2 Kings Chapter 19 · Verse 16

Authorized King James Version

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LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.

Original Language Analysis

הַטֵּ֨ה bow down H5186
הַטֵּ֨ה bow down
Strong's: H5186
Word #: 1 of 17
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
יְהוָ֛ה LORD H3068
יְהוָ֛ה LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אָזְנְךָ֙ thine ear H241
אָזְנְךָ֙ thine ear
Strong's: H241
Word #: 3 of 17
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
וּשְׁמַ֗ע and hear H8085
וּשְׁמַ֗ע and hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 4 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
פְּקַ֧ח open H6491
פְּקַ֧ח open
Strong's: H6491
Word #: 5 of 17
to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant
יְהוָ֛ה LORD H3068
יְהוָ֛ה LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֵינֶ֖יךָ thine eyes H5869
עֵינֶ֖יךָ thine eyes
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 7 of 17
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וּרְאֵ֑ה and see H7200
וּרְאֵ֑ה and see
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 8 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וּשְׁמַ֗ע and hear H8085
וּשְׁמַ֗ע and hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 9 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֵ֚ת H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 10 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵ֣י the words H1697
דִּבְרֵ֣י the words
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 11 of 17
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
סַנְחֵרִ֔יב of Sennacherib H5576
סַנְחֵרִ֔יב of Sennacherib
Strong's: H5576
Word #: 12 of 17
sancherib, an assyrian king
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 13 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שְׁלָח֔וֹ which hath sent H7971
שְׁלָח֔וֹ which hath sent
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 14 of 17
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לְחָרֵ֖ף him to reproach H2778
לְחָרֵ֖ף him to reproach
Strong's: H2778
Word #: 15 of 17
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
אֱלֹהִ֥ים God H430
אֱלֹהִ֥ים God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 16 of 17
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
חָֽי׃ the living H2416
חָֽי׃ the living
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 17 of 17
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Analysis & Commentary

LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.

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