2 Kings 19:24

KJV

I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have digged {H6979} and drunk {H8354} strange {H2114} waters {H4325}, and with the sole {H3709} of my feet {H6471} have I dried {H2717} up all the rivers {H2975} of besieged places {H4693}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I dug [wells] in foreign lands, and I drank the water. The soles of my [soldiers'] feet dried up all the rivers of Egypt."

Berean Standard Bible

I have dug wells and drunk foreign waters. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.”

American Standard Version

I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet will I dry up all the rivers of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures the arrogant and blasphemous boast of King Sennacherib of Assyria, who, in his letter to King Hezekiah, asserts his overwhelming military might and logistical prowess. He claims to have effortlessly conquered all obstacles, including natural defenses and water sources in foreign lands, portraying himself as an unstoppable force whose will triumphs over all resistance. This declaration of self-sufficiency and absolute power sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation between human hubris and divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Sennacherib's taunting letter to King Hezekiah, delivered to Jerusalem, as recorded in [2 Kings 19:10-13](/2_kings/19-10 "2 Kings 19:10-13 - Sennacherib's Threat to Hezekiah"). The letter's primary purpose was to demoralize Hezekiah and the people of Judah, compelling them to surrender without a fight by highlighting the Assyrian king's past conquests and perceived invincibility. Sennacherib's boastful rhetoric stands in stark contrast to Hezekiah's humble and desperate prayer to the Lord, which immediately follows in [2 Kings 19:14-19](/2_kings/19-14 "2 Kings 19:14-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer for Deliverance"). The verse thus serves as a crucial setup for the divine intervention that God promises through the prophet Isaiah, directly challenging Sennacherib's blasphemous claims and ultimately demonstrating God's supreme power over all earthly rulers.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - God Delivers Jerusalem from Assyria") occurred during the late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, known for its brutal military campaigns and sophisticated siege warfare. King Sennacherib (reigned 705-681 BCE) was a formidable ruler who had already conquered numerous nations and cities, including many in Judah, before turning his attention to Jerusalem in 701 BCE. Assyrian kings were renowned for their monumental inscriptions and propaganda, often boasting of their unparalleled military achievements, logistical capabilities, and the subjugation of both human and natural obstacles. The ability to secure water sources in foreign territories ("digged and drunk strange waters") was a testament to a large army's self-sufficiency, while overcoming river defenses ("dried up all the rivers") was a hyperbolic claim of absolute dominance over geographical barriers, crucial for besieged cities.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme highlighted by Sennacherib's boast is the profound contrast between **Human Arrogance and Divine Sovereignty**. Sennacherib attributes all his successes to his own power, ingenuity, and military might, completely disregarding any divine influence or the ultimate authority of God. This self-exaltation, or **hubris**, is a recurring motif in biblical narratives, often preceding a dramatic downfall, as seen later in Sennacherib's fate. The verse also underscores the theme of **Overwhelming Military Power vs. God's Omnipotence**, setting the stage for God to demonstrate that no human force, however formidable, can thwart His purposes. Furthermore, it exemplifies **Intimidation and Psychological Warfare**, as Sennacherib's words were designed to instil fear and break the spirit of the besieged, making resistance seem futile. Ultimately, the passage serves to affirm the theme of **Trust in God's Deliverance**, as Hezekiah's response of prayer and God's subsequent intervention vindicate the belief that true security lies not in human strength but in divine protection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"digged" (Hebrew, חָפַר, _ḥāpar_):** This verb signifies the act of digging, excavating, or searching for something hidden, often water. In this context, it emphasizes Sennacherib's active effort, resourcefulness, and logistical capability to find or create water sources in arid or hostile foreign lands, ensuring his army's sustenance where local provisions were unavailable or denied. It speaks to a deliberate and successful overcoming of natural scarcity.
* **"strange waters" (Hebrew, מַיִם זָרִים, _mayim zārîm_):** Literally "foreign waters," this phrase refers to water sources found in conquered or enemy territory, not naturally accessible or belonging to the Assyrians. It underscores the extent of Sennacherib's conquests and his army's ability to operate independently and sustain itself deep within hostile lands, demonstrating a complete mastery over the resources of vanquished foes.
* **"dried up" (Hebrew, חָרַב, _ḥārav_):** This verb means to be dry, to lay waste, to be desolate, or to cause to dry up. Here, it is used hyperbolically to convey Sennacherib's absolute power over natural barriers. It implies rendering rivers and canals useless, either by literally diverting or consuming their waters with his vast armies, or metaphorically by effortlessly overcoming any water-based defense a city might possess. It speaks to a destructive and overwhelming force.
* **"sole of my feet" (Hebrew, בְּכַף רַגְלַי, _b'khaf raglay_):** This idiomatic expression emphasizes the ease, contempt, and effortless dominance of Sennacherib's conquests. It suggests that his victories were so complete and his power so immense that he could overcome mighty natural obstacles as if merely walking over them, trampling them underfoot, reducing formidable rivers to dry ground with utter disdain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have digged and drunk strange waters":** This initial clause serves as a boast of the Assyrian king's unparalleled logistical and strategic prowess. It highlights his army's self-sufficiency and ability to penetrate and sustain itself deep within foreign, conquered territories. By "digging and drinking strange waters," Sennacherib claims to have overcome the fundamental challenge of water supply in enemy lands, showcasing his army's vastness and his own ingenuity in ensuring its survival and operational capacity, thereby demonstrating his complete control over the resources of vanquished nations.
* **"and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places":** This second clause is a powerful, hyperbolic declaration of Sennacherib's absolute dominance over natural defenses and geographical barriers. "Rivers" (Hebrew: _ye'orîm_) can refer to canals, streams, or even the Nile branches, which were often crucial defensive features for ancient cities. The claim to have "dried up" these vital water sources "with the sole of my feet" is a vivid metaphor. It implies that his forces were so overwhelming that they could either literally consume or divert water supplies, or, more likely, that no water-based defense, however formidable, could impede his effortless advance. This phrase underscores his contemptuous trampling over all obstacles, reducing even mighty rivers to insignificant dry ground under his command.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Hyperbole**, as Sennacherib's claims of literally drying up all rivers with his feet are extreme exaggerations designed to impress and intimidate. This exaggeration serves to magnify his perceived power and invincibility. It also employs **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**; "strange waters" and "dried up rivers" are not merely literal descriptions but serve as powerful metaphors for overcoming all forms of resistance and defenses. Water, often a symbol of life, sustenance, and security, is here depicted as being utterly subject to his destructive will. The entire statement is a prime example of **Boasting** and **Hubris**, a display of excessive pride and self-exaltation that directly challenges any notion of divine authority. The phrase "with the sole of my feet" uses **Synecdoche** (a part representing the whole) to emphasize the ease and contempt of his conquest, implying his entire army's effortless dominance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Sennacherib's boast in 2 Kings 19:24 stands as a stark biblical testament to human pride and self-exaltation, directly challenging the sovereignty of God. Theologically, it illustrates the principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")). Sennacherib attributes his successes solely to his own might and ingenuity, effectively deifying himself and dismissing the Lord as just another local deity to be conquered. This sets the stage for God's dramatic intervention, demonstrating that true power resides not in the strength of armies or the cunning of kings, but in the omnipotence of the Almighty. God's response to Sennacherib, detailed later in the chapter, serves as a powerful vindication of His unique authority and a warning against any who would elevate themselves above Him. The narrative emphasizes that God "frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts the purposes of the peoples" ([Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")), reminding us that His counsel alone stands firm.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Sennacherib's arrogant boast in 2 Kings 19:24 serves as a timeless mirror for human nature, exposing the pervasive temptation to rely on our own strength, resources, and achievements rather than on God's sovereign power. In our modern context, we might not "dry up rivers with the sole of our feet," but we often boast of our financial security, intellectual prowess, career achievements, or social influence, believing these to be the ultimate arbiters of our success and safety. This verse challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate trust and confidence truly lie. When faced with overwhelming challenges or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, do we, like Sennacherib, attempt to conquer them solely by our own might and ingenuity, or do we, like Hezekiah, humbly turn to God in prayer, acknowledging His supreme authority? The narrative reminds us that God often allows us to face situations beyond our control precisely to reveal His glory and to teach us the profound truth that His power is made perfect in our weakness. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that all true strength and provision come from Him, and that any boast apart from Him is ultimately futile.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I place my ultimate trust and confidence – in my own abilities and resources, or in God's sovereign power?**
* **What "impossible" obstacles or "rivers" in my life am I attempting to overcome solely by my own strength, rather than seeking God's intervention and trusting in His provision?**
* **How does Sennacherib's boast serve as a warning against pride and self-exaltation in my own life, and how can I cultivate a more humble and God-dependent spirit?**

