2 Kings 19:23
2 Kings 19:23 in Multiple Translations
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.
By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
By thy messengers thou hast defied the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choice fir-trees thereof; and I will enter into his farthest lodging-place, the forest of his fruitful field.
You have sent your servants with evil words against the Lord, and have said, With all my war-carriages I have come up to the top of the mountains, to the inmost parts of Lebanon; its tall cedars will be cut down, and the best trees of its woods; I will come up into his highest places, into his thick woods.
By your servants you have mocked the Lord. You said: ‘With my many chariots I have ascended to the high mountains, to the farthest peaks of Lebanon. I have chopped down its tallest cedars, the best of its cypress trees. I have reached its most distant outposts, its deepest forests.
By thy messengers thou hast rayled on the Lord, and said, By the multitude of my charets I am come vp to the toppe of the mountaines, by the sides of Lebanon, and will cut downe the hie cedars thereof, and the faire firre trees thereof, and I will goe into the lodging of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
By the hand of thy messengers Thou hast reproached the Lord, and sayest: In the multitude of my chariots I have come up to a high place of mountains — The sides of Lebanon, And I cut down the height of its cedars, The choice of its firs, And I enter the lodging of its extremity, The forest of its Carmel.
By your messengers, you have defied the Lord, and have said, “With the multitude of my chariots, I have come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon, and I will cut down its tall cedars and its choice cypress trees; and I will enter into his farthest lodging place, the forest of his fruitful field.
By thy messengers thou hast reproached the LORD, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the hight of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down its tall cedar trees, and its choice fir trees: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
By the hand of thy servants thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said: With the multitude of my chariots I have gone up to the height of the mountains, to the top of Libanus, and have cut down its tall cedars, and its choice fir trees. And I have entered into the furthest parts thereof, and the forest of its Carmel.
The messengers that you sent made fun of me. You said, 'With my many chariots I have gone to the highest mountains, even to the highest mountains in Lebanon. We have cut down its tallest cedar trees and its nicest pine/cyprus trees. We have been to the most distant/remote peaks and to its dense forests.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 19:23
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 19:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/יַ֣ד
מַלְאָכֶי/ךָ֮
חֵרַ֣פְתָּ
אֲדֹנָ/י֒
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
ב/רכב
בְּ/רֹ֥ב
רִכְבִּ֛/י
אֲנִ֥י
עָלִ֛יתִי
מְר֥וֹם
הָרִ֖ים
יַרְכְּתֵ֣י
לְבָנ֑וֹן
וְ/אֶכְרֹ֞ת
קוֹמַ֤ת
אֲרָזָי/ו֙
מִבְח֣וֹר
בְּרֹשָׁ֔י/ו
וְ/אָב֨וֹאָה֙
מְל֣וֹן
קִצֹּ֔/ה
יַ֖עַר
כַּרְמִלּֽ/וֹ
בְּ/יַ֣ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
מַלְאָכֶי/ךָ֮
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-mp | Suff
חֵרַ֣פְתָּ
châraph
H2778
to taunt
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
אֲדֹנָ/י֒
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
ב/רכב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
רִכְבִּ֛/י
rekeb
H7393
chariot
N-ms | Suff
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
עָלִ֛יתִי
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מְר֥וֹם
mârôwm
H4791
height
N-ms
הָרִ֖ים
har
H2022
mountain
N-mp
יַרְכְּתֵ֣י
yᵉrêkâh
H3411
flank
N-fd
לְבָנ֑וֹן
Lᵉbânôwn
H3844
Lebanon
N-proper
וְ/אֶכְרֹ֞ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
קוֹמַ֤ת
qôwmâh
H6967
height
N-fs
אֲרָזָי/ו֙
ʼerez
H730
cedar
N-mp | Suff
מִבְח֣וֹר
mibchâr
H4005
best
N-ms
בְּרֹשָׁ֔י/ו
bᵉrôwsh
H1265
cypress
N-mp | Suff
וְ/אָב֨וֹאָה֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
מְל֣וֹן
mâlôwn
H4411
lodging
N-ms
קִצֹּ֔/ה
qêts
H7093
end
N-ms | Suff
יַ֖עַר
yaʻar
H3293
Jaar
N-ms
כַּרְמִלּֽ/וֹ
karmel
H3759
plantation
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 19:23
בְּ/יַ֣ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
מַלְאָכֶי/ךָ֮
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-mp | Suff
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
חֵרַ֣פְתָּ
châraph
H2778
"to taunt"
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word 'châraph' means to acquire or expose something, and can also mean to betroth or defame someone. It is translated as 'betroth', 'blaspheme', or 'reproach' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to reproach, taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardise, rail, upbraid 1a) (Qal) to reproach 1b) (Piel) to reproach, defy, taunt
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid. See also: Leviticus 19:20; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 42:11.
