2 Kings 19 17

2 Kings 19:17 kjv

Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,

2 Kings 19:17 nkjv

Truly, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands,

2 Kings 19:17 niv

"It is true, LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands.

2 Kings 19:17 esv

Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands

2 Kings 19:17 nlt

"It is true, LORD, that the kings of Assyria have destroyed all these nations.

2 Kings 19 verses

2 Kings 19 17 Meaning

This verse forms the factual preamble of Hezekiah’s profound prayer, acknowledging the undeniable reality of Assyrian conquest and devastation. Hezekiah presents the evidence of Assyria’s destructive power, noting how they have truly laid waste many nations and their territories. It is a statement of observed history and current geopolitical reality, forming the foundation upon which he then appeals to the Lord for divine intervention against Sennacherib's threat.

2 Kings 19 17 Context

2 Kings chapter 19 describes the climax of the Assyrian invasion of Judah during King Hezekiah's reign. After capturing many fortified cities of Judah and demanding a massive tribute, Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, sent his chief officer (the Rabshakeh) with a threatening message and a blasphemous letter to Hezekiah. This letter mocked Judah's trust in YHWH, claiming that no god, including YHWH, had been able to deliver nations from Assyria's hand. In deep distress, Hezekiah tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. He sought the prophet Isaiah, who assured him of YHWH's protection. Upon receiving a second, more egregious, blasphemous letter from Sennacherib, Hezekiah again went to the temple. Verse 17 is the opening statement of his earnest prayer to the Lord, immediately following his prostration before the ark. Hezekiah begins his plea not by directly rebutting Sennacherib’s boasts but by stating an irrefutable fact that confirms the Assyrians' extensive conquests, thus setting the stage for YHWH to demonstrate His unique and superior power against such a historically dominant force.

2 Kings 19 17 Word analysis

• Truly (כִּי, ki): This word functions as a strong affirmative particle, meaning "surely," "indeed," or "for." It emphasizes the absolute truth of the following statement. It's not a hesitant or questioning "if" but a resolute "it is true that."
• O Lord (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing His self-existent and ever-present nature. By addressing God with His holy name, Hezekiah appeals to God's covenant faithfulness and omnipotence, especially relevant when the enemy is questioning YHWH's power. It indicates a direct and intimate plea to the one true God, contrasting with the many gods of the nations mentioned later.
• the kings of Assyria (מַלְכֵי אַשּׁוּר, malkey Ashshur): This phrase denotes the imperial power of Assyria, particularly at this moment represented by Sennacherib, but also acknowledging the legacy of his predecessors. It highlights the vast, consolidated human military and political power that has conquered countless territories. Assyria was known for its ruthless military campaigns and efficient administrative control.
• have laid waste (הֶחְרִיבוּ, heḥarivu): From the root חָרַב (ḥarav), meaning to lay waste, devastate, destroy, dry up. The Qal Perfect conjugation indicates a completed action, confirming that the devastation is an undeniable historical reality. This verb powerfully conveys the utter destruction and desolation inflicted by the Assyrians—cities flattened, populations displaced, land ruined.
• the nations (הַגּוֹיִם, haggoyim): Refers to the Gentile nations, often carrying the connotation of pagan nations. Hezekiah explicitly states that it is not just one or two small groups, but "the nations," implying a widespread and general conquest, validating Sennacherib’s claim of widespread dominion over many peoples who worshiped other gods.
• and their lands (וְאֶת אַרְצָם, ve'et artzam): "Lands" refers to the territories or geographical areas of these nations. This addition specifies that the destruction was not just of people or cities, but encompassed their entire national domains. It reinforces the thoroughness of Assyrian conquest and their comprehensive dominion.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Truly, O Lord,": This opening establishes a tone of humble, yet firm, address to the Almighty, emphasizing a factual acknowledgment presented before the Divine Judge. It sets up the contrast between earthly reality and divine truth.
• "the kings of Assyria have laid waste": This clause recognizes the formidable and devastating might of the Assyrian empire, admitting their brutal efficiency and the overwhelming evidence of their military success. It acknowledges the raw power wielded by human hands.
• "the nations and their lands": This part underlines the global (from their perspective) scale of Assyrian conquest. It highlights the vast extent of their empire's dominion over diverse peoples and territories, giving weight to Sennacherib's claims of invincibility. It is a statement that underscores the seemingly insurmountable challenge facing Judah.

2 Kings 19 17 Bonus section

This verse subtly introduces a polemic without directly engaging in one yet. By acknowledging Assyria's track record of devastation of "the nations," Hezekiah implicitly accepts the premise of the Assyrians that other gods were indeed powerless against them (as claimed in 2 Ki 18:33-35). However, his prayer continues in 2 Ki 19:18-19, where he draws a clear distinction: the gods of those nations were mere idols, the work of human hands, and therefore, could not deliver their worshippers. This initial verse, by affirming Assyrian success against those gods and those nations, powerfully heightens the anticipation for YHWH's impending action, proving that He is utterly unlike the false gods and indeed the sovereign Lord over all nations and their kings. The historical veracity of Assyrian campaigns, documented widely beyond biblical texts, provides external support to the setting Hezekiah establishes here.

2 Kings 19 17 Commentary

2 Kings 19:17 is a pivotal verse because it represents Hezekiah's profound spiritual realism. He doesn't deny the historical facts presented by the Assyrians, nor does he brush aside their proven military might. Instead, he openly acknowledges the destructive efficacy of "the kings of Assyria" and their successful campaigns in "laying waste the nations and their lands." This direct admission, however, is not a concession of defeat but a factual premise offered to "O Lord." It is Hezekiah saying, "I know what man has done and can do. But now, what will You, the True God, do?" By laying out the undeniable reality of human power and destruction, Hezekiah provides a stark backdrop against which the unique power of YHWH can be fully manifested. This sets the stage for God's glory to shine even brighter as He demonstrates His ability to deliver Judah from a force that had proved unstoppable for all other nations and their gods, thereby upholding His holy name against Sennacherib's blasphemy.