King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:35 Mean?

2 Kings 18:35 in the King James Version says “Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD shou... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?

2 Kings 18:35 · KJV


Context

33

Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?

34

Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand?

35

Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?

36

But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

37

Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?

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 · 15 words
מִ֚י1 of 15
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

בְּכָל2 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֱלֹהֵ֣י3 of 15

Who are they among all the gods

H430

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

אַרְצָ֖ם4 of 15

of the countries

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר5 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַצִּ֧יל6 of 15

should deliver

H5337

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

אֶת7 of 15
H853

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

אַרְצָ֖ם8 of 15

of the countries

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִיָּדִֽי׃9 of 15

out of mine 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

כִּֽי10 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יַצִּ֧יל11 of 15

should deliver

H5337

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

יְהוָ֛ה12 of 15

that the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת13 of 15
H853

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

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם14 of 15

Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

מִיָּדִֽי׃15 of 15

out of mine 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


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 18:35 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 18:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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