2 Kings 19
Meaning of 2 Kings 19
2 Kings 19 is a chapter from the Christian Bible, found in the Old Testament. The book of Kings is a historical text that chronicles the rules of the Judaic kings.
In 2 Kings 19, the primary focus is the threat against Jerusalem by the Assyrian king Sennacherib, and King Hezekiah’s prayerful response to this perilous situation.
The chapter begins with King Hezekiah, upon hearing the report that Sennacherib has besieged Jerusalem, tearing his garments and covering himself with sackcloth in distress, a common sign of mourning and humility in the face of disaster. He sends his advisors to the prophet Isaiah to inquire about what will happen.
Isaiah brings a message of hope from God, assuring Hezekiah that they have no reason to fear because God Himself will force the Assyrians to leave Jerusalem alone, as He is not pleased with their arrogance and cruelty.
Sennacherib continues to be a threat, however, writing a letter to Hezekiah in which he mocks and blasphemes God, confidently asserting that no god from any other nation has saved their land from his hands, so why would Hezekiah think the God of Israel would be any different.
In response, Hezekiah prays in the temple, asking for deliverance and laying out the blasphemous letter before God. God responds, through Isaiah, saying that He indeed has heard his prayer and will protect Jerusalem.
God fulfills his promise by sending an angel that put to death 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, causing Sennacherib to abandon his plans and return to Nineveh. The chapter ends with Sennacherib being murdered by his own sons while worshiping in the temple of his god.
In context, this chapter demonstrates both the faithfulness of God to defend His people, as well as the dangerous consequences of pride and arrogance. This story also emphasizes the power of sincere prayer, highlighting the effectiveness of Hezekiah’s humility and dependency on God in the face of adversity.
2 Kings 19 kjv
2 Kings 19 is a passage in the Bible, specifically from the Old Testament. This chapter continues the narrative of King Hezekiah and the Assyrian threat under King Sennacherib.
The chapter begins with the aftermath of Assyrian envoys delivering arrogant and blasphemous messages on behalf of King Sennacherib to Hezekiah, mocking their trust in the Lord. In deep distress, King Hezekiah turned to the Temple of God, tearing his clothes in despair and seeking advice and comfort from the Prophet Isaiah.
Verses 6-7 record the prophecies of Isaiah, assuring King Hezekiah that God will take action against Sennacherib, causing him to hear a rumor and return to his own land where he will fall by the sword.
Further along, Sennacherib sends another letter repeating his previous threats and blasphemous talk against God, declaring the inability of other gods to stop him will be the same fate awaiting the God of Israel. However, Hezekiah prays fervently to God in the temple, asking for deliverance from Assyria, not for his own sake but for the glory of God’s kingdom.
God replies through Isaiah (verses 20-34) that He has heard Hezekiah’s prayer, rebukes Sennacherib’s arrogance and blasphemies, and delivers a prophetic judgment against him. God promises that He will save Jerusalem for His own sake and for the sake of David, and that the king of Assyria will not enter the city or shoot an arrow there. Jerusalem will be granted a miraculous deliverance.
True to God’s word, the chapter ends in verses 35-37 with the Angel of the Lord striking down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Sennacherib retreats, and later his own sons murder him while he was worshipping in the temple of his god, fulfilling the prophecy in verse 7. This chapter shows God’s faithfulness to His people and His power over arrogant human authorities.
2 Kings 19 nkjv
2 Kings 19, New King James Version (NKJV), tells the story of the crisis faced by King Hezekiah when the Assyrians, led by King Sennacherib, threatened to destroy Jerusalem.
At the start of the chapter, King Hezekiah seeks assistance from Prophet Isaiah after receiving a threatening letter from King Sennacherib. Mourning and distressed, Hezekiah goes to the temple of the Lord and sends his officials to Isaiah to seek God’s counsel.
Isaiah reassures Hezekiah that God has heard his prayer and is aware of the threats and blasphemy from Sennacherib. God delivers a message through Isaiah that He will cause the king of Assyria to hear a rumour that will make him return to his own land where he will be killed.
Indeed, whilst Sennacherib is preparing to attack Jerusalem, he hears a rumour about the king of Cush rising against him. Leaving Jerusalem to deal with this new threat, Sennacherib’s downfall continues as he is later murdered by his sons while he worships in the temple of his god Nisroch.
The chapter ends with an account of God’s miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat. King Hezekiah’s faith, as well as his appeal to Prophet Isaiah and his confidence in God’s protection, saved Jerusalem from the impending destruction.
2 Kings 19 niv
2 Kings 19 in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible primarily describes King Hezekiah’s response when Jerusalem is threatened by the Assyrian king Sennacherib.
At the start of the chapter, King Hezekiah, burdened by the threat of the Assyrians, sends messengers to the prophet Isaiah, hoping to seek divine guidance. Isaiah delivers a prophecy from God, asserting that King Sennacherib will hear a rumor that will take him back to his own land where he will fall by the sword.
The chapter further unfolds as the Assyrian king Sennacherib sends a letter to Hezekiah, blaspheming against God and challenging His power. Hezekiah, distressed, goes to the Temple of the Lord and spreads the letter before God, praying for His intervention to save Jerusalem.
God, through Isaiah, then provides a passionate response to Hezekiah’s prayer, affirming that He has heard Hezekiah and seen Sennacherib’s blasphemy. God asserts that He Himself will defend Jerusalem and send Sennacherib back to where he came from, as foretold in the prophecy.
True to God’s promise, that very night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. Sennacherib, subsequent to the divine intervention and loss of his army, retreats to Nineveh. In the last verses, Sennacherib’s demise is described. While he was worshiping in the temple of his god, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with the sword and then they escaped to the land of Ararat. Hence, his son Esarhaddon succeeded him as king.
The chapter overall reasserts God’s power and sovereignty, and His capability to protect His people in times of extreme adversity.
What is 2 Kings 19 all about?
2 Kings 19 revolves around the Assyrian invasion of Judah. King Hezekiah receives a humiliating and threatening letter from Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, who challenges the power of God. Sennacherib mocks God and compares Him to the impotent gods of other nations that could not withstand the Assyrian onslaught. Hezekiah prays intensely and sends the letter to Prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah responds by prophesying the destruction of Assyria and gives assurance to Hezekiah that Jerusalem will not fall into Assyrians’ hands. True to his prophecy, an angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers during the night, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw back to his homeland.
Not long after, while Sennacherib is worshiping the god Nisroch in his temple, two of his sons assassinate him and then flee to the land of Ararat. His son, Esarhaddon, succeeds him as king.
In essence, this chapter talks about the power of prayer, faithfulness to God, and God’s protective providence over His people against their enemies. It’s a narrative rich with themes of divine intervention, faith, and the ultimate power of God over worldly rulers.
What does 2 Kings 19 teaches?
2 Kings 19 mainly focuses on the power and sovereignty of God in the midst of the trials and challenges faced by King Hezekiah and the Israelites.
In this chapter, King Hezekiah receives a threatening letter from the King of Assyria, Sennacherib. Feeling threatened and hopeless, King Hezekiah turns to the Prophet Isaiah to seek counsel, who reassures him that God will protect Jerusalem, and the Assyrians will not conquer it.
The chapter emphasizes the role of prayer in seeking God’s intervention. When the threat from Assyria increases, King Hezekiah goes to the temple, lays the letter before God, and prays for deliverance. God answers his prayer, promising that Jerusalem will not fall into the hands of the Assyrians and that He will protect the city for His own sake and for David’s sake.
God keeps His promise and sends an angel that strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, forcing King Sennacherib to retreat to Nineveh where he gets assassinated by his own sons.
The key teachings from 2 Kings 19 are the power of prayer, the sovereignty of God, and His faithfulness towards those who trust Him. It also teaches about the consequences of pride and defiance against God, portrayed by the downfall of King Sennacherib.
A Sermon on 2 Kings 19
2 Kings 19 is a chapter that illustrates a moment of crisis and God’s deliverance.
As context, in chapter 18, the Assyrians, under King Sennacherib, had invaded Judah and were threatening Jerusalem. King Hezekiah initially tried to appease Sennacherib with tribute, but the threats continued.
In Chapter 19, Hezekiah turns to God for help. He tears his clothes, covers himself with sackcloth, and goes to the Temple of the Lord. He also sends messengers to the prophet Isaiah seeking God’s guidance.
Isaiah assures Hezekiah that God has heard his prayers and will defend Jerusalem. He prophesies that Sennacherib will hear a rumor and return to his own land where he will fall by the sword.
