2 Kings 19:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Of a truth {H551}, LORD {H3068}, the kings {H4428} of Assyria {H804} have destroyed {H2717} the nations {H1471} and their lands {H776},

Complete Jewish Bible

It is true, ADONAI, that the kings of Ashur have laid waste the nations and their lands

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Of a truth, Jehovah, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Hezekiah's raw and honest acknowledgment of the formidable power of the Assyrian Empire within his desperate prayer to the LORD. Facing an overwhelming siege by Sennacherib, Hezekiah lays bare the undeniable truth that Assyrian kings had indeed devastated numerous nations and their lands, thereby setting the stage for a plea that transcends human capability and relies solely on divine intervention. This verse underscores the reality of the crisis while implicitly affirming God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical narrative in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Hezekiah's Prayer and Deliverance"), immediately following Hezekiah's receipt of a blasphemous and threatening letter from Sennacherib, the King of Assyria. Having spread the letter before the LORD in the temple (as described in [2 Kings 19:14](/2_kings/19-14 "2 Kings 19:14 - Hezekiah Spreads the Letter Before the LORD")), Hezekiah begins a fervent prayer that acknowledges the dire reality of Judah's situation. Verse 17 serves as the factual premise upon which his subsequent plea for divine deliverance is built, highlighting the overwhelming human odds against Judah and thus magnifying the need for God's miraculous intervention. It transitions from the external threat to Hezekiah's internal posture of humble yet confident supplication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a ruthless military power renowned for its efficiency, brutality, and policy of mass deportation. King Sennacherib (705-681 BCE) had already conquered numerous cities in Judah, including Lachish, and was now laying siege to Jerusalem. Assyrian propaganda, as seen in Sennacherib's letter, often boasted of their gods' superiority over conquered nations' deities and their kings' unparalleled might. The statement in [2 Kings 19:17](/2_kings/19-17 "2 Kings 19:17 - Hezekiah's Acknowledgment of Assyrian Power") is not an exaggeration but a sober reflection of historical fact; Assyria had indeed "destroyed the nations and their lands" across the Near East, leaving a trail of devastation and fear. Judah, a small kingdom, was acutely aware of this historical precedent and their own precarious position.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Kings 19:17](/2_kings/19-17 "2 Kings 19:17 - Hezekiah's Acknowledgment of Assyrian Power") contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it embodies the theme of **Honest Acknowledgment of Reality** in prayer, demonstrating that genuine faith does not deny the severity of a situation but brings it transparently before God. Secondly, it highlights the **Reality of Human Destruction** and the devastating impact of worldly power when unchecked by divine authority, contrasting human might with God's ultimate sovereignty. This sets the stage for the theme of **Divine Intervention** and **Deliverance**, as Hezekiah's prayer implicitly emphasizes that only God can overcome such an overwhelming force. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Trust in God Amidst Overwhelming Odds**, showcasing Hezekiah's profound faith that even in the face of certain human defeat, God's power is sufficient to save. This aligns with the broader message of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") concerning the consequences of obedience and disobedience, and God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Truth (Hebrew, _ʼomnâm'_):** This adverb (H551) functions as an emphatic declaration, underscoring the undeniable reality and certainty of Hezekiah's statement. It conveys "verily," "indeed," or "surely," indicating that Hezekiah is not expressing doubt or a mere opinion, but a firm affirmation of a widely known and observable historical fact. This honest admission sets a powerful precedent for prayer, demonstrating that genuine faith does not require minimizing the enemy's strength but bringing the unvarnished truth before the Almighty.
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** The verb (H2717) means "to parch," "to desolate," "to destroy," or "to lay waste." It vividly conveys the totality and finality of the Assyrian conquests, implying not just defeat but comprehensive ruin. This emphasizes the brutal and comprehensive nature of Assyrian warfare, leaving lands desolate and populations shattered, making their threat to Judah all the more terrifying and highlighting the immense power they wielded.
* **Nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) refers to foreign peoples or ethnic groups, often used in contrast to Israel. In this context, it highlights the vast scope of Assyrian devastation, indicating that their destructive power was not limited to a single kingdom but had swept across numerous independent peoples and their territories. Hezekiah's use of "nations" underscores the widespread impact of Assyrian might, further emphasizing the existential threat facing Judah as just one more "nation" in their path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of a truth, LORD":** This opening phrase establishes the tone of Hezekiah's prayer: a direct, honest address to God, acknowledging a grim reality. "Of a truth" (Hebrew: _ʼomnâm'_) emphasizes the undeniable certainty of what follows. Hezekiah is not questioning or doubting but stating a known fact. The direct address "LORD" (Yahweh) signifies that this is a personal and covenantal appeal to the God of Israel, the one who has the power to intervene.
* **"the kings of Assyria have destroyed":** This clause directly names the perpetrators and their actions. "The kings of Assyria" refers to the succession of powerful monarchs who built the empire, collectively responsible for its devastating conquests. "Have destroyed" (Hebrew: _chârab_) points to a completed action with lasting consequences, highlighting the historical track record of Assyrian brutality and success. This is not a hypothetical threat but a proven pattern of devastation.
* **"the nations and their lands,":** This specifies the victims and the scope of the Assyrian destruction. "The nations" (Hebrew: _gôyim_) refers to the various peoples and kingdoms surrounding Judah, many of whom had already fallen to Assyrian might. "And their lands" indicates the complete subjugation and desolation of their territories, often involving the razing of cities, destruction of infrastructure, and deportation of populations. This paints a picture of comprehensive ruin, underscoring the existential threat facing Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Acknowledgment** is central, as Hezekiah explicitly states a universally recognized truth, demonstrating his **Realism** in prayer. This realism is not despair but a foundation for faith, as it sets the stage for God to act against overwhelming odds. The statement also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, implicitly hinting at the unique nature of Judah's God, who is unlike the gods of the "nations" that Assyria had so easily "destroyed." The contrast between Assyria's past successes and the anticipated divine intervention for Judah creates a dramatic tension. Furthermore, the simplicity and directness of the language contribute to its **Pathos**, conveying the gravity of the situation and the sincerity of Hezekiah's desperate plea.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hezekiah's honest acknowledgment in 2 Kings 19:17 is a profound theological statement. It demonstrates that true faith does not require a denial of reality or a minimization of the enemy's strength. Instead, it involves bringing the full weight of one's circumstances, no matter how dire, before a God who is sovereign over all earthly powers. By stating the undeniable truth of Assyria's destructive capability, Hezekiah implicitly magnifies God's power, setting the stage for a miraculous deliverance that would unequivocally demonstrate Yahweh's uniqueness among all gods. This act of transparent prayer, rooted in a clear-eyed view of both human power and divine omnipotence, becomes a model for believers facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. It underscores that our God is not intimidated by the giants we face, but rather, He is glorified when He acts in situations where human strength has utterly failed.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Isaiah 37:18](/isaiah/37-18 "Isaiah 37:18 - Parallel Account of Hezekiah's Prayer")
* [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the Heavens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's prayer in 2 Kings 19:17 offers a powerful paradigm for our own spiritual lives. In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges—be they personal struggles, societal injustices, or global crises—it is tempting to either deny the severity of our circumstances or to succumb to despair. Hezekiah demonstrates a third way: an honest, unvarnished acknowledgment of the "truth" of the situation, coupled with an unwavering turning to the LORD. This verse reminds us that God is not afraid of our fears, our doubts, or the stark realities we face. He invites us to bring our most terrifying truths before Him, knowing that His power is not diminished by the magnitude of our problems, but rather, it is often most clearly displayed when human solutions are exhausted. Our honesty in prayer is not a sign of weakness, but a profound act of faith, recognizing that only God possesses the ultimate power to overcome what seems insurmountable. It encourages us to lay out our "Assyrian threats" before the Lord, trusting that His sovereignty extends even over the most destructive forces in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "truths" or overwhelming realities in your life are you hesitant to bring before God?**
* **How does Hezekiah's honest prayer challenge your own approach to prayer when facing difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways does acknowledging the power of an adversary, while still trusting in God, strengthen your faith rather than diminish it?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Hezekiah to state an obvious truth to God? Didn't God already know?**

