King James Version
What Does Isaiah 36:19 Mean?
“Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?”
Isaiah 36:19 · KJV
Context
17
Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.
18
Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?
19
Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
20
Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?
21
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe taunt "Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad...Sepharvaim?" lists conquered cities whose deities failed to save them. The climactic question "have they delivered Samaria?" is particularly cutting—Samaria was Israel's capital, fallen to Assyria in 722 BC. Rabshakeh implies that if YHWH couldn't save the northern kingdom, He certainly can't save Judah. This argument has superficial logic but misses that Samaria fell precisely because of covenant unfaithfulness, while Hezekiah has instituted reforms and sought God.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Hamath, Arphad, and Sepharvaim were Syrian cities conquered by Assyria. Samaria's fall was recent memory, making Rabshakeh's argument psychologically powerful.
Reflection Questions
- How do we answer when unbelievers point to apparent failures of faith as evidence God doesn't help?
- What is the difference between God allowing judgment for sin versus inability to save?
- How does Hezekiah's faithfulness distinguish Judah from Samaria's fate?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsאֱלֹהֵ֣י2 of 12
“Where are the gods”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֱלֹהֵ֣י6 of 12
“Where are the gods”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְכִֽי8 of 12
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶת10 of 12
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִיָּדִֽי׃12 of 12
“out of my hand”
H3027a 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
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Isaiah 36:19 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 Isaiah 36:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge