2 Kings Chapter 19 · Verse 14

Authorized King James Version

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And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֨ח received H3947
וַיִּקַּ֨ח received
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 1 of 14
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ And Hezekiah H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ And Hezekiah
Strong's: H2396
Word #: 2 of 14
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַסְּפָרִ֛ים the letter H5612
הַסְּפָרִ֛ים the letter
Strong's: H5612
Word #: 4 of 14
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
מִיַּ֥ד of the hand H3027
מִיַּ֥ד of the hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 5 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים of the messengers H4397
הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים of the messengers
Strong's: H4397
Word #: 6 of 14
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
וַיִּקְרָאֵ֑ם and read H7121
וַיִּקְרָאֵ֑ם and read
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 7 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַיַּ֙עַל֙ went up H5927
וַיַּ֙עַל֙ went up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 8 of 14
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
בֵּ֣ית into the house H1004
בֵּ֣ית into the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 9 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 10 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּפְרְשֵׂ֥הוּ and spread H6566
וַיִּפְרְשֵׂ֥הוּ and spread
Strong's: H6566
Word #: 11 of 14
to break apart, disperse, etc
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ And Hezekiah H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ And Hezekiah
Strong's: H2396
Word #: 12 of 14
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
לִפְנֵ֥י it before H6440
לִפְנֵ֥י it before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 13 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 14 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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