2 Kings Chapter 19 · Verse 36
So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסַּ֣ע
departed
H5265
וַיִּסַּ֣ע
departed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַיָּ֖שָׁב
and returned
H7725
וַיָּ֖שָׁב
and returned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
3 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אַשּׁ֑וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֑וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
6 of 8
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
Cross References
Jonah 1:2Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.2 Kings 19:33By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.2 Kings 19:7Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.2 Kings 19:28Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
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
So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.
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.