2 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 20
Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
Original Language Analysis
אַךְ
H389
דְּבַר
words
H1697
דְּבַר
words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
but they are but vain
H8193
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
but they are but vain
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
4 of 14
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
וּגְבוּרָ֖ה
and strength
H1369
וּגְבוּרָ֖ה
and strength
Strong's:
H1369
Word #:
6 of 14
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
for the war
H4421
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
for the war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
7 of 14
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
עַתָּה֙
H6258
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִ֣י
H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
10 of 14
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
בָטַ֔חְתָּ
Now on whom dost thou trust
H982
בָטַ֔חְתָּ
Now on whom dost thou trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
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
Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. 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.