Answer: While God is indeed omniscient and knows all things, Hezekiah's statement in [2 Kings 19:17](/2_kings/19-17 "2 Kings 19:17 - Hezekiah's Acknowledgment of Assyrian Power") serves several crucial purposes for Hezekiah himself and for the narrative. Firstly, it demonstrates Hezekiah's **humility and realism**. He is not pretending the threat is small or that Judah has any human means of escape. He is laying bare the full, terrifying reality before God, showing that he understands the gravity of the situation. Secondly, it is an act of **confession and dependence**. By acknowledging the overwhelming power of Assyria, Hezekiah implicitly declares that only a power greater than Assyria—God's power—can save them. This sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, emphasizing that the deliverance is purely divine and not due to any human strength or strategy. Thirdly, it is a **foundational element of a genuine prayer**. Just as a child brings their fears to a parent, Hezekiah brings his national fear to God, not to inform Him, but to express his trust and reliance on Him in the face of an undeniable, overwhelming threat. This honest engagement is a hallmark of biblical prayer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's acknowledgment of the Assyrian kings' destructive power in [2 Kings 19:17](/2_kings/19-17 "2 Kings 19:17 - Hezekiah's Acknowledgment of Assyrian Power") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who confronts and overcomes the true "destroyer" of humanity: sin and death. Just as Hezekiah faced an enemy whose track record of destruction was undeniable, humanity faces the pervasive reality of spiritual death and separation from God, a consequence of sin's reign ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")). The kings of Assyria could destroy lands and nations, but they could not conquer death itself. Jesus, however, entered a world utterly ravaged by sin, acknowledging its devastating power over all humanity ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ decisively defeated the spiritual "destroyer"—Satan and the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Hezekiah's prayer for deliverance from a physical enemy foreshadows the ultimate deliverance Christ provides from spiritual bondage, offering true freedom and eternal life to all who believe ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")). Thus, the historical reality of Assyrian destruction points forward to the greater spiritual reality of sin's devastation, and the miraculous intervention for Judah anticipates the infinitely greater salvation accomplished by the Lamb of God.

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

Luke 22:59

And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this [fellow] also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

2 Kings 17:6

In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor [by] the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.

Job 9:2

I know [it is] so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?

Isaiah 5:9

In mine ears [said] the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, [even] great and fair, without inhabitant.

1 Corinthians 14:25

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

1 Chronicles 5:26

And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.

Acts 4:27

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,