2 Kings 19:15

KJV

And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest [between] the cherubims, thou art the God, [even] thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hezekiah {H2396} prayed {H6419} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559}, O LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, which dwellest {H3427} between the cherubims {H3742}, thou art the God {H430}, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms {H4467} of the earth {H776}; thou hast made {H6213} heaven {H8064} and earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hizkiyahu prayed as follows in the presence of ADONAI: "ADONAI God of Isra'el, who dwells above the k'ruvim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms on earth. You made heaven and earth.

Berean Standard Bible

And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth.

American Standard Version

And Hezekiah prayed before Jehovah, and said, O Jehovah, the God of Israel, that sittest above the cherubim, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 19:15 presents King Hezekiah's fervent prayer during Judah's dire crisis, as the Assyrian Empire under Sennacherib besieges Jerusalem and blasphemes the God of Israel. In this pivotal moment, Hezekiah humbly approaches the LORD, affirming His unique identity as the sovereign God who dwells enthroned above the cherubim, the sole ruler over all earthly kingdoms, and the Creator of heaven and earth. This verse encapsulates a profound act of faith, acknowledging God's supreme authority and power in the face of overwhelming human might and a direct challenge to His divine honor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates King Hezekiah's direct and personal appeal to the LORD, serving as a critical turning point in the narrative of the Assyrian siege against Jerusalem. Immediately preceding this prayer, the text details the escalating aggression of Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, who had already conquered numerous fortified cities in Judah and now laid siege to Jerusalem. Sennacherib had sent a letter filled with contemptuous and blasphemous taunts against the LORD, challenging His ability to deliver Judah, just as the gods of other nations had failed to protect their people from Assyrian might. In response to this grave insult and the overwhelming military threat, Hezekiah demonstrated profound spiritual humility and dependence: he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. He also dispatched a delegation to the prophet Isaiah for divine counsel. Isaiah's subsequent prophecy offered a glimmer of hope, promising God's decisive intervention. Hezekiah's prayer, which begins in this verse and extends through [2 Kings 19:19](/2_kings/19-19 "2 Kings 19:19 - Hezekiah's Prayer for Deliverance"), is his personal, heartfelt supplication to God, showcasing his deep trust and understanding of God's character amidst an unprecedented national emergency.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events depicted in 2 Kings 18-19 transpired around 701 BCE, a period marked by the formidable dominance of the Assyrian Empire in the ancient Near East. Assyria was notorious for its brutal military campaigns, effective siege warfare, and policy of deporting conquered peoples. Sennacherib's campaign had already devastated much of Judah, including the strategically important city of Lachish, leaving Jerusalem as the last remaining stronghold. Culturally, it was a common belief among ancient nations that a military victory or defeat reflected the power or impotence of their respective gods. Sennacherib's taunts were strategically designed to demoralize Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem by asserting the powerlessness of Yahweh, equating Him with the vanquished deities of other nations. Hezekiah's prayer, particularly his bold affirmation of God as "the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth," directly confronts this polytheistic and nationalistic worldview. It asserts the unique, universal, and unrivaled sovereignty of the God of Israel. The reference to God dwelling "between the cherubims" is a direct allusion to the Ark of the Covenant, located in the Holy of Holies within the Jerusalem Temple, symbolizing God's special, covenantal presence among His people and His accessibility to their prayers, even as He reigns transcendentally.

