Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! Whom have you taunted and blasphemed?This phrase is a rhetorical question posed by God through the prophet Isaiah, addressing the arrogance of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. The context is the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. Taunting and blaspheming refer to the Assyrian's mockery and disrespect towards the God of Israel. In the ancient Near Eastern context, blasphemy was a serious offense, often seen as a direct challenge to a deity's power. This phrase underscores the gravity of Sennacherib's actions, as he not only challenged a nation but the God who protected it. Theologically, it highlights the theme of divine retribution against those who defy God. Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride?
Raising one's voice and lifting one's eyes in pride signifies arrogance and defiance. In biblical literature, pride is often condemned as it leads to downfall (Proverbs 16:18). The Assyrian king's pride is evident in his belief that his military might could overpower any god, including the God of Israel. This phrase serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Historically, Assyria was known for its military prowess and often attributed its success to its own strength, disregarding the power of other nations' deities. Against the Holy One of Israel!
The title "Holy One of Israel" emphasizes God's unique and set-apart nature, highlighting His covenant relationship with Israel. This title is frequently used in the book of Isaiah, underscoring God's holiness and His special bond with His chosen people. By using this title, the text reinforces the idea that the Assyrian king's blasphemy is not just against any god, but against the one true God who is intimately involved with His people. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to Israel despite their unfaithfulness, and His ultimate plan of redemption through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe King of Judah during the time of the Assyrian threat. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah. 2. SennacheribThe King of Assyria who invaded Judah and sent a message of intimidation to Hezekiah, mocking the God of Israel. 3. IsaiahThe prophet who delivered God's message to Hezekiah, assuring him of divine intervention against the Assyrian threat. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, which was under siege by the Assyrian army. 5. The Holy One of IsraelA title for God, emphasizing His holiness and unique relationship with Israel. Teaching Points Reverence for GodThe verse highlights the importance of revering God and recognizing His holiness. Blasphemy and pride against God are serious offenses. God's SovereigntyDespite the threats from powerful earthly rulers, God remains sovereign. He is not intimidated by human arrogance. Faith in AdversityHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat teaches us to turn to God in prayer and trust His deliverance in times of trouble. The Danger of PrideSennacherib's pride led to his downfall. This serves as a warning against elevating oneself above God. God's FaithfulnessThe title "Holy One of Israel" reminds us of God's covenant faithfulness. He defends His people and His name. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat model a faithful response to adversity in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we maintain reverence for God in our daily actions and decisions? 3. How does the concept of God's sovereignty provide comfort in the face of modern-day challenges and uncertainties? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to guard against pride in our personal and spiritual lives? 5. How can we draw strength from God's faithfulness as demonstrated in this passage, and how does it connect to His promises in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 37:23This verse parallels 2 Kings 19:22, as it is part of the same account, emphasizing the blasphemy against God by the Assyrians. Psalm 71:22This Psalm praises God as the Holy One of Israel, reinforcing His holiness and faithfulness to His people. Exodus 3:14God's self-identification as "I AM" highlights His eternal and unchanging nature, which the Assyrians failed to recognize. 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 Bitter, Blasphemed, Defied, Evil, Exalted, Hast, Haughtily, Holy, Lift, Lifted, Loud, Mocked, Pride, Raised, Reproached, Reviled, Taunted, Voice, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 19:22 1205 God, titles of
5196 voice
8805 pride, results 2 Kings 19:20-23 5893 insults 2 Kings 19:20-28 8782 mockery 2 Kings 19:20-37 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment 2 Kings 19:21-22 7271 Zion, as symbol 2 Kings 19:21-28 5776 achievement 2 Kings 19:22-24 4448 forests 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 19:22 NIV2 Kings 19:22 NLT2 Kings 19:22 ESV2 Kings 19:22 NASB2 Kings 19:22 KJV
2 Kings 19:22 Commentaries
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