2 Kings 19:29

And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

Study Bible

This will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah
The phrase "This will be a sign" indicates a divine assurance and a prophetic promise. In the Hebrew context, a "sign" (אוֹת, 'oth) often serves as a tangible confirmation of God's word or action. Here, it is directed specifically to King Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah, who is facing the threat of the Assyrian army. The sign is meant to reassure Hezekiah of God's deliverance and faithfulness. Historically, signs were used by God to confirm His promises, as seen with Moses and the plagues in Egypt. This sign is a testament to God's sovereignty and His intimate involvement in the affairs of His people.

This year you will eat what grows on its own
The phrase "what grows on its own" refers to the spontaneous produce of the land, known in Hebrew as "סָפִיחַ" (saphiach). This indicates a period of divine provision where the people of Judah would rely on the natural yield of the land without sowing. In the context of an Assyrian siege, this promise underscores God's miraculous provision and care for His people, even when normal agricultural activities are disrupted. It reflects the biblical principle that God is the ultimate provider, sustaining His people in times of need.

and in the second year what springs from that
The continuation "what springs from that" suggests a second year of reliance on the natural regrowth of the land. This period of dependence on volunteer crops would have been a test of faith for the people, as they awaited the fulfillment of God's promise. Theologically, it emphasizes the concept of trust in God's timing and provision. Historically, this would have been a significant assurance for a nation recovering from the devastation of war, highlighting God's ongoing commitment to their restoration.

But in the third year you will sow and reap
The transition to "the third year" marks a return to normalcy and agricultural productivity. The ability to "sow and reap" signifies a restoration of stability and prosperity. In the Hebrew agricultural cycle, sowing and reaping are fundamental activities, symbolizing growth, renewal, and divine blessing. This promise would have been a powerful encouragement to Hezekiah and the people of Judah, affirming that God would not only deliver them from their immediate crisis but also restore their future.

plant vineyards and eat their fruit
The phrase "plant vineyards and eat their fruit" further emphasizes the theme of restoration and abundance. Vineyards in the ancient Near East were symbols of wealth, blessing, and long-term security. The ability to plant and harvest from vineyards indicates a settled and peaceful existence, free from the threat of invasion. Scripturally, vineyards are often associated with joy and celebration, as seen in passages like Psalm 104:15. This promise assures Hezekiah that God’s deliverance will lead to a time of peace and prosperity, reflecting the ultimate hope of God's people for a future filled with His blessings.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The King of Judah during the time of the Assyrian siege. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his reforms to restore proper worship in Judah.

2. Isaiah
The prophet who delivers God's message to Hezekiah, providing assurance and a sign of deliverance from the Assyrian threat.

3. Assyrian Siege
The context of this verse is the Assyrian army's siege of Jerusalem, led by King Sennacherib, which posed a significant threat to Judah.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, under threat from the Assyrian forces, but ultimately delivered by God's intervention.

5. The Sign
A divine assurance given to Hezekiah that God will provide for Judah despite the siege, with a promise of agricultural restoration.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Provision
Just as God provided for Judah during the siege, we are called to trust in His provision in our times of need and uncertainty.

Signs of Assurance
God often provides signs to reassure His people of His promises. We should seek and recognize these signs in our own lives as confirmations of His faithfulness.

Faith in Times of Crisis
Hezekiah's faith during the Assyrian threat is a model for us to maintain our faith and reliance on God during our personal crises.

God's Timing
The progression from eating what grows on its own to sowing and reaping teaches us about God's timing and the importance of patience and trust in His plans.

Restoration and Hope
The promise of agricultural restoration symbolizes hope and renewal, reminding us that God can restore what seems lost or destroyed.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat demonstrate his faith in God, and how can we apply this to our own challenges?

2. In what ways does the concept of eating what grows on its own relate to the principle of trusting God for daily provision, as seen in other parts of Scripture?

3. How can we discern and recognize the signs that God provides in our lives today, similar to the sign given to Hezekiah?

4. What lessons can we learn from the timing of God's promise to Judah, and how can we apply these lessons to our understanding of God's timing in our lives?

5. How does the promise of restoration in 2 Kings 19:29 encourage us to have hope in God's ability to restore and renew areas of our lives that seem barren or lost?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 37
This chapter parallels 2 Kings 19 and provides additional context and details about the Assyrian siege and God's deliverance.

Leviticus 25
Discusses the Sabbatical year, which relates to the concept of eating what grows on its own, highlighting God's provision during times of rest and reliance on Him.

Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus' teaching on not worrying about food and clothing, emphasizing trust in God's provision, similar to the assurance given to Hezekiah.