2 Kings Chapter 19 · Verse 9
And when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against thee: he sent messengers again unto Hezekiah, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע
And when he heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע
And when he heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 16
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יָצָ֖א
Behold he is come out
H3318
יָצָ֖א
Behold he is come out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
8 of 16
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אִתָּ֑ךְ
H854
אִתָּ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וַיָּ֙שָׁב֙
again
H7725
וַיָּ֙שָׁב֙
again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
11 of 16
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
against thee he sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
against thee he sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
12 of 16
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מַלְאָכִ֔ים
messengers
H4397
מַלְאָכִ֔ים
messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
13 of 16
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
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 when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against thee: he sent messengers again unto Hezekiah, saying,
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.