And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! That nightThis phrase sets the scene for a miraculous and divine intervention. The timing, "that night," emphasizes the immediacy and suddenness of God's action. In the Hebrew context, night often symbolizes a time of vulnerability and danger, yet it is also a time when God frequently acts to deliver His people, as seen in the Passover in Exodus. This underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to protect His people even in their darkest hours. the angel of the LORD
The "angel of the LORD" is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often representing God's direct intervention in human affairs. In Hebrew, "mal'ak YHWH" can mean a messenger or representative of God, sometimes interpreted as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God Himself. This highlights the divine authority and power behind the actions that follow, reassuring believers of God's active presence in their lives. went out
The phrase "went out" indicates purposeful action. It suggests that the angel was sent with a specific mission, reflecting God's intentional and decisive response to the Assyrian threat. This action is not random but a deliberate act of divine justice and protection, reminding believers that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world. and struck down
The Hebrew root for "struck down" is "nakah," which conveys a sense of a decisive blow or defeat. This term is often used in the context of divine judgment. The use of this word emphasizes the power and effectiveness of God's intervention, assuring believers that no enemy is too great for God to overcome. 185,000 men
The specific number, "185,000," underscores the magnitude of the miracle. Historically, the Assyrian army was one of the most powerful military forces of the time, and such a large number signifies a complete and overwhelming victory. This serves as a testament to God's unmatched power and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds. in the camp of the Assyrians
The "camp of the Assyrians" represents the enemy stronghold, a place of threat and intimidation. By striking down the Assyrians in their own camp, God demonstrates His ability to penetrate the heart of enemy power and dismantle it from within. This reassures believers that God can bring victory even in the most fortified and secure places of opposition. When the people got up the next morning
This phrase highlights the element of surprise and the complete reversal of circumstances. The people waking up to find their enemies defeated without having to lift a sword illustrates God's ability to work on behalf of His people while they rest. It serves as a reminder of the peace and assurance that comes from trusting in God's protection. there were all the dead bodies
The presence of "all the dead bodies" is a stark and sobering confirmation of God's judgment. It serves as a visual and undeniable testament to His power and justice. This phrase reinforces the reality of divine intervention and the ultimate futility of opposing God's will. For believers, it is a call to trust in God's righteous judgment and His ability to deliver His people from their enemies. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Angel of the LORDA divine messenger sent by God, often seen as a powerful agent of His will. In this context, the angel executes God's judgment on the Assyrian army. 2. The AssyriansA powerful empire known for its military might and conquests. They were besieging Jerusalem under King Sennacherib. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, under threat from the Assyrian army. It is a central place of God's covenant with His people. 4. King HezekiahThe king of Judah at the time, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the nation spiritually. 5. SennacheribThe king of Assyria, who led the siege against Jerusalem, confident in his military strength. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PowerGod is in control of all nations and their leaders. His power is unmatched, and He can deliver His people in miraculous ways. The Role of Faith and PrayerHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to seek God in prayer. Our first response to crises should be to turn to God, trusting in His ability to save. Divine ProtectionJust as God protected Jerusalem, He promises to protect His people today. We can trust in His provision and care, even when circumstances seem dire. Judgment and MercyGod's judgment on the Assyrians was severe, yet it was an act of mercy for His people. God's justice and mercy often work together for the good of His people. The Reality of Spiritual WarfareThe unseen battle involving the angel of the LORD reminds us of the spiritual warfare that continues today. We must be vigilant and rely on God's strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of the angel of the LORD in 2 Kings 19:35 enhance your understanding of God's power and sovereignty? 2. In what ways can Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat serve as a model for handling crises in our own lives? 3. How does the concept of divine protection in this passage relate to the promises found in Psalm 91? 4. What does this event teach us about the nature of God's judgment and mercy? 5. How can we apply the reality of spiritual warfare, as seen in this passage, to our daily walk with Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 12:29The death of the firstborn in Egypt parallels the sudden and divine intervention of God against His people's enemies. Isaiah 37:36This passage recounts the same event, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise through the prophet Isaiah. Psalm 91:11-12Speaks of God's protection through His angels, highlighting His ability to deliver His people from danger. Hebrews 1:14Describes angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation, reinforcing the role of the angel in 2 Kings 19:35. 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 Angel, Assyrian, Assyrians, Behold, Bodies, Camp, Dead, Death, Early, Eighty-five, Got, Hundred, Morning, Pass, Struck, ThousandDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 19:35 4111 angels, servants
4113 angels, agents of judgment
4140 angel of the Lord
4954 morning
5295 destruction
5608 warfare, strategies
9210 judgment, God's 2 Kings 19:20-37 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment 2 Kings 19:32-36 7470 temple, significance 2 Kings 19:35-36 1416 miracles, nature of 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 19:35 NIV2 Kings 19:35 NLT2 Kings 19:35 ESV2 Kings 19:35 NASB2 Kings 19:35 KJV
2 Kings 19:35 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