אֲדֹנָ/י֒
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
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.
ב/רכב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
בְּ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
רִכְבִּ֛/י
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
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.
מְר֥וֹם
mârôwm
H4791
"height"
N-ms
This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.
הָרִ֖ים
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
יַרְכְּתֵ֣י
yᵉrêkâh
H3411
"flank"
N-fd
This word refers to the flank or side of something, and can also mean the rear or recess. It is used in the Bible to describe borders, coasts, or the sides of objects.
Definition: 1) flank, side, extreme parts, recesses 1a) side 1b) sides, recesses (dual) Aramaic equivalent: yar.kah (יַרְכָא "thigh" H3410)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: border, coast, part, quarter, side. See also: Genesis 49:13; Isaiah 14:13; Psalms 48:3.
לְבָנ֑וֹן
Lᵉbânôwn
H3844
"Lebanon"
N-proper
Lebanon is a mountain range in Israel, named for its white snow or limestone peaks, often mentioned in Psalms and other books.
Definition: Combined with biq.ah (בִּקְעָה " Valley" H1237I) § Lebanon = "whiteness" a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: Lebanon. See also: Deuteronomy 1:7; Psalms 104:16; Psalms 29:5.
וְ/אֶכְרֹ֞ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
קוֹמַ֤ת
qôwmâh
H6967
"height"
N-fs
Qomah refers to height or stature, describing how tall someone or something is, like the height of a person or a building in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, stature 1b) height
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] along, height, high, stature, tall. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:23; Isaiah 10:33.
אֲרָזָי/ו֙
ʼerez
H730
"cedar"
N-mp | Suff
A cedar tree, known for its strength and durability, like the cedar wood used to build Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 5-6. The cedar tree was highly valued in ancient times for its timber and wood.
Definition: 1) cedar 1a) cedar tree 1b) cedar timber, cedar wood (in building) 1c) cedar wood (in purifications)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cedar (tree). See also: Leviticus 14:4; 1 Chronicles 22:4; Psalms 29:5.
מִבְח֣וֹר
mibchâr
H4005
"best"
N-ms
This word means best or choicest, describing something of the highest quality. It is used to describe God's chosen people in the Bible.
Definition: choicest, best Also means: miv.chor (מִבְחוֹר "choice" H4004)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: choice(-st), chosen. See also: Genesis 23:6; Jeremiah 22:7; Isaiah 22:7.
בְּרֹשָׁ֔י/ו
bᵉrôwsh
H1265
"cypress"
N-mp | Suff
A cypress tree or a type of evergreen is what this word refers to, also used to make objects like lances or musical instruments, as seen in the KJV translation 'fir tree'.
Definition: 1) cypress, fir, juniper, pine 1a) a noble tree (lit.) 1b) of stateliness (fig.) 1c) material for temple
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: fir (tree). See also: 2 Samuel 6:5; Isaiah 14:8; Psalms 104:17.
וְ/אָב֨וֹאָה֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מְל֣וֹן
mâlôwn
H4411
"lodging"
N-ms
A lodging place, like an inn or campsite, where people can stay. In the Bible, it refers to a place of rest, like the inn in Luke 2:7. It's a temporary home.
Definition: place of lodging, inn, khan
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: inn, place where...lodge, lodging (place). See also: Genesis 42:27; Joshua 4:8; Isaiah 10:29.
קִצֹּ֔/ה
qêts
H7093
"end"
N-ms | Suff
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
יַ֖עַר
yaʻar
H3293
"Jaar"
N-ms
The Hebrew word Yaar refers to a forest or a copse of bushes, and also to a honeycomb. It is associated with Kiriath-jearim, a place name in the Bible. This word is used to describe natural environments.
Definition: honeycomb Another name of qir.yat ye.a.rim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים "Kiriath-jearim" H7157)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: (honey-) comb, forest, wood. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; Isaiah 10:18; Psalms 29:9.
כַּרְמִלּֽ/וֹ
karmel
H3759
"plantation"
N-ms | Suff
A plantation or garden-land, like the Garden of Eden, was a fertile and productive area, often with fruit trees and orchards. The Bible describes Carmel as a lush and fruitful region in Israel.
