2 Kings Chapter 20 · Verse 19
Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?
Original Language Analysis
חִזְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙
Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙
Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
2 of 16
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
ט֥וֹב
Good
H2896
ט֥וֹב
Good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 16
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
דְּבַר
is the word
H1697
דְּבַר
is the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבַּ֑רְתָּ
which thou hast spoken
H1696
דִּבַּ֑רְתָּ
which thou hast spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
9 of 16
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
הֲל֛וֹא
H3808
הֲל֛וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
12 of 16
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
שָׁל֥וֹם
Is it not good if peace
H7965
שָׁל֥וֹם
Is it not good if peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
13 of 16
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וֶֽאֱמֶ֖ת
and truth
H571
וֶֽאֱמֶ֖ת
and truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
14 of 16
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 20 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery) 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 20 regarding god's mercy and human presumption?
- 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
Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 20: God's mercy and human presumption. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.