters parallel the events of 2 Kings 18-19, providing additional details about the Assyrian siege 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. Psalm 46Often associated with God's protection of Jerusalem during this time, highlighting trust in God's power and presence. 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 Able, Beguile, Deceive, Deliver, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, King's, Lift, Salvation, Says, Thus, TrickedDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:13-35 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:17-35 8833 threats 2 Kings 18:28-32 4440 fig-tree 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 18:29 NIV2 Kings 18:29 NLT2 Kings 18:29 ESV2 Kings 18:29 NASB2 Kings 18:29 KJV
2 Kings 18:29 Commentaries
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