2 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 28
Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spake, saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria:
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙
stood
H5975
וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙
stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
1 of 14
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
and cried
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
and cried
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
הַגָּד֖וֹל
of the great
H1419
הַגָּד֖וֹל
of the great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
5 of 14
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
יְהוּדִ֑ית
in the Jews' language
H3066
יְהוּדִ֑ית
in the Jews' language
Strong's:
H3066
Word #:
6 of 14
the jewish (used adverbially) language
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
and spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
and spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
7 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
שִׁמְע֛וּ
Hear
H8085
שִׁמְע֛וּ
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
9 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
דְּבַר
the word
H1697
דְּבַר
the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
10 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 18 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Reforms and Assyrian Threat) 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 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
- 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 Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spake, saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria:
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. 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.