2 Kings 19:3

2 Kings 19:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.

King James Version KJV

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

American Standard Version ASV

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of contumely; for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they said to him, Hezekiah says, This day is a day of trouble and punishment and shame; for the children are ready to come to birth, but there is no strength to give birth to them.

Free Bible Version FBV

They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of trouble, of punishment and disgrace. It's like when babies arrive at the entrance to the birth canal but there's no strength to deliver them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And they said vnto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of tribulation and of rebuke, and blasphemie: for the childre are come to the birth, and there is no strength to bring foorth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and they say unto him, 'Thus said Hezekiah — A day of distress, and rebuke, and despising [is] this day; for come have sons unto the birth, and power there is not to bring forth.

World English Bible WEB

They said to him, “Hezekiah says, ‘Today is a day of trouble, of rebuke, and of rejection; for the children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to deliver them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they said to him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children have come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they said to him: Thus saith Ezechias: This day is a day of tribulation, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: the children are come to the birth, and the woman in travail hath not strength.

Translation for Translators T4T

He said to them, “Tell this to Isaiah: ‘King Hezekiah says that we are having great distress/trouble now. Other nations are causing us to be insulted and disgraced. We are like [MET] a woman who is about to give birth to a child, but she does not have the strength that she needs to do it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 19:3

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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 19:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֗י/ו כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ יוֹם צָרָ֧ה וְ/תוֹכֵחָ֛ה וּ/נְאָצָ֖ה הַ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/זֶּ֑ה כִּ֣י בָ֤אוּ בָנִים֙ עַד מַשְׁבֵּ֔ר וְ/כֹ֥חַ אַ֖יִן לְ/לֵדָֽה

וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֵלָ֗י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

כֹּ֚ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

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

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ Chizqîyâh H2396 Hezekiah N-proper

יוֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

צָרָ֧ה tsârâh H6869 dearth N-fs

וְ/תוֹכֵחָ֛ה tôwkêchâh H8433 rebuke Conj | N-fs

וּ/נְאָצָ֖ה nᵉʼâtsâh H5007 contempt Conj | N-fs

הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

בָ֤אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3cp

בָנִים֙ bên H1121 son N-mp

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

מַשְׁבֵּ֔ר mishbêr H4866 birth N-ms

וְ/כֹ֥חַ kôach H3581 reptile Conj | N-ms

אַ֖יִן ʼayin H369 nothing Part

לְ/לֵדָֽה yâlad H3205 to beget Prep | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 19:3

וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

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.

אֵלָ֗י/ו 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.

כֹּ֚ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

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

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ Chizqîyâh H2396 "Hezekiah" N-proper

Hezekiah was a king of Judah who served Jehovah and removed idolatrous practices. He was the son of Ahaz and Abijah, and a great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet. His name means Jehovah is my strength.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1; father of: Amariah (H0568O) § Hezekiah or Hizkiah or Hizkijah = "Jehovah is my strength" 1) 12th king of Judah, son of Ahaz and Abijah; a good king in that he served Jehovah and did away with idolatrous practices 2) great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet 3) son of Neariah, a descendant of David 4) head of a family of returning exiles in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Compare H3169 (יְחִזְקִיָּה). See also: 2 Kings 16:20; 2 Chronicles 31:20; Proverbs 25:1.

יוֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

צָרָ֧ה tsârâh H6869 "dearth" N-fs

A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.

Definition: death, destitution

Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.

וְ/תוֹכֵחָ֛ה tôwkêchâh H8433 "rebuke" Conj | N-fs

This Hebrew word means argument, correction, or reproof, often referring to a verbal rebuke or chastisement. It involves reasoning or proof to make a point or correct someone.

Definition: rebuke, correction, punishment, chastisement

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: argument, [idiom] chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, [idiom] be (often) reproved. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Proverbs 12:1; Psalms 38:15.

וּ/נְאָצָ֖ה nᵉʼâtsâh H5007 "contempt" Conj | N-fs

Contempt or scorn refers to a strong feeling of disrespect, often directed at God or others. This word is used in the Bible to describe blasphemy, emphasizing the seriousness of such actions. In the book of Numbers, contempt is shown towards God's laws.

Definition: contempt, contumely Another spelling of ne.a.tsah (נֶאָצָה "contempt" H5007B)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: blasphemy. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Nehemiah 9:26; Isaiah 37:3.

הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֑ה 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.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

בָ֤אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

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.

בָנִים֙ bên H1121 "son" N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

מַשְׁבֵּ֔ר mishbêr H4866 "birth" N-ms

This term refers to the womb or birth, describing the place where a baby is born. In the Bible, it is used to describe the miracle of childbirth. The KJV translates it as birth or breaking forth.