Definition: 1) plantation, garden-land, orchard, fruit orchard 2) fruit, garden-growth (meton)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: full (green) ears (of corn), fruitful field (place), plentiful (field). See also: Leviticus 2:14; Isaiah 29:17; Isaiah 10:18.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 19:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 19:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 19:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 19:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:23
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 19:23
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 19:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:23
- Sermons on 2 Kings 19:23
Context — Sennacherib’s Fall Prophesied
21This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.
22Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!
23Through 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.
24I have dug wells and drunk foreign waters. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.” 25Have 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 18:17 | Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. |
| 2 | Psalms 20:7 | Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. |
| 3 | Isaiah 10:18 | The splendor of its forests and orchards, both soul and body, it will completely destroy, as a sickness consumes a man. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 31:3–18 | Look at Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches that shaded the forest. It towered on high; its top was among the clouds. The waters made it grow; the deep springs made it tall, directing their streams all around its base and sending their channels to all the trees of the field. Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread them out because of the abundant waters. All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade. It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its limbs, for its roots extended to abundant waters. The cedars in the garden of God could not rival it; the cypresses could not compare with its branches, nor the plane trees match its boughs. No tree in the garden of God could compare with its beauty. I made it beautiful with its many branches, the envy of all the trees of Eden, which were in the garden of God.’ Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Since it became great in height and set its top among the clouds, and it grew proud on account of its height, I delivered it into the hand of the ruler of the nations, for him to deal with it according to its wickedness. I have banished it. Foreigners, the most ruthless of the nations, cut it down and left it. Its branches have fallen on the mountains and in every valley; its boughs lay broken in all the earth’s ravines. And all the peoples of the earth left its shade and abandoned it. All the birds of the air nested on its fallen trunk, and all the beasts of the field lived among its boughs. This happened so that no other trees by the waters would become great in height and set their tops among the clouds, and no other well-watered trees would reach them in height. For they have all been consigned to death, to the depths of the earth, among the mortals who descend to the Pit.’ This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘On the day it was brought down to Sheol, I caused mourning. I covered the deep because of it; I held back its rivers; its abundant waters were restrained. I made Lebanon mourn for it, and all the trees of the field fainted because of it. I made the nations quake at the sound of its downfall, when I cast it down to Sheol with those who descend to the Pit. Then all the trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, all the well-watered trees, were consoled in the earth below. They too descended with it to Sheol, to those slain by the sword. As its allies they had lived in its shade among the nations. Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 18:33–34 | Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? |
| 6 | Isaiah 10:7–11 | But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations. “Are not all my commanders kings?” he says. “Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus? As my hand seized the idolatrous kingdoms whose images surpassed those of Jerusalem and Samaria, and as I have done to Samaria and its idols, will I not also do to Jerusalem and her idols?” |
| 7 | 2 Kings 18:23 | Now, 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! |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 26:10 | Since he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain, he built towers in the desert and dug many cisterns. And since he was a lover of the soil, he had farmers and vinedressers in the hill country and in the fertile fields. |
| 9 | Isaiah 10:14 | My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’” |
| 10 | Isaiah 37:24–25 | 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 heights, 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.” |
2 Kings 19:23 Summary
In 2 Kings 19:23, the king of Assyria is boasting about his conquests and the wealth he has gained, but this is actually a form of taunting the Lord, as seen in 2 Kings 19:22. The Lord is not impressed by human achievements, and He will ultimately bring the proud low, as stated in Proverbs 16:18. This verse reminds us to stay humble and give glory to God for our accomplishments, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31, and to remember that our strength comes from Him, as stated in Psalm 121:2. By keeping our eyes on the Lord and giving Him the glory, we can avoid the trap of pride and stay grounded in humility, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to taunt the Lord in 2 Kings 19:23?
To taunt the Lord means to scorn or mock Him, which is a serious offense against God, as seen in Proverbs 24:9 where it says that scorn becomes a folly to a person, and in 2 Kings 19:22, the Lord asks whom the king has taunted and blasphemed, emphasizing the gravity of this sin.
Why does the king of Assyria mention his conquests in 2 Kings 19:23?
The king of Assyria mentions his conquests to boast about his military power and accomplishments, similar to how the king of Babylon boasted in Daniel 4:30, but this pride ultimately leads to his downfall, as the Lord is not impressed by human achievements, as stated in Isaiah 31:3.
