2 Kings 18:25

2 Kings 18:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So now, was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this place to destroy it? The LORD Himself said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’”

King James Version KJV

Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

American Standard Version ASV

Am I now come up without Jehovah against this place to destroy it? Jehovah said unto me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And have I now come up to send destruction on this place without the Lord's authority? It was the Lord himself who said to me, Go up against this land and make it waste.

Free Bible Version FBV

More than that—would I have come to attack this place without the Lord's encouragement? It was the Lord himself who told me, ‘Go and attack this land and destroy it.’”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Am I now come vp without the Lord to this place, to destroy it? the Lord sayd to me, Goe vp against this land, and destroy it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Now, without Jehovah have I come up against this place to destroy it? Jehovah said unto me, Go up against this land, and thou hast destroyed it.'

World English Bible WEB

Have I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, ‘Go up against this land, and destroy it.’”’”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Have I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Is it without the will of the Lord that I am come up to this place to destroy it? The Lord said to me: Go up to this land and destroy it.

Translation for Translators T4T

Furthermore, ◄do you think that we have come to destroy Jerusalem without Yahweh’s help?/do not think that we have come to Jerusalem without Yahweh’s help.► [RHQ] It is Yahweh himself who told us to come here and destroy this land!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 18:25

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 18:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עַתָּה֙ הֲ/מִ/בַּלְעֲדֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה עָלִ֛יתִי עַל הַ/מָּק֥וֹם הַ/זֶּ֖ה לְ/הַשְׁחִת֑/וֹ יְהוָה֙ אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֔/י עֲלֵ֛ה עַל הָ/אָ֥רֶץ הַ/זֹּ֖את וְ/הַשְׁחִיתָֽ/הּ

עַתָּה֙ ʻattâh H6258 now Adv

הֲ/מִ/בַּלְעֲדֵ֣י bilʻădêy H1107 beside Part | Prep | Prep

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

עָלִ֛יתִי ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Perf-1cs

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/מָּק֥וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

לְ/הַשְׁחִת֑/וֹ shâchath H7843 to ruin Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֵלַ֔/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

עֲלֵ֛ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Impv-2ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הָ/אָ֥רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

הַ/זֹּ֖את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron

וְ/הַשְׁחִיתָֽ/הּ shâchath H7843 to ruin Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 18:25

עַתָּה֙ ʻattâh H6258 "now" Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

הֲ/מִ/בַּלְעֲדֵ֣י bilʻădêy H1107 "beside" Part | Prep | Prep

This word means except or without, like in a phrase saying something is not included. The Bible uses it to show exclusion or exception, like in a rule or a law that does not apply to everyone.

Definition: apart from, except, without, besides

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: beside, not (in), save, without. See also: Genesis 14:24; Psalms 18:32; Isaiah 36:10.

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

עָלִ֛יתִי ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/מָּק֥וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" Art | N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

לְ/הַשְׁחִת֑/וֹ shâchath H7843 "to ruin" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.

Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)

Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֵלַ֔/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

עֲלֵ֛ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

הָ/אָ֥רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

הַ/זֹּ֖את zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

וְ/הַשְׁחִיתָֽ/הּ shâchath H7843 "to ruin" Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff

This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 18:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Kings 18:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 18:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 18:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:25
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:25
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:25
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:25
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 18:25
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 18:25
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:25
Sermons on 2 Kings 18:25

Context — Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem

23Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! 24For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?

25So now, was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this place to destroy it? The LORD Himself said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’”

26Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” 27But the Rabshakeh replied, “Has my master sent me to speak these words only to you and your master, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are destined with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Kings 19:6	who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me.
2	Isaiah 10:5–6	Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets.
3	2 Kings 19:22–37	Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest outposts, the densest of its forests. I have dug wells and drunk foreign waters. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.” Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown. But I know your sitting down, your going out and coming in, and your raging against Me. Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’ And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah will again take root below and bear fruit above. For a remnant will go forth from Jerusalem, and survivors from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.
4	1 Kings 13:18	Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him,
5	2 Chronicles 35:21	But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty. God told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!”
6	John 19:10–11	So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”
7	Amos 3:6	If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?

2 Kings 18:25 Summary

[The Rabshakeh is trying to scare the people of Jerusalem by saying that God told him to attack, but this is not necessarily true. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all things, but that does not mean He approves of everything that happens. We can trust in God's sovereignty and remember His faithfulness and promises, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, even in the face of threats and intimidation.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rabshakeh's claim that God told him to attack Jerusalem true?

While the Rabshakeh claims that the LORD said to him, 'Go up against this land and destroy it,' it is unlikely that God actually spoke to him, as the Bible does not record any instances of God speaking to the Assyrians in this way, and the prophet Isaiah later says that the king of Assyria did not realize that he was being used by God to punish His people, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-7.

What is the Rabshakeh trying to accomplish by saying that God told him to attack?

The Rabshakeh is trying to intimidate and demoralize the people of Jerusalem by making them think that God is on the side of the Assyrians, which is a common tactic used by enemies of God's people throughout the Bible, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:1-4.

Does this verse imply that the LORD is responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem?

While the verse may seem to suggest that God is responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem, the Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the actions of nations, but that does not mean He approves of their actions, as seen in Isaiah 45:7 and Jeremiah 25:8-9.

