"Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: 'Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. Say to Hezekiah king of JudahThis phrase sets the stage for a direct message to Hezekiah, the reigning king of Judah. Hezekiah is a significant figure in the history of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people. The historical context here is crucial; Hezekiah's reign was marked by the threat of Assyrian invasion, a powerful empire known for its military might and expansionist policies. The Assyrians had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, and now Judah was under threat. This message is delivered by the Assyrian king's messengers, intending to intimidate and demoralize Hezekiah and his people. Do not let your God, in whom you trust
This phrase challenges the very foundation of Hezekiah's faith. The Assyrian king is attempting to undermine Hezekiah's reliance on Yahweh, the God of Israel. The Hebrew word for "trust" here is "batach," which conveys a sense of confidence and security. Hezekiah's trust in God is a central theme in his story, as he is one of the few kings of Judah who is commended for his unwavering faith. The Assyrian king's message is a direct attack on this trust, suggesting that it is misplaced. deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be delivered
The word "deceive" implies a deliberate attempt to mislead. The Assyrian king is suggesting that God's promises are unreliable, a common tactic used by enemies of Israel to sow doubt and fear. The promise that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hands of the Assyrians is a reference to God's covenant with David, which assured the protection of Jerusalem. This promise is rooted in the historical and theological context of God's relationship with His people, emphasizing His faithfulness and sovereignty. into the hand of the king of Assyria
The "hand" symbolizes power and control. The Assyrian king, likely Sennacherib at this time, represents the epitome of earthly power and threat. Historically, the Assyrians were known for their brutal conquests and their ability to subjugate nations. The mention of the "king of Assyria" serves as a reminder of the immediate danger facing Jerusalem. However, it also sets the stage for a demonstration of God's power over even the mightiest of earthly kings, as the subsequent verses reveal God's deliverance of Jerusalem. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people by removing idolatry. 2. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, significant as the spiritual and political center of the Jewish people, and the location of the Temple. 3. The King of AssyriaAt this time, Sennacherib, who was expanding his empire and threatening Judah, representing a formidable military power. 4. The Assyrian ThreatThe Assyrian empire was known for its military might and had already conquered many nations, posing a significant threat to Judah. 5. Prophetic MessageThe message delivered to Hezekiah challenges his faith and trust in God, testing his leadership and reliance on divine protection. Teaching Points Trust in God Amidst ThreatsHezekiah's situation teaches us the importance of trusting God even when circumstances seem dire. Our faith should not waver in the face of intimidation or fear. The Power of PrayerHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to seek God in prayer. This demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of crisis and relying on His guidance and strength. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe account underscores God's control over the affairs of nations. Despite Assyria's power, God is ultimately in control and can deliver His people. The Danger of DeceptionThe message to Hezekiah warns against being deceived. We must be discerning and grounded in God's truth to avoid being led astray by false assurances or threats. Faith in ActionHezekiah's faith was not passive; he actively sought God's intervention and took steps to prepare his people. Our faith should lead us to action, trusting God while doing our part. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat challenge us to trust God in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we apply Hezekiah's example of prayer and seeking God during times of crisis? 3. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and history impact our view of current world events? 4. What are some modern-day "deceptions" that might challenge our faith, and how can we guard against them? 5. How can we balance faith and action in our daily lives, following Hezekiah's example of trust and preparation? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 37This chapter parallels the events of 2 Kings 19, providing additional context and details about the Assyrian threat and Hezekiah's response. Psalm 46This psalm reflects themes of God's protection and presence, encouraging trust in God amidst threats and turmoil. 2 Chronicles 32Offers another account of Hezekiah's reign and the Assyrian invasion, highlighting Hezekiah's faith and God's deliverance. Exodus 14The account of the Israelites at the Red Sea, where God delivers them from the Egyptians, illustrating God's power to save His people against overwhelming odds. 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 FALSE, Assyria, Beguile, Deceive, Delivered, Depend, Faith, Handed, Hands, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Hope, Jerusalem, Judah, Lift, Promising, Reliest, Rely, Saying, Says, Speak, Thus, Trust, Trustest, TrustingDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 19:9-11 8610 prayer, asking God 2 Kings 19:9-12 5896 irreverence 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 19:10 NIV2 Kings 19:10 NLT2 Kings 19:10 ESV2 Kings 19:10 NASB2 Kings 19:10 KJV
2 Kings 19:10 Commentaries
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