2 Kings Chapter 19 · Verse 2
And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
Original Language Analysis
וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח
And he sent
H7971
וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח
And he sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבַּ֜יִת
which was over the household
H1004
הַבַּ֜יִת
which was over the household
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
6 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הַסֹּפֵ֗ר
the scribe
H5608
הַסֹּפֵ֗ר
the scribe
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים
of the priests
H3548
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים
of the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
11 of 18
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
מִתְכַּסִּ֖ים
covered
H3680
מִתְכַּסִּ֖ים
covered
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
בַּשַּׂקִּ֑ים
with sackcloth
H8242
בַּשַּׂקִּ֑ים
with sackcloth
Strong's:
H8242
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 19 regarding faith vindicated through divine intervention?
- 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
And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. 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.