King James Version
2 Kings 19
37 verses with commentary
Hezekiah Seeks Isaiah's Help
And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. Th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XIX.
(1) **Went into the house of the Lord.**—To humble himself before Jehovah and pray for help. (Comp. 2Chronicles 32:20.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and pe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **And he sent Eliakim . . .**—See the Note on 2Kings 3:12; and comp. 2Kings 13:14; 2Kings 22:14; Jeremiah 37:3. Knobel (on Isaiah) remarks that this distinguished embassy speaks for the high estimation in which the prophet stood.
**The elders of the priests**—*i.e.,* the heads of the sacerdotal caste (*próceres,* not *senes*)*.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 8
2Ki 8:1-6. The Shunammite's Land Restored.
**1. Then spake Elisha unto the woman--**rather "had spoken." The repetition of Elisha's direction to the Shunammite is merely given as an introduction to the following narrative; and it probably took place before the events recorded in chapters 5 and 6.
**the Lord hath called for a famine--**All such calamities are chastisements inflicted...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. blasphemy: or, provocation
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, re...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Rebuke.**—Rather, *chastisement* (Hosea 5:9). The verb means *to give judgment, punish,* &c. It occurs in the next verse, “will reprove the words,” or rather, *punish for the words.*
**Blasphemy.**—Comp. Isaiah 1:4; Isaiah 5:24, where the cognate verb is used; and Nehemiah 9:18; Nehemiah 9:26, where the noun “provocations” is almost identical.
**The children are come** **. . .**—With this pr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. she ... sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years--**Their territory was recommended to her from its contiguity to her usual residence; and now that this state had been so greatly reduced, there was less risk than formerly from the seductions of idolatry; and many of the Jews and Israelites were residing there. Besides, an emigration thither was less offensive to the king of Israel...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left. left: Heb. found
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **It** **may be.**—The old commentator Clericus well remarks: “Non est dubitantis sed sperantis.”
**And will reprove the words.**—See Note on 2Kings 19:3. The LXX. and Vulg. read, “and to rebuke with the words which the Lord,” &c, but the Syriac and Targum agree with the Authorised Version as regards the construction.
**Lift up.**—Heavenwards (2Chronicles 32:2). Or we might compare the phrase ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land--**In consequence of her long-continued absence from the country, her possessions were occupied by her kindred, or had been confiscated by the crown. No statute in the law of Moses ordained that alienation. But the innovation seems to have been adopted in Israel.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah.</strong><br><br>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 religi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **So** **the servants** **. . .**—This verse merely resumes the narrative in a somewhat simple and artless fashion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. the king talked with Gehazi--**Ceremonial pollution being conveyed by contact alone, there was nothing to prevent a conference being held with this leper at a distance; and although he was excluded from the town of Samaria, this reported conversation may have taken place at the gate or in one of the royal gardens. The providence of God so ordained that King Jehoram had been led to inquire, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel an...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **The servants.**—Or, *attendants.* The word is rather more special in sense than *servant,* denoting Apparently *personal attendant.* Delitzsch renders “squires.”. (Comp. 2Kings 4:12; 2Kings 5:20; 2Kings 8:4; Exodus 33:11; Judges 7:10; 2Samuel 9:9; 1Kings 20:15.)
**Blasphemed.**—Not the same root as in 2Kings 19:3. (Psalm 44:16; Isaiah 51:7; Numbers 15:30.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. the king talked with Gehazi--**Ceremonial pollution being conveyed by contact alone, there was nothing to prevent a conference being held with this leper at a distance; and although he was excluded from the town of Samaria, this reported conversation may have taken place at the gate or in one of the royal gardens. The providence of God so ordained that King Jehoram had been led to inquire, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →Behold, 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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Behold, 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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Behold, I will send a blast upon him.**—*Behold, I am about to put a spirit within him.* “ ‘A spirit’ is probably not to be understood personally (comp. 1Samuel 18:10; 1Kings 22:21 *seq*.)*,* but in the weaker sense of *impulse, inclination.* (Comp. Isaiah 19:14; Isaiah 29:10; Numbers 5:14; Hosea 4:12; Zechariah 13:2.) The two senses are, however, very closely connected” (*Cheyne,* on Isaiah...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. the king talked with Gehazi--**Ceremonial pollution being conveyed by contact alone, there was nothing to prevent a conference being held with this leper at a distance; and although he was excluded from the town of Samaria, this reported conversation may have taken place at the gate or in one of the royal gardens. The providence of God so ordained that King Jehoram had been led to inquire, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →Sennacherib's Fall Prophesied
So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish.</strong><br><br>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...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **So Rab-shakeh returned.**—This takes up the narrative from 2Kings 18:37. It is not said, but is probably to be understood, that Tartan and Rabsaris and the “great host” (2Kings 18:17) departed with him, having been foiled of their purpose.
