2 Kings 19:8

Authorized King James Version

So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֙שָׁב֙

H7725

returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

רַבְשָׁקֵ֔ה

H7262

So Rabshakeh

rabshakeh, a babylonian official

וַיִּמְצָא֙

H4672

and found

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

אֶת

H853

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

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

the king

a king

אַשּׁ֔וּר

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

נִלְחָ֖ם

H3898

warring

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לִבְנָ֑ה

H3841

against Libnah

libnah, a place in the desert and one in palestine

#10

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

שָׁמַ֔ע

H8085

for he had heard

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

#12

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

נָסַ֖ע

H5265

that he was departed

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

#14

מִלָּכִֽישׁ׃

H3923

from Lachish

lakish, a place in palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation 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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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