What is the significance of the cedars and cypresses in 2 Kings 19:23?
The cedars and cypresses in 2 Kings 19:23 represent the wealth and resources of Lebanon, which the king of Assyria has conquered, much like how the trees in Isaiah 10:34 represent the pride of the nations that will be cut down by the Lord.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of the Lord's response to the king of Assyria's threats and boasts, as seen in 2 Kings 19:21-22, and it sets the stage for the Lord's declaration of judgment against the king in 2 Kings 19:25, where He says that He ordained the conquests, but not for the king's glory, but for His own purposes, as stated in Isaiah 46:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be taunting the Lord in my own life, and how can I repent of those actions?
- How do I balance confidence in my abilities with humility before the Lord, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:7?
- What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to boast or take credit for my accomplishments, and how can I give glory to God instead, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31?
- How can I remember that my strength and accomplishments come from the Lord, and not from my own power, as stated in Psalm 121:2?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 19:23
[See comments on 2 Kings 19:1]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 19:23
By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:23
By thy messengers; so thou hast advanced thy very servants above me. I am come up to the height of the mountains; I have brought up my very chariots to those mountains which were thought inaccessible by my army. Lebanon; a high hill, famous for cedars and fir trees, here following. Will cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: this may be understood, either, 1. Mystically, I will destroy the princes and nobles of Judah, (which are sometimes compared to cedars, &c.,) or their strongest cities. Or rather, 2. Literally, I will cut down the trees that hinder my march and plain and prepare the way for all my numerous army and chariots. And by this one instance he intimates that nothing should stand in his way; no, not the highest and strongest places. The lodgings of his borders, i.e. those towns and cities (which he calls lodgings in way of contempt) which are in his utmost borders, and most remote from me. I am come into the land of Canaan at one border, Lebanon, and I resolve to march on to the other extreme border, and so to destroy the whole country, from one border to another; the borders of a land being oft put for the whole land within its, borders; as 147:14 .
Or, as it is in the Hebrew, into the lodging of his border; for which, in the parallel place, , it is into the height of his border. And so this may be understood of Jerusalem; which it is not probable that in all his brags he would omit; and against which his chief design now lay; which he here calleth a lodging for its contemptible smallness, if compared with his great and vast city of Nineveh: or, as it is in Isaiah 37, the height, for its two famous mountains, Zion and Moriah; or for the mountains which were round about Jerusalem, ; and he adds, of his border, because this city was in the border of Judah; as being part of it in the tribe of Benjamin, and near the kingdom of the ten tribes, which was now in the Assyrian’ s hands. The forest of his Carmel, i.e. the forest of Mount Carmel, which may seem to be another inaccessible place, like Lebanon. Or, into his forest, and his fruitful field; for Carmel, though properly it was a pleasant and fruitful mountain in the tribe of Issachar, of which see ; yet it is oft used to signify any fruitful place, as is manifest from 16:10 . And thus all the parts of the land are here enumerated; the mountains, the cities, the woods, and the fruitful fields. Or, his fruitful forest, to wit, Jerusalem; which is thought by many interpreters to be called a forest, , a name which agrees well enough to cities, where buildings are very numerous, and close, and high, like trees in a forest.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:23
2 Kings 19:23 By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, [and] the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, [and into] the forest of his Carmel.Ver. 23. And hast said.] Not in so many words that we anywhere read of; but it is said, in 2 Chronicles 32:16, that his messengers spake more than is expressed. Or, Thou hast said, that is, thou hast thought all this, and I will therefore justly punish thee and thine army wherein thou gloriest, and wherewith thou intendest to destroy Jerusalem and my temple there. Polybius, a heathen historian, could say that Antiochus came to an ill end, only for purposing to spoil the temple of Apollo at Delphos. With the multitude of my chariots I am come up, &c.] We may say of this proud and arrogant speech, as the historian doth in a like case, No man could deliver so bad matter in better words and more quaint phrases.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:23
(23) The multitude.—The reading of the Hebrew margin, of many MSS., Isaiah, and all the versions. The Hebrew text has “with the chariotry of my chariotry”—obviously a scribe’s error. I am come up . . . mountains.—I (emphatic) have ascended lofty mountains. Such boasts are common in the Assyrian inscriptions. To the sides of Lebanon.—Thenius explains: “the spurs of the Lebanon—i.e., the strongholds of Judæa, which Sennacherib had already captured.” “Lebanon, as the northern bulwark of the land of Israel, is used as a representative or symbol for the whole country (Zechariah 11:1)” (Cheyne). The language is similar in Isaiah 14:13. And will cut down . . .—Or, and I will fell the tallest cedars thereof, the choicest firs thereof. Cedars and firs in Isaiah’s language symbolise “kings, princes, and nobles, all that is highest and most stately” (Birks), or “the most puissant defenders” (Thenius). (See Isaiah 2:13; Isaiah 10:33-34.) The lodgings of his borders.—Or, the furthest lodging thereof—i.e., Mount Zion or Jerusalem. Isaiah has height for lodging, either a scribe’s error or an editor’s correction.