**Libnah.**—See Note on 2Kings 8:22. The great King had taken Lachish. (See Note on 2Chronicles 32:9.) Its position is not yet determined. Schrader thinks...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-8. Elisha came to Damascus--**He was directed thither by the Spirit of God, in pursuance of the mission formerly given to his master in Horeb (1Ki 19:15), to anoint Hazael king of Syria. On the arrival of the prophet being known, Ben-hadad, who was sick, sent to inquire the issue of his disease, and, according to the practice of the heathens in consulting their soothsayers, ordered a liberal p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →And when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against thee: he sent messengers again unto Hezekiah, saying,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against thee: he sent messengers again unto Hezekiah, saying,</strong><br><br>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 late...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Heard say of Tirhakah.**—For the construction, comp. Psalm 2:7; Psalm 3:2.
**Tirhakah.**—Called in Egyptian inscriptions *Taharka,* in Assyrian *Tarqû;* the Ταρακὺς of Manetho, and *Teapxwws* of Strabo. He was the last king of the 25th, or *Ethiopian* (Cushite) dynasty, and son of Shabataka the son of Shabaka (2Kings 17:4). Sennacherib does not *name* Tirhakah, but calls him “the king of Mel...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-8. Elisha came to Damascus--**He was directed thither by the Spirit of God, in pursuance of the mission formerly given to his master in Horeb (1Ki 19:15), to anoint Hazael king of Syria. On the arrival of the prophet being known, Ben-hadad, who was sick, sent to inquire the issue of his disease, and, according to the practice of the heathens in consulting their soothsayers, ordered a liberal p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
The question God put, What doest thou here, Elijah? is a reproof. It concerns us often to ask whether we are in our place, and in the way of our duty. Am I where I should be? whither God calls me, where my business lies, and where I may be useful? He complained of the people, and their obstinacy in sin; I only am left. Despair of success hinders many a good enterprise. Did Elij...
Read full commentary →Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His soverei...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10-13) Sennacherib’s second message repeats the arguments of 2Kings 18:29-35.
(10) **Let not thy God . . . deceive thee.**—Through prophets, or dreams, or any other recognised medium of communication.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. forty camels' burden--**The present, consisting of the rarest and most valuable produce of the land, would be liberal and magnificent. But it must not be supposed it was actually so large as to require forty camels to carry it. The Orientals are fond of display, and would, ostentatiously, lay upon forty beasts what might very easily have been borne by four.
**Thy son Ben-hadad--**so called ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
The question God put, What doest thou here, Elijah? is a reproof. It concerns us often to ask whether we are in our place, and in the way of our duty. Am I where I should be? whither God calls me, where my business lies, and where I may be useful? He complained of the people, and their obstinacy in sin; I only am left. Despair of success hinders many a good enterprise. Did Elij...
Read full commentary →Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shalt thou be delivered?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shalt thou be delivered?</strong><br><br>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 s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **All lands, by destroying them utterly.**—*All the countries, by putting them under the ban, i.e.,* solemnly devoting all that lived in them to extermination.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Go, say ... Thou mayest certainly recover--**There was no contradiction in this message. This part was properly the answer to Ben-hadad's inquiry [2Ki 8:9]. The second part was intended for Hazael, who, like an artful and ambitious courtier, reported only as much of the prophet's statement as suited his own views (compare 2Ki 8:14).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
The question God put, What doest thou here, Elijah? is a reproof. It concerns us often to ask whether we are in our place, and in the way of our duty. Am I where I should be? whither God calls me, where my business lies, and where I may be useful? He complained of the people, and their obstinacy in sin; I only am left. Despair of success hinders many a good enterprise. Did Elij...
Read full commentary →Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **My fathers.**—Sargon his father founded the dynasty; but he speaks of his predecessors generally as his “fathers.”
