2 Kings 19:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַטֵּ֨ה

H5186

bow down

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אָזְנְךָ֙

H241

thine ear

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

וּשְׁמַ֗ע

H8085

and hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

פְּקַ֧ח

H6491

open

to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֵינֶ֖יךָ

H5869

thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וּרְאֵ֑ה

H7200

and see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וּשְׁמַ֗ע

H8085

and hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#10

אֵ֚ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

דִּבְרֵ֣י

H1697

the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#12

סַנְחֵרִ֔יב

H5576

of Sennacherib

sancherib, an assyrian king

#13

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

שְׁלָח֔וֹ

H7971

which hath sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#15

לְחָרֵ֖ף

H2778

him to reproach

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;

#16

אֱלֹהִ֥ים

H430

God

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

#17

חָֽי׃

H2416

the living

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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