King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:30 Mean?

2 Kings 18:30 in the King James Version says “Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be del... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

2 Kings 18:30 · KJV


Context

28

Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spake, saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria:

29

Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand:

30

Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

31

Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and then eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern: Make: or, Seek my favour: Heb. Make with me a blessing cistern: or, pit

32

Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. persuadeth: or, deceiveth


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

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. 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.

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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 · 18 words
וְאַל1 of 18
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יַבְטַ֨ח2 of 18

make you trust

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

אֶתְכֶ֤ם3 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חִזְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙4 of 18

Neither let Hezekiah

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

אֶל5 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 18

The LORD

H3068

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר7 of 18

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יַצִּילֵ֖נוּ8 of 18

deliver

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

יַצִּילֵ֖נוּ9 of 18

deliver

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

יְהוָ֑ה10 of 18

The LORD

H3068

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

וְלֹ֤א11 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִנָּתֵן֙12 of 18

shall not be delivered

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת13 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעִ֣יר14 of 18

us and this city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֔את15 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

בְּיַ֖ד16 of 18

into the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מֶ֥לֶךְ17 of 18

of the king

H4428

a king

אַשּֽׁוּר׃18 of 18

of Assyria

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire


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 18:30 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 18:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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