2 Kings Chapter 19 · Verse 24
I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.
Original Language Analysis
קַ֔רְתִּי
I have digged
H6979
קַ֔רְתִּי
I have digged
Strong's:
H6979
Word #:
2 of 11
to trench; by implication, to throw forth; to wall up, whether literal (to build a wall) or figurative (to estop)
מַ֣יִם
waters
H4325
מַ֣יִם
waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
4 of 11
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
זָרִ֑ים
strange
H2114
זָרִ֑ים
strange
Strong's:
H2114
Word #:
5 of 11
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
וְאַחְרִב֙
have I dried
H2717
וְאַחְרִב֙
have I dried
Strong's:
H2717
Word #:
6 of 11
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
בְּכַף
and with the sole
H3709
בְּכַף
and with the sole
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
7 of 11
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
פְּעָמַ֔י
of my feet
H6471
פְּעָמַ֔י
of my feet
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
8 of 11
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
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
I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.
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.