**Gozan.**—2Kings 17:6.
**Haran.**—Also a west Aramean town, mentioned by Tiglath Pileser I. (circ. 1120 B.C. ) Shalmaneser II. speaks of its conquest. It had a famous sanctuary of the moon god Sin. (See Genesis 11:31.)
**Rezeph**.—The Assyrian R*açappa,* a town of Mesopotamia,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. he settled his countenance stedfastly until he was ashamed--**that is, Hazael. The steadfast, penetrating look of the prophet seemed to have convinced Hazael that his secret designs were known. The deep emotions of Elisha were justified by the horrible atrocities which, too common in ancient warfare, that successful usurper committed in Israel (2Ki 10:32; 13:3, 4, 22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
The question God put, What doest thou here, Elijah? is a reproof. It concerns us often to ask whether we are in our place, and in the way of our duty. Am I where I should be? whither God calls me, where my business lies, and where I may be useful? He complained of the people, and their obstinacy in sin; I only am left. Despair of success hinders many a good enterprise. Did Elij...
Read full commentary →Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?</strong><br><br>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 refo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **The king.**—Comp. 2Kings 18:34, from which, as well as from the sequence of thought in 2Kings 19:12-13 here, it is clear that “king” is here used as a synonym of *local god.* (Comp. Amos 5:26; Psalm 5:2 : “My King, and my God.”)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
The question God put, What doest thou here, Elijah? is a reproof. It concerns us often to ask whether we are in our place, and in the way of our duty. Am I where I should be? whither God calls me, where my business lies, and where I may be useful? He complained of the people, and their obstinacy in sin; I only am left. Despair of success hinders many a good enterprise. Did Elij...
Read full commentary →And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical ev...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **The letter.**—The Hebrew word is plural, like the Latin *litterae.* The first “it” is plural, the second singular. 2Kings 19:10-13 may be regarded as embodying the substance of the letter, which the envoys first delivered orally, and then presented the letter to authenticate it. But perhaps the contents of the letter were not preserved in the Hebrew annals.
**Spread it before the Lord.**—Co...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
God repeated the question, What doest thou here? Then he complained of his discouragement; and whither should God's prophets go with their complaints of that kind, but to their Master? The Lord gave him an answer. He declares that the wicked house of Ahab shall be rooted out, that the people of Israel shall be punished for their sins; and he shows that Elijah was not left alon...
Read full commentary →And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Which dwellest between the cherubims.**—Rather, *which sittest above the cherubim,* or, *the cherub-throned.* (Comp. Exodus 25:22; 1Samuel 4:4; Psalm 18:10; Ezekiel 1:26.)
**Thou art the God.**—With emphasis on *Thou. Thou art the true God, thou alone, unto all the kingdoms,* &c.
**Thou hast made.**—*Thou it was that madest.* The thought is, And therefore Thou art—the only God for all the k...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
God repeated the question, What doest thou here? Then he complained of his discouragement; and whither should God's prophets go with their complaints of that kind, but to their Master? The Lord gave him an answer. He declares that the wicked house of Ahab shall be rooted out, that the people of Israel shall be punished for their sins; and he shows that Elijah was not left alon...
Read full commentary →LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events....
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Bow down** **thine ear, and hear.**—Not so much my prayer as the words of Sennacherib.
**Open, Lord, thine eyes, and see.**—Referring, as Thenius says, to Sennacherib’s letter; not, however, as if Jehovah’s eyes were closed before this prayer. To treat the figurative language of the Old Testament in such a manner does violence to common sense. “Bow thine ear,” “Open thine eyes,” in Hezekiah...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. took a thick cloth, &c.--**a coverlet. In the East, this article of bedding is generally a thick quilt of wool or cotton, so that, with its great weight, when steeped in water, it would be a fit instrument for accomplishing the murderous purpose, without leaving any marks of violence. It has been supposed by many doubtful that Hazael purposely murdered the king. But it is common for East...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
God repeated the question, What doest thou here? Then he complained of his discouragement; and whither should God's prophets go with their complaints of that kind, but to their Master? The Lord gave him an answer. He declares that the wicked house of Ahab shall be rooted out, that the people of Israel shall be punished for their sins; and he shows that Elijah was not left alon...
Read full commentary →Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Of a truth.**—It is even as Sennacherib boasteth.
