And now, O LORD our God, please save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God." And nowThis phrase marks a pivotal moment of urgency and immediacy. In the Hebrew text, the word "now" (עַתָּה, 'attah) signifies a transition from past events to a present plea. It reflects King Hezekiah's immediate need for divine intervention against the Assyrian threat. Historically, this moment is set during the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib, king of Assyria, around 701 BC. The phrase underscores the critical nature of the situation and the king's reliance on God's timely response. O LORD our God
The use of "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is significant, as it invokes the covenant name of God, emphasizing a personal and relational aspect. "Our God" (אֱלֹהֵינוּ, Eloheinu) denotes a collective identity and faith of the Israelites in Yahweh as their sole deity. This phrase is a declaration of faith and allegiance, contrasting the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding nations. It highlights the unique relationship between Israel and Yahweh, rooted in the Abrahamic covenant. please save us
The Hebrew verb for "save" (יָשַׁע, yasha) is a plea for deliverance and salvation. This request is not just for physical rescue but also for spiritual redemption. Hezekiah's prayer reflects a deep trust in God's power to deliver His people, reminiscent of past salvations, such as the Exodus from Egypt. The plea is both humble and confident, acknowledging human helplessness and divine sovereignty. from his hand
"His hand" refers to the power and control of Sennacherib, the Assyrian king. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the "hand" symbolizes strength and authority. The Assyrian empire was known for its military might and brutality, making this plea for deliverance particularly poignant. The phrase underscores the dire threat posed by Assyria and the need for divine intervention to overcome such formidable human power. so that all the kingdoms of the earth
This phrase expands the scope of the prayer beyond Israel to a universal context. It reflects a missional aspect of Israel's faith, where God's actions on behalf of His people serve as a testimony to the entire world. The historical context shows that the ancient world was a tapestry of kingdoms, each with its own gods. Hezekiah's prayer envisions a demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy to all nations. may know
The Hebrew verb "know" (יָדַע, yada) implies more than intellectual awareness; it suggests experiential understanding and acknowledgment. The desired outcome of God's deliverance is that all nations would recognize and experience the reality of Yahweh's power and sovereignty. This knowledge is transformative, intended to lead to reverence and worship of the true God. that You, O LORD, are God alone
This declaration is a profound theological statement affirming monotheism. "God alone" (לְבַדֶּךָ, levadekha) emphasizes the exclusivity and uniqueness of Yahweh. In a world filled with idols and false gods, this assertion is a bold proclamation of faith. It echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), a central tenet of Jewish belief, and serves as a reminder of the first commandment. The phrase calls for recognition of Yahweh's unrivaled divinity and authority over all creation. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe King of Judah who is known for his faithfulness to God. He is the one praying in this verse, seeking deliverance from the Assyrian threat. 2. SennacheribThe King of Assyria, who has invaded Judah and is threatening Jerusalem. His arrogance and blasphemy against God prompt Hezekiah's prayer. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, under siege by the Assyrian army. It is the focal point of Hezekiah's prayer for deliverance. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, whom Hezekiah calls upon for salvation. He is recognized as the one true God in contrast to the false gods of the nations. 5. Isaiah the ProphetAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Isaiah plays a crucial role in advising Hezekiah and delivering God's message of assurance. Teaching Points Dependence on GodHezekiah's prayer exemplifies total reliance on God in times of crisis. We are reminded to turn to God first in our own times of need. God's SovereigntyThe verse underscores God's supreme authority over all nations. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, regardless of worldly powers. Witness to the NationsHezekiah's desire for God's deliverance is not just for personal or national safety but for God's glory to be known among all nations. Our prayers and actions should also aim to reflect God's glory to others. Faith in ActionHezekiah's approach to the temple to pray demonstrates active faith. We are encouraged to actively seek God through prayer and worship. God's Unique NatureThe acknowledgment of God as the only true God challenges us to examine our own lives for any idols or false dependencies. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat model a faithful response to crises in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our prayers and actions reflect a desire for God's glory to be known among others? 3. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in 2 Kings 19:19 provide comfort and assurance in today's world? 4. What are some modern-day "idols" that might compete with our recognition of God as the one true God, and how can we address them? 5. How can the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrian threat inspire us to trust in God's deliverance in seemingly impossible situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 37This chapter parallels 2 Kings 19 and provides additional context and details about Hezekiah's prayer and God's response through Isaiah. Psalm 46This psalm reflects themes of God's protection and sovereignty, similar to Hezekiah's reliance on God for deliverance. Exodus 14The deliverance of Israel from Egypt echoes the theme of God saving His people against overwhelming odds, as Hezekiah seeks in his prayer. Daniel 3The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego highlights God's power to save and His supremacy over earthly rulers, akin to Hezekiah's plea. | A Nation's Calamities, Counsellor, and God | David Thomas, D. D. | 2 Kings 19:1-37 | | A Nation's Calamities, Counselor, and God | D. Thomas | 2 Kings 19:1-37 | | Sennacherib's Letter | J. Orr | 2 Kings 19:8-19 | | Our Difficulties, and How to Deal with Them | C.H. Irwin | 2 Kings 19:8-37 | | A King in Prayer | Homiletic Quarterly | 2 Kings 19:15-19 | | Hezekiah in Trouble | W. Borrows, M. A. | 2 Kings 19:15-19 | | Hezekiah, or Prayer in Trouble | B. Jacob, A. M. | 2 Kings 19:15-19 | | Laying Down the Burden | | 2 Kings 19:15-19 | | Prayer in Emergencies | G. F. Prescott, M. A. | 2 Kings 19:15-19 | | Spiritual-Mindedness a Protection | A. Maclaren, D. D. | 2 Kings 19:15-19 | | What to Do When Trouble Comes | M. G. Pearse. | 2 Kings 19:15-19 |
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 Alone, Beg, Beseech, Clear, Deliver, Hands, Kingdoms, O, Salvation, Save, ThyselfDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 19:19 5367 kingdoms
6634 deliverance
8135 knowing God, nature of
8737 evil, responses to 2 Kings 19:14-19 5292 defence, divine
8031 trust, importance
8611 prayer, for others 2 Kings 19:19-20 8614 prayer, answers 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 19:19 NIV2 Kings 19:19 NLT2 Kings 19:19 ESV2 Kings 19:19 NASB2 Kings 19:19 KJV
2 Kings 19:19 Commentaries
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