2 Kings Chapter 19 · Verse 12

Authorized King James Version

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Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar?

Original Language Analysis

הַֽהִצִּ֨ילוּ delivered H5337
הַֽהִצִּ֨ילוּ delivered
Strong's: H5337
Word #: 1 of 16
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
אֹתָ֜ם H853
אֹתָ֜ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱלֹהֵ֤י Have the gods H430
אֱלֹהֵ֤י Have the gods
Strong's: H430
Word #: 3 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הַגּוֹיִם֙ of the nations H1471
הַגּוֹיִם֙ of the nations
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 4 of 16
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 5 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שִֽׁחֲת֣וּ have destroyed H7843
שִֽׁחֲת֣וּ have destroyed
Strong's: H7843
Word #: 6 of 16
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
אֲבוֹתַ֔י them which my fathers H1
אֲבוֹתַ֔י them which my fathers
Strong's: H1
Word #: 7 of 16
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
גּוֹזָ֖ן as Gozan H1470
גּוֹזָ֖ן as Gozan
Strong's: H1470
Word #: 9 of 16
gozan, a province of assyria
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חָרָ֑ן and Haran H2771
חָרָ֑ן and Haran
Strong's: H2771
Word #: 11 of 16
charan, the name of a man
וְרֶ֥צֶף and Rezeph H7530
וְרֶ֥צֶף and Rezeph
Strong's: H7530
Word #: 12 of 16
retseph, a place in assyrian
וּבְנֵי and the children H1121
וּבְנֵי and the children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 13 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עֶ֖דֶן of Eden H5729
עֶ֖דֶן of Eden
Strong's: H5729
Word #: 14 of 16
eden, a place in mesopotamia
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 15 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בִּתְלַאשָּֽׂר׃ which were in Thelasar H8515
בִּתְלַאשָּֽׂר׃ which were in Thelasar
Strong's: H8515
Word #: 16 of 16
telassar, a region of assyria

Analysis & Commentary

Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar?

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. 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.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 19 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (God Delivers Jerusalem) 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