King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:23 Mean?

2 Kings 19:23 in the King James Version says “By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the he... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel. By: Heb. By the hand of tall: Heb. tallness, etc of his Carmel: or, and his fruitful field

2 Kings 19:23 · King James Version


Context

21

This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

22

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.

23

By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel. By: Heb. By the hand of tall: Heb. tallness, etc of his Carmel: or, and his fruitful field

24

I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places. besieged: or, fenced

25

Hast thou not heard long ago how I have done it, and of ancient times that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste fenced cities into ruinous heaps. long: or, how I have made it long ago, and formed it of ancient times? should I now bring it to be laid waste, and fenced cities to be ruinous heaps?


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
בְּיַ֣ד1 of 23

By

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

מַלְאָכֶיךָ֮2 of 23

thy messengers

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

חֵרַ֣פְתָּ׀3 of 23

thou hast reproached

H2778

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

אֲדֹנָי֒4 of 23

the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

וַתֹּ֗אמֶר5 of 23

and hast said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּרֹ֥כב6 of 23

With the multitude

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

רִכְבִּ֛י7 of 23

of my chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

אֲנִ֥י8 of 23
H589

i

עָלִ֛יתִי9 of 23

I am come up

H5927

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

מְר֥וֹם10 of 23

to the height

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

הָרִ֖ים11 of 23

of the mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יַרְכְּתֵ֣י12 of 23

to the sides

H3411

properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess

לְבָנ֑וֹן13 of 23

of Lebanon

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

וְאֶכְרֹ֞ת14 of 23

and will cut down

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

קוֹמַ֤ת15 of 23

the tall

H6967

height

אֲרָזָיו֙16 of 23

cedar trees

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

מִבְח֣וֹר17 of 23

thereof and the choice

H4004

select, i.e., well fortified

בְּרֹשָׁ֔יו18 of 23

fir trees

H1265

a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)

וְאָב֙וֹאָה֙19 of 23

thereof and I will enter

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מְל֣וֹן20 of 23

into the lodgings

H4411

a lodgment, i.e., caravanserai or encampment

קִצֹּ֔ה21 of 23

of his borders

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

יַ֖עַר22 of 23

and into the forest

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

כַּרְמִלּֽוֹ׃23 of 23

of his Carmel

H3760

karmel, the name of a hill and of a town in palestine


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 19:23 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 19:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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