Carmel—i.e., pleasure-garden or park (Isaiah 10:18). The royal palace and grounds appear to be meant. Thenius compares “the house of the forest of Lebanon” (1 Kings 7:2).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:23
Verse 23. The tall cedar trees - the choice fir trees] Probably meaning the princes and nobles of the country. The forest of his Carmel.] Better in the margin: the forest and his fruitful field.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 19:23
23. By thy messengers] Rab-shakeh and his companions. With the multitude of my chariots] This is the translation of the marginal reading (Keri) which stands as Kethib in the corresponding verse of Isaiah. Another reading is represented on the margin of the R.V. thus ‘with the driving of my chariots’. This stands in the Hebrew text in Kings, and by some is preferred as being more unusual and therefore perhaps better suited to a poetical passage like the present. But the form in Isaiah has the support of all the versions and so had better be adopted here. to the sides [R.V. innermost parts] of Lebanon] The word which A.V. translates ‘sides’ is very frequently applied to the interior, as of a house (Amos 6:10), or a ship (Jonah 1:5), or a cave (1 Samuel 24:4), or a grave (Isaiah 14:15). And so here it indicates the interior recesses of Lebanon, whither as conqueror Sennacherib expects to penetrate. The Lebanon was one of the choicest parts of the Holy Land, and its beauty is extolled in several passages of Solomon’s song (see note on 1 Kings 9:16). and will [R.V. I will] cut down the tall cedar trees [R.V. cedars] thereof] Both the changes are to the form in Isaiah. The beauty of the Lebanon was in its glorious trees.
The figure chosen therefore expresses the devastation which the Assyrian purposed to bring on the grandest features of the country. the lodgings of his borders] R.V. his farthest lodging-places. The words express the intention of the Assyrian to leave no place in the whole land of Judah unravaged, however remote it might be. There is a various reading in Isaiah, which is rendered ‘the height of his border’. The LXX. does not represent this clause. and into the forest of his Carmel] R.V. the forest of his fruitful field. R.V. also omits the italics. Carmel though often used as a proper name to designate that beautiful and fertile promontory which stretches out to the Mediterranean on the border of the tribe of Asher, yet as a common noun signifies a fruitful garden-like field. Thus Jeremiah 2:7, ‘I brought you into a plentiful country’ (lit. a country of garden-land, Heb. Carmel). So here the phrase describes some park-like grounds with all the beauty of fine gardens. ‘His wood which is cultivated like a garden’.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 19:23
And hast said - Isaiah clothes in words the thoughts of Sennacherib’s heart - thoughts of the most extreme self-confidence.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:23
23. By thy messengers — Hebrew, by the hand of thy messengers, referring to the letter mentioned 2 Kings 19:14, and also other messages.
Sermons on 2 Kings 19:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Satan Uses Subtle Devices by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson warns about the subtle devices of Satan, who uses powerful and seemingly successful figures to instill doubt in believers' commitment to trust God. He highlights ho |
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"We Are in Grave Danger, when..." by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the danger of placing our confidence in our own accomplishments rather than in Jesus. It warns against the folly of relying on personal achievements, highlig |
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The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo |
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Five Elements of a Victorious Life by Jim Logan | In this video, the speaker shares his experiences with the Sue Indians and their spiritual beliefs. He recounts a story of a woman who was possessed by a spirit but was eventually |
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Guidelines to Freedom Part 3 - What's in a Name by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not divorcing praise and worship from the proclamation of truth. He believes that it is the truth that gives substance to o |
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Pastor Clarifies Position on Gun Debate by Shane Idleman | This sermon addresses the topic of guns and self-defense from a biblical perspective, emphasizing the importance of not worshiping weapons but trusting in God for protection. It ch |