King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:7 Mean?

2 Kings 19:7 in the King James Version says “Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

2 Kings 19:7 · KJV


Context

5

So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah.

6

And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

7

Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

8

So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish.

9

And when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against thee: he sent messengers again unto Hezekiah, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

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.

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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 · 11 words
הִנְנִ֨י1 of 11
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

נֹתֵ֥ן2 of 11

Behold I will send

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בּוֹ֙3 of 11
H0
ר֔וּחַ4 of 11

a blast

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

וְשָׁמַ֥ע5 of 11

upon him and he shall hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

שְׁמוּעָ֖ה6 of 11

a rumour

H8052

something heard, i.e., an announcement

וְשָׁ֣ב7 of 11

and shall return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

בְּאַרְצֽוֹ׃8 of 11

in his own land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְהִפַּלְתִּ֥יו9 of 11

and I will cause him to fall

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בַּחֶ֖רֶב10 of 11

by the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

בְּאַרְצֽוֹ׃11 of 11

in his own land

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 19:7 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 19:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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