One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place. One dayThis phrase sets the scene for a specific, divinely appointed moment in time. In the Hebrew context, it emphasizes the suddenness and inevitability of God's judgment. The timing of events in biblical narratives often underscores God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His prophetic word. while he was worshiping
Worship in ancient times was a deeply personal and communal act, often involving rituals and sacrifices. The irony here is palpable; while engaged in an act meant to honor his deity, the king meets his demise. This highlights the futility of idolatry and the ultimate supremacy of the God of Israel. in the temple of his god Nisroch
Nisroch is believed to be an Assyrian deity, though little is known about this god outside of biblical references. The mention of a specific temple underscores the cultural and religious context of Assyria, a nation often in opposition to Israel. This setting serves as a backdrop for the divine retribution against those who oppose God's people. his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer
The names of these sons are significant. "Adrammelech" can be translated as "Adar is king," and "Sharezer" as "prince of fire." These names reflect the Assyrian pantheon and the cultural milieu of the time. Their actions fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah regarding the downfall of Sennacherib, illustrating the theme of familial betrayal as a tool of divine justice. struck him down with the sword
The sword is a symbol of judgment and execution throughout the Bible. This act of violence within the family not only fulfills prophecy but also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and defiance against God. The use of the sword signifies the finality and decisiveness of God's judgment. and escaped to the land of Ararat
Ararat is historically associated with the region of modern-day Turkey, known for its mountainous terrain. The escape to Ararat signifies a retreat to a place of refuge, yet it also symbolizes the dispersal and fragmentation of power following divine judgment. This geographical detail roots the narrative in a real-world context, emphasizing the historical accuracy of the biblical account. And his son Esarhaddon reigned in his place
Esarhaddon's ascension to the throne marks a new chapter in Assyrian history. His reign is noted for attempts at rebuilding and consolidating power. In the biblical narrative, this transition of power underscores the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the enduring sovereignty of God. Esarhaddon's rule, despite its historical significance, is ultimately subject to the divine narrative that unfolds throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. SennacheribThe Assyrian king who invaded Judah and besieged Jerusalem. His arrogance and defiance against the God of Israel led to his downfall. 2. Adrammelech and SharezerSons of Sennacherib who assassinated their father. Their actions fulfilled the prophecy of Sennacherib's demise. 3. NisrochThe Assyrian god in whose temple Sennacherib was worshiping when he was killed. This highlights the futility of idol worship. 4. AraratThe region to which Adrammelech and Sharezer fled after assassinating their father. It is historically associated with the mountains where Noah's Ark came to rest. 5. EsarhaddonAnother son of Sennacherib who succeeded him as king. His reign marked a continuation of Assyrian dominance but also a shift in policies. Teaching Points The Sovereignty of GodGod's control over nations and leaders is evident. Despite Sennacherib's power, his life ended as God had foretold. The Consequences of PrideSennacherib's arrogance led to his downfall. Pride can lead to destruction, and humility is essential in our walk with God. The Futility of IdolatryWorshiping false gods offers no protection or salvation. True security is found only in the Lord. The Fulfillment of ProphecyGod's words through His prophets are reliable and come to pass. We can trust in His promises and warnings. Family Dynamics and SinThe assassination by Sennacherib's sons highlights the destructive nature of sin within families. We must seek God's guidance in family relationships. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Sennacherib's death demonstrate God's sovereignty over human affairs? 2. In what ways can pride manifest in our lives, and how can we guard against it according to biblical principles? 3. What lessons can we learn from the futility of idol worship as seen in Sennacherib's account, and how can we apply these lessons today? 4. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this passage encourage us to trust in God's promises in our own lives? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that sin does not disrupt our family relationships, and how can we seek reconciliation and healing where needed? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 37:38This verse parallels 2 Kings 19:37, providing a second witness to the events of Sennacherib's assassination. Genesis 8:4The mention of Ararat connects back to the account of Noah, symbolizing a place of refuge and new beginnings. Exodus 20:3-5The futility of idol worship is underscored by Sennacherib's death in the temple of Nisroch, echoing the commandment against idolatry. 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 Adramelech, Adrammelech, Adram'melech, Ararat, Ar'arat, Armenia, Bowing, Cut, Death, Esar, Esarhaddon, Esar-haddon, Esarhad'don, Escaped, Flight, Haddon, Killed, Nisroch, Pass, Reigned, Reigneth, Sarezer, Sharezar, Sharezer, Share'zer, Slew, Smitten, Smote, Sons, Stead, Struck, Succeeded, Sword, Temple, Worshiping, WorshippingDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 19:37 5572 sword
8142 religion 2 Kings 19:20-37 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment 2 Kings 19:36-37 5040 murder 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 19:37 NIV2 Kings 19:37 NLT2 Kings 19:37 ESV2 Kings 19:37 NASB2 Kings 19:37 KJV
2 Kings 19:37 Commentaries
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