King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:32 Mean?

2 Kings 19:32 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.

2 Kings 19:32 · KJV


Context

30

And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. remnant: Heb. escaping of the house of Judah that remaineth

31

For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this. they: Heb. the escaping

32

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.

33

By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.

34

For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.

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
לָכֵ֗ן1 of 23
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּֽה2 of 23
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֤ר3 of 23

Therefore thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙4 of 23

the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל5 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 23

concerning the king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֔וּר7 of 23

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

לֹ֤א8 of 23
H3808

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

יָבֹא֙9 of 23

He shall not come

H935

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

אֶל10 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעִ֣יר11 of 23

into this city

H5892

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

הַזֹּ֔את12 of 23
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְלֹֽא13 of 23
H3808

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

יוֹרֶ֥ה14 of 23

nor shoot

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

שָׁ֖ם15 of 23
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

חֵ֑ץ16 of 23

an arrow

H2671

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

וְלֹֽא17 of 23
H3808

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

יְקַדְּמֶ֣נָּה18 of 23

there nor come before

H6923

to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)

מָגֵ֔ן19 of 23

it with shield

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

וְלֹֽא20 of 23
H3808

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

יִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ21 of 23

nor cast

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

עָלֶ֖יהָ22 of 23
H5921

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

סֹֽלְלָֽה׃23 of 23

a bank

H5550

a military mound, i.e., rampart of besiegers


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 19:32 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 19:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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