Defying this prophecy, Sennacherib sends another message to Hezekiah, reasserting his intention to destroy Jerusalem. Hezekiah again turns to God, spreading out the message before the Lord in the temple and praying for deliverance.
The Lord responds through Isaiah with a message reassuring Hezekiah that He will defend the city and the Assyrian king will not step into Jerusalem. Indeed, God’s prophecy unfolds – the devouring angel of the Lord killed 185,000 soldiers in the Assyrian camp forcing Sennacherib to return to his land where he was killed by his sons.
The main themes of this chapter and a sermon based on it might include:
1. Prayer in times of Crisis: Hezekiah turns to God in his distress and seeks his help. This chapter illustrates the power of sincere prayer.
2. God’s Protection: The chapter demonstrates God’s willingness to protect His people when they turn to Him. It shows that no matter how powerful the enemy may seem, God’s power far surpasses it.
3. Faith and Courage: Despite the threats from one of the most powerful empires of the time, Hezekiah chose to trust in God. His faith and courage serve as examples for us today.
4. Divine Intervention: God intervenes in human struggles with miraculous results, showing that He is not just a distant observer, but an active, loving participant in the lives of those who trust in Him.
The events of 2 Kings 19 remind believers that no situation is beyond God’s control and that turning to Him in prayer should be our first resort, not our last.
Key people in 2 Kings 19
The key people mentioned in 2 Kings 19 includes:
1. Hezekiah: He was the king of Judah during the time when the Assyrians, led by Sennacherib, were trying to conquer Jerusalem. Hezekiah turned to God in prayer for deliverance from the Assyrians.
2. Isaiah: A major prophet in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. God sent Isaiah to deliver a prophecy to Hezekiah that he would protect Jerusalem and that Sennacherib would not enter the city.
3. Sennacherib: The king of Assyria who arrogantly ridiculed God and threatened to destroy Jerusalem. His army is miraculously destroyed, and he himself is later assassinated by his sons.
4. Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah: Officials of King Hezekiah who meet with the representative of the Assyrian king Sennacherib and conveyed their conversation to Hezekiah.
5. Rabshakeh: The chief cup-bearer of King Sennacherib of Assyria. He was a spokesperson for Sennacherib, mocking God and threatening Hezekiah and his people.
This chapter focuses mainly on King Hezekiah’s faith in God to save his people from the threat of the Assyrians, and God’s promise of deliverance through the prophecy of Isaiah.
Real world examples on 2 Kings 19
2 Kings 19 spoke of two major events that can be compared to some real-world events: King Hezekiah reaching out to God in prayer and the annihilation of the Assyrian army.
1. King Hezekiah’s Prayer: Upon receiving a threatening letter from the King of Assyria, King Hezekiah took it before God in prayer in the temple and turned to Prophet Isaiah for counsel. This is similar to individuals turning to their faith for comfort or guidance during tough times. For instance, during personal crisis or global events like natural disasters, pandemics, terror attacks etc., people of faith often turn to their religious practices to find comfort, understanding and guidance.
2. Annihilation of Assyrian Army: The sudden and unexpected defeat of the Assyrian Army by an epidemic can be likened to incidences where powerful forces or plans are suddenly thwarted by unforeseen events. It resembles incidents where smaller nations or groups outlast larger or more powerful opponents because unexpected events happen, or in a more contemporary context, a powerful business corporation may suddenly fall due to unexpected occurrences like scandals, financial crises or monumental litigation.
However, as these are religious texts, interpretations can vary based on individuals’ own beliefs and perspectives.
Brief Explanation of 2 Kings 19
2 Kings 19 recounts the story of King Hezekiah of Judah during the invasion of Sennacherib, the King of Assyria. When Hezekiah received a threatening letter from Sennacherib, he prayed in the temple, laying the letter before God. Prophet Isaiah then delivered a message from the Lord to Hezekiah, assuring him that Jerusalem would not fall into the hands of the Assyrians.
The Assyrian army was struck down by an angel of the Lord, forcing Sennacherib to retreat back to Nineveh. Some time later, Sennacherib was assassinated by his own sons while he was worshipping in a temple of his pagan god. This chapter illustrates God’s protective power, intervention, and the answered prayers of King Hezekiah.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Kings 19
1. Who is Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19?
– Hezekiah is the king of Judah during the events of 2 Kings 19. He seeks guidance and aid from the prophet Isaiah in response to the threats made by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib.
