King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:8 Mean?

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

Context

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.

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.

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

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,

Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **So Rab-shakeh returned.**—This takes up the narrative from 2Kings 18:37. It is not said, but is probably to be understood, that Tartan and Rabsaris and the “great host” (2Kings 18:17) departed with him, having been foiled of their purpose. **Libnah.**—See Note on 2Kings 8:22. The great King had taken Lachish. (See Note on 2Chronicles 32:9.) Its position is not yet determined. Schrader thinks it may be *Tell-es-S*â*fieh,* west of Lachish, and north north-west of Eleutheropolis; in which case Sennacherib had already begun his retreat.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 19:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.