When the Rabshakeh heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the king fighting against Libnah. When the Rabshakeh heardThe term "Rabshakeh" refers to a high-ranking Assyrian military official or chief cupbearer, a title rather than a personal name. In the context of ancient Near Eastern politics, the Rabshakeh was a significant figure, often entrusted with delivering messages and negotiating on behalf of the king. His role underscores the gravity of the situation facing Judah, as the Assyrian Empire was a dominant force. The Rabshakeh's actions and words are pivotal in the narrative, representing the Assyrian threat and the challenge to the faith of the people of Judah. that the king of Assyria had left Lachish
Lachish was a fortified city in Judah, strategically important and heavily fortified. The Assyrian king, likely Sennacherib, had been besieging Lachish, a testament to its significance. The mention of Lachish highlights the Assyrian campaign's intensity and the pressure on Judah. Archaeological excavations at Lachish have uncovered evidence of the Assyrian siege, including siege ramps and arrowheads, corroborating the biblical account and illustrating the historical reality of the Assyrian threat. he withdrew
The Rabshakeh's withdrawal indicates a shift in the Assyrian military strategy. This movement suggests a response to changing circumstances, possibly due to military needs elsewhere or a strategic reassessment. In the broader narrative, this withdrawal can be seen as part of God's providential protection of Jerusalem, as the Assyrian threat is temporarily redirected. and found the king fighting against Libnah
Libnah was another city in Judah, and the king's engagement there signifies the ongoing Assyrian campaign to subdue the region. The mention of Libnah emphasizes the widespread nature of the conflict and the Assyrian king's determination to conquer Judah. Historically, this reflects the Assyrian Empire's expansionist policies and their impact on the smaller kingdoms of the ancient Near East. Theologically, it sets the stage for God's intervention, as the Assyrian king's focus on Libnah diverts attention from Jerusalem, allowing for divine deliverance. Persons / Places / Events 1. RabshakehA high-ranking Assyrian military official and spokesman for King Sennacherib. He was involved in delivering messages to the people of Judah, attempting to intimidate them into surrender. 2. King of Assyria (Sennacherib)The ruler of the Assyrian Empire, known for his military campaigns and efforts to expand his empire, including the siege of Jerusalem. 3. LachishA significant city in Judah that was under siege by the Assyrian army. It was a strategic location due to its fortifications and position. 4. LibnahAnother city in Judah that became the focus of the Assyrian military campaign after Lachish. It was a fortified city, indicating its importance in the region. 5. HezekiahAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, King Hezekiah of Judah is a central figure in the surrounding account, known for his faithfulness to God and leadership during the Assyrian threat. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite the intimidating presence of the Assyrian army, Hezekiah's account reminds us to trust in God's ultimate control over all circumstances. The Power of PrayerHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to seek God in prayer, demonstrating the importance of turning to God in times of crisis. God's DeliveranceThe account highlights God's ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds, encouraging believers to have faith in His power. Spiritual WarfareThe physical battles in the Old Testament often mirror spiritual battles believers face today, reminding us to rely on God's strength and guidance. The Importance of LeadershipHezekiah's leadership and faith set an example for the people of Judah, illustrating the impact of godly leadership in times of trial. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the movement of the Assyrian army from Lachish to Libnah reflect God's intervention in the situation? 2. In what ways can Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat inspire us to handle our own challenges today? 3. How does the account of Rabshakeh's intimidation tactics relate to spiritual warfare in the New Testament? 4. What role does prayer play in the account of 2 Kings 19, and how can we apply this to our own prayer lives? 5. How can we draw parallels between the deliverance of Jerusalem and the promises of God's protection found in other parts of Scripture, such as Psalm 46? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 18Provides context for the Assyrian siege and Rabshakeh's earlier attempts to demoralize the people of Judah. Isaiah 37Offers a parallel account of these events, emphasizing the prophetic perspective and God's intervention. 2 Chronicles 32Chronicles the same events, highlighting Hezekiah's faith and the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem. Psalm 46Often associated with God's deliverance of Jerusalem, emphasizing God's protection and sovereignty. 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 Asshur, Assyria, Butlers, Chief, Commander, Departed, Ears, Fighting, Findeth, Got, Journeyed, Lachish, Libnah, Making, Rabshakeh, Rab'shakeh, Rab-shakeh, Returned, Turneth, War, Warring, WithdrewDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 19:7 5064 spirit, emotional 2 Kings 19:6-7 8833 threats 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 19:8 NIV2 Kings 19:8 NLT2 Kings 19:8 ESV2 Kings 19:8 NASB2 Kings 19:8 KJV
2 Kings 19:8 Commentaries
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