Isaiah 36:19
Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
Where are the gods
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
Where are the gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
Where are the gods
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
Where are the gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִצִּ֥ילוּ
and have they delivered
H5337
הִצִּ֥ילוּ
and have they delivered
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
9 of 12
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Hamath, Arphad, and Sepharvaim were Syrian cities conquered by Assyria. Samaria's fall was recent memory, making Rabshakeh's argument psychologically powerful.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we answer when unbelievers point to apparent failures of faith as evidence God doesn't help?
- What is the difference between God allowing judgment for sin versus inability to save?
- How does Hezekiah's faithfulness distinguish Judah from Samaria's fate?
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Analysis & Commentary
The taunt "Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad...Sepharvaim?" lists conquered cities whose deities failed to save them. The climactic question "have they delivered Samaria?" is particularly cutting—Samaria was Israel's capital, fallen to Assyria in 722 BC. Rabshakeh implies that if YHWH couldn't save the northern kingdom, He certainly can't save Judah. This argument has superficial logic but misses that Samaria fell precisely because of covenant unfaithfulness, while Hezekiah has instituted reforms and sought God.