So now, was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this place to destroy it? The LORD Himself said to me, 'Go up against this land and destroy it.'" So now, was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this place to destroy it?This phrase is spoken by the Assyrian field commander, the Rabshakeh, during the siege of Jerusalem under King Hezekiah. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and psychological warfare, often attempting to demoralize their enemies. Here, the Rabshakeh claims divine sanction for his actions, suggesting that the LORD, the God of Israel, has commanded him to attack Jerusalem. This reflects a common ancient Near Eastern belief that military victories were often seen as endorsed by the gods. Theologically, this raises questions about divine sovereignty and human agency, as well as the interpretation of events as being under God's control. The Assyrian claim could be seen as a test of faith for Hezekiah and the people of Judah, challenging them to trust in God's promises despite the circumstances. The LORD Himself said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’”
The Rabshakeh's assertion that the LORD Himself commanded the attack is a bold and provocative statement. It is unlikely that the Assyrians had received a direct revelation from the God of Israel, and this claim could be seen as a tactic to instill fear and doubt among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. In the broader biblical narrative, God sometimes uses foreign nations as instruments of judgment against His people, as seen in the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 25:9). However, the Assyrian's claim here is not supported by any prophetic word from the LORD to Judah. This statement can be contrasted with the true prophetic messages given to Hezekiah through Isaiah, who assured the king of God's deliverance (Isaiah 37:6-7). The Rabshakeh's words serve as a reminder of the importance of discerning true divine guidance from false claims, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. King HezekiahThe king of Judah during this time, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. 2. SennacheribThe king of Assyria, who invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem. 3. RabshakehThe Assyrian field commander who delivered the message to the people of Jerusalem, claiming divine sanction for the invasion. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, under threat from the Assyrian army. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, whom the Assyrians claimed had commanded them to attack Judah. Teaching Points Discernment of False ClaimsJust because someone claims divine authority does not mean it is true. We must discern and test such claims against Scripture and the character of God. God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and their leaders. Even when they claim to act on His behalf, it is essential to seek His true will and purpose. Faith in Times of CrisisLike Hezekiah, we should turn to God in prayer and trust His deliverance when facing overwhelming challenges. The Importance of Godly LeadershipHezekiah's faithfulness set a standard for his people. Leaders today should strive to lead with integrity and reliance on God. The Power of PrayerHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to pray and seek God's guidance, demonstrating the power and necessity of prayer in difficult times. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we discern whether someone truly speaks with God's authority, as opposed to making false claims like the Assyrian commander? 2. In what ways does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat serve as a model for handling crises in our own lives? 3. How does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrians illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty over nations and rulers? 4. What role does prayer play in Hezekiah's leadership, and how can we apply this in our personal and communal lives? 5. How do the events in 2 Kings 18:25 connect with the assurance found in Romans 8:31, and how can this assurance impact our daily walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 36-37These chapters parallel the events of 2 Kings 18-19, providing additional context and details about the Assyrian invasion and Hezekiah's response. 2 Chronicles 32Offers another account of Hezekiah's reign and the Assyrian threat, emphasizing Hezekiah's faith and God's deliverance. Exodus 5:2Pharaoh's challenge to Moses, questioning the authority of the LORD, similar to the Assyrian's claim of divine approval. Psalm 2Speaks of the futility of nations plotting against the LORD and His anointed, relevant to the Assyrian's presumptuous claim. Romans 8:31Highlights the assurance that if God is for us, no one can stand against us, contrasting the false claim of divine support by the Assyrians. People Abi, Abijah, Ahaz, Asaph, David, Elah, Eliakim, Hezekiah, Hilkiah, Hoshea, Israelites, Joah, Pharaoh, Rabsaris, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Shalmaneser, Shebna, Tartan, Zachariah, ZechariahPlaces Arpad, Assyria, Egypt, Gaza, Gozan, Habor River, Halah, Hamath, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Samaria, Sepharvaim, Washer's FieldTopics Approval, Attack, Authority, Destroy, Destroyed, Destruction, Hast, Lord's, March, Moreover, WasteDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:13-35 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:17-35 8833 threats 2 Kings 18:19-25 8027 faith, testing of 2 Kings 18:23-25 8816 ridicule, nature of Library Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
'Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel.... 6. He clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments.'--2 KINGS xviii. 5,6. Devout people in all ages and stations are very much like each other. The elements of godliness are always the same. This king of Israel, something like two thousand six hundred years ago, and the humblest Christian to-day have the family likeness on their faces. These words, which are an outline sketch of the king's character, are really …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Woman of Samaria
(Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 1856.) 2 Kings xviii. 9-12. And it came to pass in the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came up against Samaria, and besieged it. And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken. And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons 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 Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language...
CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making 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 18:25 NIV2 Kings 18:25 NLT2 Kings 18:25 ESV2 Kings 18:25 NASB2 Kings 18:25 KJV
2 Kings 18:25 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