**Destroyed.**—Rather, *laid waste.* Perhaps *put under the ban*—the expression of 2Kings 19:11—should be read.
**Their lands.**—Heb., *their land,* referring to *each* conquered country.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat ... began to reign--**(See on 2Ki 3:1). His father resigned the throne to him two years before his death.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
God repeated the question, What doest thou here? Then he complained of his discouragement; and whither should God's prophets go with their complaints of that kind, but to their Master? The Lord gave him an answer. He declares that the wicked house of Ahab shall be rooted out, that the people of Israel shall be punished for their sins; and he shows that Elijah was not left alon...
Read full commentary →And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. cast: Heb. given
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity ca...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **And have cast** (*put*) **their gods into the fire.**—Comp. 1Chronicles 14:12. The Assyrian’s emphatic question, “*Where* are the gods?” implied their annihilation.
**For they were no gods.**—This idea is common in the latter half of the Book of Isaiah. The question has been raised whether the compiler of Kings has not made Hezekiah express a stricter monotheism than had been attained by th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
God repeated the question, What doest thou here? Then he complained of his discouragement; and whither should God's prophets go with their complaints of that kind, but to their Master? The Lord gave him an answer. He declares that the wicked house of Ahab shall be rooted out, that the people of Israel shall be punished for their sins; and he shows that Elijah was not left alon...
Read full commentary →Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over histo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. daughter of Ahab--**Athaliah, through whose influence Jehoram introduced the worship of Baal and many other evils into the kingdom of Judah (see 2Ch 21:2-20). This apostasy would have led to the total extinction of the royal family in that kingdom, had it not been for the divine promise to David (2Sa 7:16). A national chastisement, however, was inflicted on Judah by the revolt of Edom, which...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-21**
Elijah found Elisha by Divine direction, not in the schools of the prophets, but in the field; not reading, or praying, or sacrificing, but ploughing. Idleness is no man's honour, nor is husbandry any man's disgrace. An honest calling in the world, does not put us out of the way of our heavenly calling, any more than it did Elisha. His heart was touched by the Holy Spirit, and...
Read full commentary →Hezekiah's Prayer
Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control ov...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Then Isaiah** **. . .**—The prophet, as Hezekiah’s trusted adviser, may have counselled the king to “*go* up into the house of the Lord,” or, at least, would be cognisant of his intention in the matter.
**Against.**—Hebrew text, *in regard to*. . . . *touching.*
**I have heard.**—The verb has fallen out in Isaiah 37:21.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-21**
Elijah found Elisha by Divine direction, not in the schools of the prophets, but in the field; not reading, or praying, or sacrificing, but ploughing. Idleness is no man's honour, nor is husbandry any man's disgrace. An honest calling in the world, does not put us out of the way of our heavenly calling, any more than it did Elisha. His heart was touched by the Holy Spirit, and...
Read full commentary →This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **This is the word** **. . .**—The prophecy which follows is well characterised by Cheyne as one “of striking interest, and both in form and matter stamped with the mark of Isaiah.”
**Concerning him.**—Or, *against him.*
**The virgin the daughter of Zion.**—A poetic personification of place. Zion here, as Jerusalem in the next line, is regarded as *mother* of the people dwelling there. (Comp....
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-21**
Elijah found Elisha by Divine direction, not in the schools of the prophets, but in the field; not reading, or praying, or sacrificing, but ploughing. Idleness is no man's honour, nor is husbandry any man's disgrace. An honest calling in the world, does not put us out of the way of our heavenly calling, any more than it did Elisha. His heart was touched by the Holy Spirit, and...
Read full commentary →Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **On high**—*i.e.,* towards heaven (Isaiah 40:26). (Comp. Isaiah 14:13-14.)**
The Holy One of Israel.**—A favourite expression of Isaiah’s, in whose book it occurs twenty-seven times, and only five times elsewhere in the Old Testameut (Psalm 71:22; Psalm 78:41; Psalm 89:19; Jeremiah 50:29; Jeremiah 51:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel. By: Heb. By the hand of tall: Heb. tallness, etc of his Carmel: or, and his fruitful field
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **The multitude.**—The reading of the Hebrew margin, of many MSS., Isaiah, and all the versions. The Hebrew text has “with the chariotry of my chariotry”—obviously a scribe’s error.