* **Key Themes:** Hezekiah's prayer in [2 Kings 19:15](/2_kings/19-15 "2 Kings 19:15 - Hezekiah's Prayer to God") powerfully articulates several foundational theological themes that are central to biblical faith. Foremost among these is the **Sovereignty of God**, declared in Hezekiah's audacious statement that the LORD is "the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth." This declaration directly refutes Sennacherib's blasphemous claims and underscores God's absolute dominion over all nations, their rulers, and all historical circumstances, a truth consistently affirmed throughout scripture, such as in [Psalm 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Sovereignty Over All"). Secondly, the theme of **God's Unique Identity** is emphatically conveyed by the phrase "thou alone," distinguishing Yahweh from the myriad of pagan deities worshipped by other nations. This monotheistic declaration is a cornerstone of Israelite theology and sets God apart as incomparable. Thirdly, **God as Creator** is highlighted by the affirmation, "thou hast made heaven and earth." This foundational truth, first articulated in [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - The Creation Account"), underscores God's omnipotence and His inherent right and power to rule over all creation, providing the ultimate basis for His ability to deliver His people from any foe, regardless of their perceived might. Finally, the act of **Humble and Trusting Prayer** in the face of insurmountable odds serves as a profound model for all believers, demonstrating the transformative power of aligning one's perspective with God's truth and character rather than succumbing to fear or human limitations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwellest (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root meaning "to sit down (specifically as judge, in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain." In the context of "dwellest between the cherubims," this word signifies God's majestic enthronement and active presence. It portrays God not as a static deity but as the sovereign King who sits upon His throne, actively ruling and being present with His people, particularly in the Holy of Holies, from where He exercises His power and hears prayers.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, the plural of `ʼĕlôaḥ`, referring to "gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God." When Hezekiah addresses the "LORD God of Israel" and declares "thou art the God," he uses this term to denote the singular, supreme, and true God who is distinct from and superior to all other so-called gods. It emphasizes Yahweh's absolute deity, power, and authority over all creation and all other entities.
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." By stating "thou hast made heaven and earth," Hezekiah attributes the act of creation to God. This verb underscores God's omnipotence and His foundational role as the originator of all existence. It serves as the ultimate basis for His authority and His limitless capacity to intervene in human affairs, as the One who brought everything into being can certainly control and direct all things.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said":** This opening clause immediately establishes the king's posture and action. "Prayed before the LORD" indicates a formal, reverent, and direct appeal to God, signifying Hezekiah's humility and his immediate turning to divine intervention rather than relying solely on human strength or political strategy in a moment of extreme national crisis. It highlights his spiritual leadership and dependence.
* **"O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims":** Hezekiah addresses God by His covenant name (LORD, Yahweh) and as the specific "God of Israel," emphasizing God's unique, redemptive relationship with His chosen people. The phrase "which dwellest between the cherubims" invokes God's majestic and glorious presence, specifically associated with the Ark of the Covenant in the Temple's Holy of Holies. This is an appeal to God's manifested glory, His covenant faithfulness, and His active rule from His sacred throne, signifying His accessibility and power to intervene from His dwelling place.
* **"thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth":** This is a profound theological declaration and the core of Hezekiah's confession. Hezekiah asserts God's absolute uniqueness ("thou alone") and His universal sovereignty ("of all the kingdoms of the earth"). This statement directly refutes the Assyrian king's blasphemous claims that Yahweh is merely a local deity, affirming instead that the God of Israel is the supreme ruler over all nations, their kings, and their destinies. It is a powerful declaration of monotheism and divine omnipotence, challenging the polytheistic worldview of the ancient world.
* **"thou hast made heaven and earth":** This final clause provides the ultimate and irrefutable basis for God's authority and power. By acknowledging God as the Creator of the entire cosmos, Hezekiah grounds his plea in God's omnipotence and His ultimate claim over all existence. The One who brought all things into being from nothing is infinitely capable of controlling all circumstances and delivering His people from any earthly foe, regardless of their might. This foundational truth reassures Hezekiah and serves as a powerful declaration of God's limitless power and dominion over all creation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful **literary devices** that enhance its theological depth and emotional resonance. **Invocation** is central, as Hezekiah directly addresses God with specific titles and attributes ("O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims"), setting a tone of reverence, intimacy, and direct appeal. The prayer is structured around powerful **declarations** or **affirmations** about God's nature ("thou art the God," "thou alone," "thou hast made heaven and earth"), which serve to articulate profound theological truths, bolster faith in the face of doubt, and directly counter the enemy's blasphemies. There is an implicit **contrast** drawn between the finite power of human empires (like Assyria) and their false, impotent gods, and the boundless, universal, and unrivaled sovereignty of Yahweh. The phrase "heaven and earth" functions as a **merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent a whole, signifying the totality of creation and thus God's absolute dominion over all things. Finally, the phrase "dwellest between the cherubims" evokes an implied **theophany**, pointing to God's manifested, glorious presence, which serves to remind both Hezekiah and the reader of God's active engagement and covenant faithfulness with His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hezekiah's prayer in 2 Kings 19:15 is a theological masterpiece, articulating core truths about God's nature that resonate throughout the biblical narrative and remain foundational for Christian theology. It profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and all human affairs, challenging any notion of rival deities or limited divine power. His acknowledgment of God as the sole Creator provides the ultimate foundation for His authority and His ability to intervene decisively in history. This prayer serves as a timeless model for believers facing overwhelming challenges, demonstrating that true faith involves shifting focus from the magnitude of the problem to the infinite greatness and unique character of God. It reminds us that our security and hope are found not in human strength, political alliances, or military might, but in the omnipotent God who holds all kingdoms in His hand and whose promised presence is assured to His covenant people.

