Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. Have you not heard?This phrase serves as a rhetorical question, emphasizing the ignorance or forgetfulness of the audience. In the Hebrew context, the word "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just auditory reception but understanding and obedience. It calls the listener to recall the divine revelations and prophecies that have been spoken by God through His prophets. Historically, this is a reminder to the Israelites and their enemies that God's plans have been communicated through His chosen messengers, and they should not be surprised by the unfolding events. Long ago I ordained it
The word "ordained" (יָצַר, yatsar) in Hebrew conveys the idea of forming or planning with intention and purpose. This phrase underscores God's sovereignty and foreknowledge. From a conservative Christian perspective, it affirms that God is not reacting to events but has a divine plan established from eternity. Archaeologically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of deities as sovereign over history, but uniquely, the God of Israel is portrayed as the one true God who actively shapes history according to His will. in days of old I planned it
The phrase "days of old" (מִימֵי קֶדֶם, mimei qedem) refers to ancient times, suggesting that God's plans are not recent or reactionary but have been established from the beginning. The word "planned" (חָשַׁב, chashab) indicates a thoughtful and deliberate design. This highlights the eternal nature of God's wisdom and His unchanging purpose. Scripturally, it reassures believers that God's plans are perfect and will come to fruition, providing comfort and confidence in His divine orchestration of history. now I have brought it to pass
The phrase "brought it to pass" (עָשָׂה, asah) signifies the execution or fulfillment of a plan. It emphasizes the transition from divine intention to reality. This demonstrates God's faithfulness and power to accomplish what He has promised. Historically, this would have been a powerful reminder to the Israelites of God's active involvement in their deliverance and judgment upon their enemies, reinforcing the belief that God is both willing and able to fulfill His word. that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble
The imagery of "crush fortified cities" (לְהָשִׁים עָרִים בְּצֻרוֹת לְתִּלֵּי חָרֶב, lehashim arim betzurah letilei charev) conveys the totality of destruction that God can bring upon His enemies. The word "crush" (שָׁמַם, shamam) implies utter devastation, while "fortified cities" suggests human strength and security. This serves as a humbling reminder that no human power can withstand God's judgment. The phrase "piles of rubble" (תִּלֵּי חָרֶב, tilei charev) paints a vivid picture of complete ruin, symbolizing the futility of opposing God's will. From a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers and the assurance that His justice will prevail. 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 laid siege to Jerusalem. He is a central figure in this account as the antagonist who challenges the power of God. 3. IsaiahThe prophet who delivers God's message to Hezekiah, providing assurance of divine intervention against the Assyrian threat. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, which is under threat from the Assyrian army. It represents the spiritual and political heart of the Jewish people. 5. Assyrian InvasionThe historical event where the Assyrian army, led by Sennacherib, invades Judah, threatening its cities and people. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control of history and events. He ordains and plans long before they come to pass. Divine PurposeUnderstand that God has a purpose for everything, even the actions of those who oppose Him. Trust in His ultimate plan. Faith in AdversityLike Hezekiah, we should turn to God in times of trouble, trusting in His power to deliver and protect. Prophetic AssuranceValue the role of God's word through prophets and scripture as a source of comfort and guidance in challenging times. Historical FulfillmentReflect on how God's plans have been fulfilled throughout history, strengthening our faith in His promises for the future. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in 2 Kings 19:25 affect your perspective on current world events? 2. In what ways can you apply the faith and trust demonstrated by Hezekiah in your own life when facing challenges? 3. How does the fulfillment of God's plans in history, as seen in this passage, encourage you in your personal walk with God? 4. What role does prophecy play in your understanding of God's plans, and how can you seek to understand it better? 5. How can you use the assurance of God's ultimate control to encourage others who may be struggling with fear or uncertainty? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 37:26This verse parallels 2 Kings 19:25, as it is part of the same account, emphasizing God's sovereignty and foreknowledge in the events concerning Assyria and Judah. Psalm 33:11This scripture highlights the eternal nature of God's plans, reinforcing the idea that God's purposes prevail over human intentions. Proverbs 19:21This verse underscores the theme that while humans may have many plans, it is ultimately God's purpose that stands, aligning with the message in 2 Kings 19:25. 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 #VALUE!Dictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 19:25 1115 God, purpose of 2 Kings 19:20-28 8782 mockery 2 Kings 19:20-37 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment 2 Kings 19:21-28 5776 achievement 2 Kings 19:25-26 4460 grass
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6708 predestination 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 19:25 NIV2 Kings 19:25 NLT2 Kings 19:25 ESV2 Kings 19:25 NASB2 Kings 19:25 KJV
2 Kings 19:25 Commentaries
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