**I am come up** **. . .** **mountains.**—*I* (emphatic) *have ascended lofty mountains.* Such boasts are common in the Assyrian inscriptions.
**To the sides of Lebanon.**—Thenius explains: “the spurs of the Leban...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places. besieged: or, fenced
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for hear...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **I have digged and drunk strange waters.**—Scarcity of water has hitherto been no bar to my advance. In foreign and hostile lands, where the fountains and cisterns have been stopped and covered in (2Chronicles 32:3), I have digged new wells.
**And with the sole** **. . .** **places.**—Rather, *and I will dry up with the sole of my feet all the Nile arms of Māçôr*—*i.e.,* Lower Egypt. (Comp. ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →Hast thou not heard long ago how I have done it, and of ancient times that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste fenced cities into ruinous heaps. long: or, how I have made it long ago, and formed it of ancient times? should I now bring it to be laid waste, and fenced cities to be ruinous heaps?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Hast thou not heard long ago how I have done it, and of ancient times that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste fenced cities into ruinous heaps.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corrupt...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Hast thou not heard** **. . .?**—*Hast thou not heard? In the far past it I made; in the days of yore did I fashion it; now have I brought it to pass.* The “it”—the thing long since foreordained by Jehovah—is defined by the words: “that thou shouldest be to lay waste,” &c. (Comp. Isaiah 22:11; Isaiah 46:10-11; Isaiah 10:5-15.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead--**(See on 2Ch 22:1).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up. of small: Heb. short of hand
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Of small power.—**Literally, *short-handed.* (Comp. Isaiah 1:2, Isa_59:1.) Keil compares the well-known title of Artaxerxes I., *Longimanus,* the “long-handed,” as if that epithet meant far-reaching in power. Thenius says that a frightened man draws in his arms (?)
**As the grass** **. . .**—The *as* may better be omitted. *They were field growth and green herbage; grass of the roofs and bl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me. abode: or, sitting
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation. <br><br>The narra...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **But I know thy abode** **. . .**—Literally, *and thy down sitting, and thy going out, and thy coming in I know.* Clearly something has fallen out at the opening of the sentence. Probably the words *before me is thine uprising* have been omitted by some copyist, owing to their resemblance to the words which end the last verse. So Wellhausen. (See Psalm 139:2.) The thought thus expressed is t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →Because 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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Because 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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted cor...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **Because thy rage . . . is come up.**—Literally, *Because of thy rage* . . . *and of thy self confidence* (Isaiah 32:9; Isaiah 32:11; Isaiah 32:18) *which hath come up.* Or else the construction is changed: *Because of thy rage* . . . *and because that thy self-confidence is come up* **. . .**
**I will put my hook . . . lips.**—Comp. the Note on 2Chronicles 33:11, where this threat is shown ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we se...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **And this shall be a sign unto thee.**—The prophet now addresses Hezekiah.
**A sign.**—Rather, *the sign;* namely, of the truth of this prophetic word. “The sign consists in the foretelling of natural and nearer events, which serve to accredit the proper prediction. The purport of it is that this and the next year the country will be still occupied by the enemy, so that men cannot sow and re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. remnant: Heb. escaping of the house of Judah that remaineth
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart trans...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **The remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah.**—Rather, *the survival *(*survivors*)* of the house of Judah that are left.* (Comp. Isaiah 11:11-16.)
**Shall yet again take root.**—Literally, *shall add root, i.e.,* shall take firmer root, like a tree after a storm. The figure naturally follows on the language of 2Kings 19:29. It is thoroughly in the style of Isaiah. (Comp. Isaiah 6:13;...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this. they: Heb. the escaping
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. In Judah's later hi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31)**A remnant.**—Isaiah’s favourite doctrine of the remnant (Isaiah 4:2-3; Isaiah 10:20-21).
**They that escape.**—*A survival.*
**Out of Jerusalem.**—The ravaged land was to be newly stocked from thence.
**The zeal** (jealousy) **of the Lord of hosts shall do this.**—Another of the phrases of Isaiah. (See Isaiah 10:7.) (The word *hosts,* wanting in the common Hebrew text, is found in many MSS.,...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign c...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32-34) This may be, as Mr. Cheyne supposes, an after *addition* to the original prophecy. Isaiah may have spoken it a little later, in which case it was quite natural for an editor to append it here, as belonging to the same crisis. But it seems better to see here a return to the subject of the king of Assyria, after the parenthetic address to Hezekiah. The repetition of 2Kings 19:28 in 2Kings 19...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 9
2Ki 9:1-23. Jehu Is Anointed.
