Isaiah 37:8
So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֙שָׁב֙
returned
H7725
וַיָּ֙שָׁב֙
returned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וַיִּמְצָא֙
and found
H4672
וַיִּמְצָא֙
and found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
6 of 14
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לִבְנָ֑ה
against Libnah
H3841
לִבְנָ֑ה
against Libnah
Strong's:
H3841
Word #:
9 of 14
libnah, a place in the desert and one in palestine
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁמַ֔ע
for he had heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֔ע
for he had heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
11 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Lachish and Libnah were fortified cities in Judah's Shephelah region. Archaeological evidence shows Lachish's violent destruction by Sennacherib, confirming the biblical account.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God work behind the scenes in ways we don't immediately recognize?
- What comfort comes from knowing God is active even when deliverance isn't yet visible?
- How do historical confirmations of Scripture strengthen faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Rabshakeh's discovery that Sennacherib had moved from Lachish to Libnah shows the fluidity of military campaigns. The detail demonstrates historical accuracy—Isaiah provides specific geographical information verifiable through other records. The movement also shows that despite confident boasting, Assyrian operations weren't entirely smooth. God was already working behind the scenes, preparing deliverance even while the threat appeared overwhelming. This encourages trust that God is active even when His work isn't yet visible.