2 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 19
And Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
Original Language Analysis
נָ֖א
H4994
נָ֖א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
5 of 18
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
ye now to Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
ye now to Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
7 of 18
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
הַגָּדוֹל֙
the great
H1419
הַגָּדוֹל֙
the great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
11 of 18
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
13 of 18
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
מָ֧ה
H4100
מָ֧ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
Cross References
Isaiah 36:4And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?2 Kings 19:10Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 18 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Reforms and Assyrian Threat) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.