2 Kings 19:4

Authorized King James Version

It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אוּלַ֡י

H194

It may be

if not; hence perhaps

שָׁמַ֖ע

H8085

hath heard

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

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ

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

אֵ֣ת׀

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בַּדְּבָרִ֔ים

H1697

all the words

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

רַבְשָׁקֵ֗ה

H7262

of Rabshakeh

rabshakeh, a babylonian official

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

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

#10

שְׁלָח֨וֹ

H7971

hath sent

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

#11

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

whom the king

a king

#12

אַשּׁ֤וּר׀

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

#13

אֲדֹנָיו֙

H113

his master

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

#14

לְחָרֵף֙

H2778

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;

#15

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ

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

#16

חַ֔י

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

#17

וְהוֹכִ֙יחַ֙

H3198

and will reprove

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

#18

בַּדְּבָרִ֔ים

H1697

all the words

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

#19

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#20

שָׁמַ֖ע

H8085

hath heard

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

#21

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#22

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ

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

#23

וְנָשָׂ֣אתָ

H5375

wherefore lift up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#24

תְפִלָּ֔ה

H8605

thy prayer

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

#25

בְּעַ֥ד

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

#26

הַשְּׁאֵרִ֖ית

H7611

for the remnant

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

#27

הַנִּמְצָאָֽה׃

H4672

that are left

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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?
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?
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?

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