King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:2 Mean?

2 Kings 19:2 in the King James Version says “And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sa... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 19:2 · KJV


Context

1

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.

2

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.

3

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

4

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


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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 people to faithfulness. 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 · 18 words
וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח1 of 18

And he sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 18
H853

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

אֶלְיָקִ֨ים3 of 18

Eliakim

H471

eljakim, the name of four israelites

אֲשֶׁר4 of 18
H834

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

עַל5 of 18
H5921

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

הַבַּ֜יִת6 of 18

which was over the household

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְשֶׁבְנָ֣א7 of 18

and Shebna

H7644

shebna or shebnah, an israelite

הַסֹּפֵ֗ר8 of 18

the scribe

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

וְאֵת֙9 of 18
H853

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

זִקְנֵ֣י10 of 18

and the elders

H2205

old

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים11 of 18

of the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

מִתְכַּסִּ֖ים12 of 18

covered

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

בַּשַּׂקִּ֑ים13 of 18

with sackcloth

H8242

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

אֶל14 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְשַׁעְיָ֥הוּ15 of 18

to Isaiah

H3470

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

הַנָּבִ֖יא16 of 18

the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

בֶּן17 of 18

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָמֽוֹץ׃18 of 18

of Amoz

H531

amots, an israelite


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 19:2 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 19:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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