Definition: 1) place of breaking forth, place of breach, opening 1a) of womb

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: birth, breaking forth. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Isaiah 37:3; Hosea 13:13.

וְ/כֹ֥חַ kôach H3581 "reptile" Conj | N-ms

Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.

Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown

Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.

אַ֖יִן ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

לְ/לֵדָֽה yâlad H3205 "to beget" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 19:3

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Context
Cross References
2 Kings 19:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 19:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 19:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:3
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:3
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:3
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 19:3
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 19:3
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:3
Sermons on 2 Kings 19:3

Context — Isaiah’s Message of Deliverance

1On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. 2And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz

3to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.

4Perhaps the LORD your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to defy the living God, and He will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives.” 5So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 30:5–7	Yes, this is what the LORD says: “A cry of panic is heard— a cry of terror, not of peace. Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale? How awful that day will be! None will be like it! It is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved out of it.
2	Isaiah 66:9	Shall I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD. “Or will I who deliver close the womb?” says your God.
3	Hosea 13:13	Labor pains come upon him, but he is an unwise son. When the time arrives, he fails to present himself at the opening of the womb.
4	Hebrews 3:15–16	As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.” For who were the ones who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?
5	Isaiah 26:17–18	As a woman with child about to give birth writhes and cries out in pain, so were we in Your presence, O LORD. We were with child; we writhed in pain; but we gave birth to wind. We have given no salvation to the earth, nor brought any life into the world.
6	Hosea 5:15–1	—
7	Psalms 123:3–4	Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud.
8	Psalms 39:11	You discipline and correct a man for his iniquity, consuming like a moth what he holds dear; surely each man is but a vapor. Selah
9	2 Kings 18:29	This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you; he cannot deliver you from my hand.
10	Psalms 95:8	do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness,

2 Kings 19:3 Summary

This verse describes a very difficult time for King Hezekiah and the nation of Judah. They were being threatened by a powerful enemy, and Hezekiah felt like they were in a desperate situation, similar to a woman who is too weak to give birth. Hezekiah recognized their helplessness and turned to God for help, which is a great example for us to follow when we face our own challenges (Psalms 46:1, Isaiah 41:10). By trusting in God's power and mercy, we can find strength and hope, even in the most difficult times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the phrase 'children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them' mean in this context?

This phrase is a metaphor for the desperate situation in which Judah finds itself, much like a woman in labor who is too weak to give birth, highlighting the helplessness and distress of the people, as seen in 2 Kings 19:3, similar to the feelings of desperation expressed in Psalms 107:39.

Why does Hezekiah describe the day as one of 'distress, rebuke, and disgrace'?

Hezekiah uses these words to convey the severity of the situation and the shame that Judah is experiencing due to the threats and blasphemies of the Assyrian Rabshakeh, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:19-37, which is reminiscent of the prophet's call to repentance in Isaiah 1:16-17.

How does this verse relate to Hezekiah's faith and trust in God?

This verse shows Hezekiah's recognition of Judah's desperate situation, but it also sets the stage for his prayer and trust in God, as seen in 2 Kings 19:4, demonstrating his faith in the power and mercy of God, similar to the trust expressed in Psalms 37:3-7.

What can we learn from Hezekiah's response to this crisis?

Hezekiah's response teaches us the importance of humility, prayer, and seeking God's guidance in times of distress, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalms 50:15.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond when faced with situations that seem hopeless or overwhelming, and what can I learn from Hezekiah's example?
In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking God's guidance and intervention in my own life, especially in times of crisis?
What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am in 'labor' but lack the strength to 'deliver', and how can I trust God to help me in those situations?
How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and mercy, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, as Hezekiah did in 2 Kings 19:3?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 19:3

[See comments on 2 Kings 19:1]

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 19:3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:3

A day of trouble and of rebuke; either, 1. From God, wherein God rebukes and chastens us sorely. Or rather, 2. From the Assyrian, who reviles and reproacheth us; for his business here is to complain, not of God, but of the Assyrian. We are like a poor travailing woman in great extremity, and having no strength left to help herself, and to bring forth her infant into the world. We have attempted to deliver ourselves from the Assyrian yoke; and had carried on that work to some maturity, and, as we thought, brought it to the birth; but now we have no might to finish, unless thou assist us. We have begun a happy reformation, and are hindered by this insolent Assyrian from bringing it to perfection. See .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:3

2 Kings 19:3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day [is] a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and [there is] not strength to bring forth.Ver. 3. For the children are come to the birth.] We are greatly pained and perplexed, our hearts do even ache and quake within us, at the hearing of these horrid blasphemies; but we want strength to punish them: we humbly put them into God’ s holy hands, and beseech him to take an order with them, for which end thy prayers are requested. Or, We are now in extreme danger, and do therefore earnestly implore Heaven’ s help at a dead lift.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:3

(3) Rebuke.—Rather, chastisement (Hosea 5:9). The verb means to give judgment, punish, &c. It occurs in the next verse, “will reprove the words,” or rather, punish for the words.Blasphemy.—Comp. Isaiah 1:4; Isaiah 5:24, where the cognate verb is used; and Nehemiah 9:18; Nehemiah 9:26, where the noun “provocations” is almost identical. The children are come . . .—With this proverb, expressive of the utter collapse of all human resources, comp. the similar language of Hosea (Hosea 13:13).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:3

Verse 3. The children are come to the birth] The Jewish state is here represented under the emblem of a woman in travail, who has been so long in the pangs of parturition, that her strength is now entirely exhausted, and her deliverance is hopeless, without a miracle. The image is very fine and highly appropriate. A similar image is employed by Homer, when he represents the agonies which Agamemnon suffers from his wound: - Οφραοἱαἱμ' ετιθερμονανηνοθενεξωτειλης· Λυταρεπειτομενἑλκοςετερσετοπαυσατοδ' αἱμα, ΟξειαιοδυναιδυνονμενοςΑτρειδαο· Ωςδ' ὁτανωδινουσανεχῃβελοςοξυγυναικα, Δριμυ, τοτεπροΐεισιμογοστοκοιΕιλειθυιαι Ἡρηςθυγατερεςπικραςωδιναςεχουσαι· Ὡςοξει' οδυναιδυνονμενοςΑτρειδαο. Il. xi., ver. 266. This, while yet warm, distill'd the purple flood; But when the wound grew stiff with clotted blood, Then grinding tortures his strong bosom rend. Less keen those darts the fierce Ilythiae send, The powers that cause the teeming matron's throes, Sad mothers of unutterable woes. POPE. Better translated by Macpherson; but in neither well: "So long as from the gaping wound gushed forth, in its warmth, the blood; but when the wound became dry, when ceased the blood to flow amain, sharp pains pervade the strength of Atrides. Racking pangs glide through his frame; as when the Ilythiae, who preside over births, the daughters of white armed Juno, fierce dealers of bitter pains, throw all their darts on hapless women, that travail with child. Such pains pervade the strength of Atrides."

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 19:3

3. This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy] R.V. contumely. The words refer to the condition of Hezekiah and his people. First they are in great anguish, kept in and surrounded by a threatening and mighty enemy, this is the trouble: then they are reminded of their offences and feel that for their wrong they are under chastisement and reproof: and lastly, that they are given over to the adversaries so that their enemies mock at their confidence with insolent derision. Hence without help from God, and with no hope from men, their conceptions of freedom and liberty were likely all to prove abortive, and come to no result. The figure which the king employs indicates that they were in the extremest danger, and had no power to save themselves.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 19:3

The “trouble” consisted in rebuke” (rather, “chastisement,”) for sins at the hand of God, and “blasphemy” (rather, “reproach,”) at the hands of man. The children ... - i.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 19:3

3. A day of trouble — Better, a day of anguish, or, of deep distress. Rebuke — Hezekiah recognised in his affliction a Divine reproval and chastisement.

Sermons on 2 Kings 19:3

	Sermon	Description
	The Suffering of Israel by John F. Walvoord	John F. Walvoord preaches about the predicted suffering of Israel as a major aspect of Biblical prophecy, highlighting the paradox of a chosen nation destined for suffering due to
	True Gospel - Pt6 - Acceptance in the Beloved by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences and reflections on his journey with God. He talks about how he initially approached serving God with a strong work ethic, bu
	Humility by Andrew Murray	The preacher delves into the concept of 'irrevocable' in the Bible, emphasizing that God's gifts and callings are unchangeable and incapable of being taken back. This means that Go
	Letter 134. by James Bourne	James Bourne emphasizes the importance of pastors being spiritually vigilant and diligent in their ministry, ensuring their message comes directly from the Lord to avoid worldly di
	Jesus Today by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the sacrifice of Jesus. He highlights the role of Jesus as our High Priest who sympathizes with our weakn
	Hearing His Voice by B.H. Clendennen	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changes in worship and preaching over time. He shares an experience in an English church where singing took up a significant portion of
	After This the Judgement (Compilation) by Compilations	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for eternity and asks the listeners to examine their souls. He urges them to test themselves in the light of scr