* [Psalm 99:1](/psalms/99-1 "Psalm 99:1 - God Enthroned Above the Cherubim")
* [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - God as the First and Last, No Other God")
* [Jeremiah 32:17](/jeremiah/32-17 "Jeremiah 32:17 - God the Creator of Heaven and Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's prayer offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers navigating personal crises, societal upheavals, or spiritual battles. When faced with situations that seem insurmountable, our primary response should mirror Hezekiah's: to turn to God in humble, direct, and faith-filled prayer. The transformative power of his prayer lies in his accurate and reverent acknowledgment of who God is—the sovereign Lord, the unique God of all nations, and the Creator of all things. This perspective shifts our focus from the daunting nature of our problems to the limitless power and unwavering faithfulness of our God. By affirming God's attributes, we not only express our trust but also align our hearts and minds with divine reality, fostering a deep confidence that the One who created the universe is more than capable of delivering us from any earthly foe or personal struggle. His prayer reminds us that true security is found not in human strength, strategic planning, or worldly wisdom, but in the omnipotent God who reigns supreme over all circumstances and whose presence is our ultimate refuge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hezekiah's acknowledgment of God's attributes (sovereignty, uniqueness, creation) strengthen his prayer and serve as a model for our own prayers in crisis?**
* **In what ways do I tend to rely on human strength, worldly solutions, or my own understanding instead of turning to God's omnipotence when facing overwhelming challenges?**
* **What does it mean for me to pray to the God "who dwellest between the cherubims" in my daily life, recognizing His majestic presence, covenant faithfulness, and accessibility?**
* **How can meditating on God as the Creator of "heaven and earth" impact my perspective on seemingly insurmountable obstacles, personal struggles, or even global issues?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Hezekiah addressing God as "which dwellest between the cherubims"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to God's special, manifested presence above the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies within the Jerusalem Temple. The cherubim's wings formed a symbolic throne for God, representing His majestic and transcendent glory, His active rule, and His immanence among His people. By invoking this specific attribute, Hezekiah appeals to God's covenant faithfulness and His power to act from His most sacred dwelling place, reminding himself and God of His unique relationship with Israel and His ability to intervene directly and powerfully on their behalf.

**How does Hezekiah's prayer challenge the Assyrian worldview and Sennacherib's taunts?**

Answer: Hezekiah's prayer directly counters the polytheistic and nationalistic worldview prevalent in the ancient Near East. Sennacherib's taunts implied that Yahweh was merely a local deity, no more powerful than the gods of other nations that Assyria had conquered. Hezekiah's declaration, "thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth," is a powerful assertion of Yahweh's absolute monotheism and universal sovereignty. It proclaims that the God of Israel is not just *a* god among many, but the *only* true God, the Creator of all things, and therefore the supreme ruler over all nations and their kings, unlike any other deity. This theological statement profoundly undermines Sennacherib's blasphemous claims and establishes God's unique and unchallenged authority.

**Why is acknowledging God as "Creator of heaven and earth" important in prayer, especially during a crisis?**

Answer: Acknowledging God as the "Creator of heaven and earth" is crucial because it establishes His omnipotence and absolute authority over all existence. In a crisis, when human resources and strength are clearly insufficient, affirming God as Creator reminds the worshiper that the One who brought the entire cosmos into being from nothing possesses limitless power. If God can create everything, He is certainly capable of controlling all circumstances, overcoming any foe, and delivering His people from any threat. This foundational truth provides immense confidence and hope, shifting the focus from the overwhelming problem to the infinitely capable God, whose creative power guarantees His redemptive power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's prayer, deeply rooted in the Old Testament understanding of God's unique sovereignty and creative power, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound revelation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The God "who dwellest between the cherubims," signifying His glorious presence and active rule, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us"). The longing for God's tangible immanence, foreshadowed by the Ark and the Temple, is fully realized in the Incarnation, where God literally "tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, Hezekiah's declaration that God is "alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth" and the Creator of "heaven and earth" points directly to Christ's preeminence and cosmic authority. The New Testament unequivocally affirms that [all things were created through Him and for Him](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer"), and that He is the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") over every earthly and heavenly domain. Hezekiah's plea for deliverance from a mighty earthly foe foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over the spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the powers of darkness, offering a far greater and eternal salvation. In Christ, the God Hezekiah prayed to is not only revealed in His fullness but also actively reigns, bringing about a new creation for all who believe and trust in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 25:22

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Daniel 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation:

Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Isaiah 44:8

Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? ye [are] even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any].

2 Kings 5:15

¶ And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that [there is] no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.

Jeremiah 10:10

But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

Jeremiah 10:12

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.