Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?" Who among all the godsThis phrase challenges the power and existence of other deities worshiped by the nations surrounding Israel. The Hebrew word for "gods" here is "elohim," which can refer to divine beings or idols. Historically, the Assyrians, under King Sennacherib, had conquered many nations, each with its own pantheon of gods. This rhetorical question underscores the Assyrian belief in their own supremacy and the impotence of other deities. From a conservative Christian perspective, this sets the stage for demonstrating the uniqueness and sovereignty of the LORD, the God of Israel, who is not like the powerless idols of other lands. of these lands
The phrase "of these lands" refers to the various territories and nations that the Assyrian empire had already subdued. Archaeological evidence, such as the annals of Sennacherib, confirms the vastness of the Assyrian conquests during this period. Each land had its own gods, yet none could withstand the Assyrian military might. This highlights the historical context of Assyria's dominance and the perceived invincibility of its king, setting up a contrast with the God of Israel. has delivered his land from my hand
The phrase "has delivered his land from my hand" speaks to the Assyrian king's confidence in his military prowess. The Hebrew word for "delivered" is "natsal," meaning to snatch away or rescue. Historically, no nation had been able to escape Assyrian conquest, reinforcing the king's arrogance. From a theological standpoint, this sets up a direct challenge to the LORD, who is about to demonstrate His power and ability to save His people, unlike the false gods of other nations. that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem
Here, "the LORD" is the covenant name of God, "Yahweh," emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel. The mention of "Jerusalem" is significant as it is the city of David, the center of Jewish worship, and the location of the Temple. The Assyrian king's challenge is not just against a city but against the God who dwells there. This phrase foreshadows the divine intervention that will occur, affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant and His power to protect His chosen city. from my hand?
The phrase "from my hand" symbolizes the power and control that the Assyrian king believes he holds. The "hand" in biblical terms often represents strength and authority. Sennacherib's boastful claim is a direct affront to God's sovereignty. From a conservative Christian perspective, this sets the stage for God to demonstrate that no earthly power can withstand His will. The impending deliverance of Jerusalem will serve as a testament to God's unmatched authority and His ability to save His people against all odds. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah during this time, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah. 2. SennacheribThe king of Assyria, who invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem, challenging the power of the God of Israel. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, under threat from the Assyrian army, representing the spiritual and political heart of the Jewish people. 4. Assyrian SiegeThe military campaign led by Sennacherib against Judah, testing the faith and resilience of Hezekiah and his people. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, whose power and sovereignty are being challenged by Sennacherib's taunts. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyHezekiah's faith in God amidst overwhelming odds teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control over all circumstances. The Futility of IdolatrySennacherib's taunt highlights the impotence of false gods, reminding us to place our faith solely in the one true God. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesGod's deliverance of Jerusalem demonstrates His faithfulness to His covenant people, encouraging us to rely on His promises. Prayer as a Response to CrisisHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to seek God in prayer, modeling for us the importance of turning to God in times of trouble. God's Glory in DeliveranceThe deliverance of Jerusalem was not just for the sake of the city but to demonstrate God's power and glory to the nations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat challenge us to trust God in our own crises? 2. In what ways does the account of Jerusalem's deliverance encourage us to rely on God's promises today? 3. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty over false gods to modern-day idols in our lives? 4. What role does prayer play in our response to challenges, and how can we cultivate a habit of seeking God first? 5. How does the deliverance of Jerusalem reflect God's desire to be glorified among the nations, and how can we participate in that mission today? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 37This chapter parallels the events of 2 Kings 18, providing additional insight into Hezekiah's response and God's deliverance. Psalm 46A psalm of trust in God's protection, often associated with the deliverance of Jerusalem from Assyrian forces. Exodus 14The deliverance of Israel from Egypt, showcasing God's power to save His people against overwhelming odds. Daniel 3The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who trusted God to deliver them from the fiery furnace, similar to Hezekiah's trust in God's deliverance. Romans 8:31Paul's affirmation that if God is for us, who can be against us, echoing the confidence Hezekiah had in God's protection. 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, Cause, Countries, Deliver, Delivered, Falling, Gods, Hands, Jerusalem, Kept, Lands, SaveDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:13-35 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:17-35 8833 threats 2 Kings 18:33-35 5813 conceit
8804 pride, examples 2 Kings 18:35-36 5529 sieges 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 18:35 NIV2 Kings 18:35 NLT2 Kings 18:35 ESV2 Kings 18:35 NASB2 Kings 18:35 KJV
2 Kings 18:35 Commentaries
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