2. Who is Sennacherib?
– Sennacherib is the king of Assyria who threatens Hezekiah and the kingdom of Judah, claiming that the God of Israel would not be able to save them from his power.
3. What role does the prophet Isaiah play in this chapter?
– Isaiah is the prophet Hezekiah turns to for advice and comfort. Isaiah prophesies that God will defend Jerusalem from Assyrian invasion and that Sennacherib will return to his own land, where he will die.
4. Why did Sennacherib sent a threatening letter to Hezekiah?
– Sennacherib sent the letter to intimidate Hezekiah and the people of Judah, boasting about his past successes against other gods and nations, and saying that the God of Israel would be no different.
5. What is the significance of Hezekiah’s prayer in verses 15-19?
– Hezekiah’s prayer is significant because it shows his trust and faith in God. He acknowledges God as the one true God, creator of all things, and humbly requests that God save Jerusalem from Assyrian forces, not for their own benefit, but so that all the kingdoms of the earth would know that the LORD alone is God.
6. What was God’s response to Hezekiah’s prayer?
– God, through prophet Isaiah, assures Hezekiah that He has heard his prayer and He will defend the city and save it. He declares that Sennacherib will not attack Jerusalem, nor will he even shoot an arrow there, and that he will fall by the sword in his own land.
7. What happens to Sennacherib by the end of the chapter?
– As per the prophecy of Isaiah, Sennacherib returns to his own country after hearing a rumor about a certain king of the East, and while he is worshipping in the temple of his god, his sons assassinate him.
8. What can readers learn from 2 Kings 19?
– The chapter is a testament to the power of prayer and the sovereignty of God. It teaches that faith in God, even in the face of dire threats and circumstances, will always be answered according to His divine plan.
9. Is 2 Kings 19 relevant to contemporary readers?
– Yes, while the specific historical circumstances may not be the same, the overarching themes of trust in God, the power of prayer, and God’s sovereignty and deliverance are timeless and applicable to all generations.
Possible References for 2 Kings 19
2 Kings 19 is a chapter in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, which is part of a historical narrative book of 2 Kings that tells the stories of the kings who ruled the Southern Kingdom of Judah and the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
Here are some key references:
1. Threat of Assyrian Invasion: In this chapter, King Hezekiah of Judah receives an insulting letter from the Assyrian King, Sennacherib, who threatens to invade Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:10-13).
2. Hezekiah’s Prayer: This chapter also features a heartfelt prayer from King Hezekiah in response to the threat. Hezekiah spreads the letter before the Lord in the temple and prays for deliverance (2 Kings 19:14-19).
3. God’s Assurance through the Prophet Isaiah: God sends a message through the prophet Isaiah, assuring Hezekiah that He will protect Jerusalem and that Sennacherib will not enter the city (2 Kings 19:20-34).
4. The Death of Sennacherib: Towards the end of the chapter, it is recorded that the Assyrian army is struck down, and Sennacherib returns to Nineveh where he is ultimately murdered by his sons while worshiping in the temple of his god (2 Kings 19:35-37).
These events and sections are key references that give an idea about the historical, religious, and sociopolitical happenings during the reign of Hezekiah from the perspective of biblical narrative. They also depict the concept of Yahweh’s (the God of Israel) providential protection and sovereignty.
Conclusion on 2 Kings 19
2 Kings 19 records a significant encounter between King Hezekiah of Judah and the Assyrian King Sennacherib. Hezekiah approaches God in prayer in the Temple, asking for deliverance from the Assyrians, who have boastfully dismissed the God of Israel.
In response, God sends the prophet Isaiah to deliver a message of assurance to Hezekiah. God promises to defend the city and to derail the plans of the Assyrian king. True to His word, God intervenes supernaturally, and an angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrians in their camp. As a result, Sennacherib withdraws and returns home.
The conclusion of 2 Kings 19 details a case of divine intervention where God saves the city of Jerusalem from the Assyrian invasion. It also highlights God’s faithfulness to His people and His response to earnest prayer. Lastly, the chapter records Sennacherib’s death at the hands of his own sons while he was worshiping in the temple of his god, Nisroch. This climactic event is a culmination of the prophecy foretold by Isaiah earlier in the chapter.
The overall conclusion shows the supremacy of God over the other gods, portraying Sennacherib’s downfall as divine judgment for blaspheming the God of Israel. It reassures the people, and the reader, of God’s power, protection, and justice.