How should we respond when faced with threats and intimidation like the people of Jerusalem?

We should respond with faith and trust in God's sovereignty, remembering that He is our rock and refuge, as seen in Psalm 46:1-3 and Psalm 91:1-2.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty when faced with difficult circumstances?
How can I distinguish between God's will and the plans of those who oppose Him?
What are some ways that I can remember God's faithfulness and promises when faced with threats and intimidation?
How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty to my everyday life?
What are some Bible verses that I can meditate on to increase my faith and trust in God?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 18:25

[See comments on 2 Kings 18:17]

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 18:25

Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it. Am I now come up without the Lord against this place to destroy it?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:25

Without the Lord; without his consent and commission. The Lord said unto me, to wit, by secret inspiration, or by his providence. But indeed he neither owned God’ s word, nor regarded his providence; but he forged this, to strike a terror into Hezekiah and the people.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:25

2 Kings 18:25 Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.Ver. 25. Am I now come up without the Lord?] Without his secret impulse, as 2 Samuel 16:10. The villainous gunpowder plotters pretended that God set them to work to punish this sinful nation. So the Jesuits tell the people that the devil stirred up Luther: and that God sent forth them to oppose him.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:25

(25) The Lord said to me.—Michaelis supposed that Sennacherib had consulted some of the captive priests of the Northern kingdom. Others think some report of the menaces of the Hebrew prophets may have reached Assyrian ears. Thenius makes Rab-shakeh’s words a mere inference from the success which had hitherto attended the expedition; but the language is too definite for this. In the annals of Nabuna’id, the last king of Babylon, a remarkable parallel occurs. The Persian Cyrus there represents himself as enjoying the special favour of Merodach the chief god of Babylon; Merodach foretells his march upon the city, and accompanies him thither. Cyrus even declares that he has daily offered prayers to Bel and Nebo, that they might intercede with Merodach on his behalf. From all this it would appear to have been customary with invaders to seek to win the gods of hostile countries to the furtherance of their schemes of conquest. (Comp. the account of the taking of Veii in Livy, v. 21, especially the sentence beginning “Veientes ignari se jam ab suis vatibus, jam ab externis oraculis proditos;” and Macrob. Sat. iii. 9.) It is not impossible that there was some renegade prophet of Jehovah in the Assyrian camp. At all events, the form of the oracle, “Go up against this land, and destroy it,” is thoroughly authentic. Comp. the oracle of Chemosh to Mesha: “And Chemosh said unto me, Go thou, seize Nebo against Israel” (Moabite Stone, 1. 14). Meanwhile, Isaiah 10:5 seq. shows how true was the boast of the arrogant invader, in a sense which lay far above his heathenish apprehension.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:25

Verse 25. Am I now come up without the Lord] As Rab-shakeh saw that the Jews placed the utmost confidence in God, he wished to persuade them that by Hezekiah's conduct Jehovah had departed from them, and was become ally to the king of Assyria, and therefore they could not expect any help from that quarter.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 18:25

25. Am I now come up without the Lord] Rab-shakeh goes one step further, and with a bold assertion claims Jehovah’s support. Perhaps he thought his lie would receive some credence because he had already been able to reduce the towns all round Jerusalem. And if it did, one great stay of the king’s courage would be broken down. ‘How fearful a word was this. The rest were but vain cracks: this was a thunderbolt to strike dead the heart of Hezekiah. If Rab-shakeh could have been believed, Jerusalem could not but have flown open’ (Bp Hall). Rab-shakeh would know and use the name of the God of Israel, without regarding Him otherwise than as a local deity, just as Asshur was of Assyria.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 18:25

The Rab-shakeh probably tries the effect of a bold assertion, which had no basis of fact to rest upon.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:25

25. The Lord said to me — The thought in this verse is thus well paraphrased by Bahr: “So far from thy being justified in relying upon Jehovah, he is, on the contrary, on our side, and it is by his

Sermons on 2 Kings 18:25

	Sermon	Description
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 10:5 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the warnings given by the prophet Jeremiah to the people who had forsaken God. He draws parallels between the patterns of rebellion in
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 13:12 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the impending cataclysmic event that will terrorize the world. He describes the inhumanity of man to man that is often seen in war and
	The Towers Have Fallen (Sept 16 2001) - Part 2 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes how God never leaves His people clueless during times of disaster, sending prophetic messages to warn and guide. It discusses the need for repentance and ack
	The Sin of Silence by Denis Lyle	Denis Lyle preaches about 'The Sin of Silence' using the story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7:3-16 as an illustration. He emphasizes the importance of not remaining silent about o
	The Siege of Samaria by Denis Lyle	Denis Lyle preaches on the Siege of Samaria, highlighting the misery that sin brings, including idolatry in the land and the hypocrisy of the leader, King Jehoram. Despite the dire
	The Mighty Conqueror by Robert Murray M'Cheyne	Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the ultimate authority of Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords, highlighting the final conflict between Christ and the world regarding Hi
	The Deliverance of the Kirk of God by Samuel Rutherford	Samuel Rutherford preaches on the prophecy of the fall of Babylon and the deliverance of Jerusalem, emphasizing the union and fellowship of a divided Kirk and the people of God. Th