King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:25 Mean?

2 Kings 18:25 in the King James Version says “Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and de...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.”

2 Kings 18:25 · KJV

Context

23

Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them. pledges: or, hostages

24

How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

25

Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

26

Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that are on the wall.

27

But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung , and drink their own piss with you? their own piss: Heb. the water of their feet

Read 2 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. 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 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
עַתָּה֙1 of 16
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הֲמִבַּלְעֲדֵ֣י2 of 16

“without”

H1107

except, without, besides

יְהוָה֙3 of 16

“it The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֲלֵ֛ה4 of 16

“Am I now come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל5 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמָּק֥וֹם6 of 16

“against this place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּ֖ה7 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְהַשְׁחִיתָֽהּ׃8 of 16

“and destroy”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

יְהוָה֙9 of 16

“it The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אָמַ֣ר10 of 16

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֔י11 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲלֵ֛ה12 of 16

“Am I now come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל13 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָ֥רֶץ14 of 16

“against this land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַזֹּ֖את15 of 16
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְהַשְׁחִיתָֽהּ׃16 of 16

“and destroy”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 18:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 18:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 19:6Amos 3:6John 19:10-112 Kings 19:22-371 Kings 13:18Isaiah 10:5-6

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 18 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes