2 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 29
Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand:
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֚ה
H3541
כֹּ֚ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 13
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יַשִּׁ֥א
deceive
H5377
יַשִּׁ֥א
deceive
Strong's:
H5377
Word #:
5 of 13
to lead astray, i.e., (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
Let not Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
Let not Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
7 of 13
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּכַ֔ל
you for he shall not be able
H3201
יוּכַ֔ל
you for he shall not be able
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
10 of 13
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
לְהַצִּ֥יל
to deliver
H5337
לְהַצִּ֥יל
to deliver
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
11 of 13
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
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
Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand:
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.