King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:15 Mean?

2 Kings 19:15 in the King James Version says “And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 19:15 · KJV


Context

13

Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?

14

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.

15

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.

16

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.

17

Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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 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 19 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (God Delivers Jerusalem) 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 19 regarding faith vindicated through divine intervention?
  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 · 23 words
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֨ל1 of 23

prayed

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

חִזְקִיָּ֜הוּ2 of 23

And Hezekiah

H2396

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

לִפְנֵ֣י3 of 23

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֞ה4 of 23

O LORD

H3068

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

וַיֹּאמַר֒5 of 23

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֞ה6 of 23

O LORD

H3068

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙7 of 23

God

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙8 of 23

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יֹשֵׁ֣ב9 of 23

which dwellest

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַכְּרֻבִ֔ים10 of 23

between the cherubims

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

אַתָּה11 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

ה֤וּא12 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙13 of 23

God

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

לְבַדְּךָ֔14 of 23
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

לְכֹ֖ל15 of 23
H3605

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

מַמְלְכ֣וֹת16 of 23

even thou alone of all the kingdoms

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃17 of 23

and earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אַתָּ֣ה18 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עָשִׂ֔יתָ19 of 23

thou hast made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת20 of 23
H853

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

הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם21 of 23

heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְאֶת22 of 23
H853

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃23 of 23

and earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 19:15 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 19:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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