**1. Ramoth-gilead--**a city of great importance to the Hebrew people, east of Jordan, as a fortress of defense against the Syrians. Jehoram had regained it (2Ki 8:29). But the Israelitish army was still encamped there, under the command of Jehu.
**Elisha ... called one of the children of the prophets--**This errand referred to the last commission give...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **He came.**—So the versions and Isaiah, rightly. The Heb. text here has “he cometh,” or “shall come.” With the thought comp. 2Kings 19:28 : “I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.”
**And shall not come into this city.**—*And unto this city he shall not come* (2Kings 19:32).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. carry him to an inner chamber--**both to ensure the safety of the messenger and to prevent all obstruction in the execution of the business.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation. <br><br>T...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **For I will defend.**—*And* *I* *will cover *(*with a shield*)*.* (Comp. Isaiah 31:5; Isaiah 38:6; 2Kings 20:6.)
**For my servant David’s sake.**—See 1Kings 11:12-13, and the promise in 2 Samuel 7.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. I have anointed thee king over Israel--**This was only a part of the message; the full announcement of which is given (2Ki 9:7-10).
**flee, and tarry not--**for fear of being surprised and overtaken by the spies or servants of the court.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →Jerusalem Delivered
And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35-37) **THE CATASTROPHE. SENNACHERIB’S RETREAT, AND HIS “VIOLENT END.**
(35) **And it came to pass **(in)** that night.**—This definition of time is wanting in the parallel text; but it is implied by the phrase in the morning (Isaiah 37:36; 2Kings 19:35). The night intended can hardly be the one which followed the day when the prophecy was spoken (see 2Kings 19:29). The expression “in that night...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. So the young man ... went to Ramoth-gilead--**His ready undertaking of this delicate and hazardous mission was an eminent proof of his piety and obedience. The act of anointing being done through a commissioned prophet, was a divine intimation of his investiture with the sovereign power. But it was sometimes done long prior to the actual possession of the throne (1Sa 16:13); and, in like ma...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.</strong><br><br>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 corru...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(36) **Departed, and went.**—*Broke up camp, and marched.* There should be a stop at *returned.*
**And dwelt at Nineveh.**—Or, *and he abode in Nineveh,* implying that he did not again invade the west. Sennacherib records five subsequent expeditions to the east, north, and south of his dominions, but these obviously were nothing to the peoples of Palestine. (See Notes on 2Kings 20:12.)
**Nineveh.*...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. So the young man ... went to Ramoth-gilead--**His ready undertaking of this delicate and hazardous mission was an eminent proof of his piety and obedience. The act of anointing being done through a commissioned prophet, was a divine intimation of his investiture with the sovereign power. But it was sometimes done long prior to the actual possession of the throne (1Sa 16:13); and, in like ma...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead. Armenia: Heb. Ararat
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esar-haddon his son reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. In Judah's later history, we see both gen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(37) **And it came to pass.**—Twenty years afterwards.
**Nisroch.**—This name appears to be corrupt. The LXX. gives Νεσεραχ and Μεσορὰχ; Josephus, ἐν Αράσαη*,* “in Araskè,” as if the name were that of the temple rather than the god. The Hebrew version of Tobit (1:21) gives Dagon as the god. Dagon (*Da-kan, Da-gan-nu*) was worshipped at an early date in Babylonia, and later in Assyria; but no stres...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. So the young man ... went to Ramoth-gilead--**His ready undertaking of this delicate and hazardous mission was an eminent proof of his piety and obedience. The act of anointing being done through a commissioned prophet, was a divine intimation of his investiture with the sovereign power. But it was sometimes done long prior to the actual possession of the throne (1Sa 16:13); and, in like ma...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Elijah flees to the wilderness.(1-8)
God manifests himself to Elijah.(9-13)
God's answer to Elijah.(14-18)
The call of Elisha.(19-21)
**Verses 1-8**
Jezebel sent Elijah a threatening message. Carnal hearts are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them. Great faith is not always alike strong. He might be ser...
Read full commentary →