### FAQ

**Was Sennacherib literally able to dry up rivers with his feet?**

Answer: No, Sennacherib's statement is a clear example of **hyperbole**, a deliberate exaggeration used for rhetorical effect. He was not literally drying up rivers by walking on them. Instead, he was boasting of his overwhelming military might and logistical prowess, implying that his armies were so vast and his engineering capabilities so advanced that no natural barrier, including rivers or water sources, could impede his advance or defend a besieged city against him. His forces could consume local resources or build infrastructure to overcome such obstacles, making the claim a powerful metaphor for his absolute dominance.

**Why did Sennacherib send such a boastful message to Hezekiah?**

Answer: Sennacherib's message was a calculated act of **psychological warfare**. By boasting of his previous conquests and perceived invincibility, he aimed to demoralize King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, hoping to instill such fear that they would surrender without a fight. This tactic was common in ancient warfare, as it could save the besieging army considerable resources and casualties. He wanted to convince Hezekiah that resistance was futile and that the God of Judah was no match for the Assyrian gods or his own power, as implied in [2 Kings 19:10-12](/2_kings/19-10 "2 Kings 19:10-12 - Sennacherib's Taunt").

**How did God respond to Sennacherib's boast and threat?**

Answer: God responded decisively to Sennacherib's arrogance and blasphemy. Through the prophet Isaiah, God sent a message to Hezekiah, directly challenging Sennacherib's pride and foretelling his downfall. God declared that He would put a hook in Sennacherib's nose and lead him back the way he came ([2 Kings 19:28](/2_kings/19-28 "2 Kings 19:28 - God's Hook in Sennacherib's Nose")). That very night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers ([2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrian Army")), forcing Sennacherib to retreat in shame to Nineveh, where he was later assassinated by his own sons ([2 Kings 19:36-37](/2_kings/19-36 "2 Kings 19:36-37 - Sennacherib's Retreat and Death")). God's powerful intervention demonstrated His supreme sovereignty over all earthly rulers and armies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Sennacherib's audacious boast in 2 Kings 19:24, a declaration of self-sufficiency and absolute power over all obstacles, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Sennacherib sought to conquer by human might and arrogant self-exaltation, Jesus, though truly God, "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He did not come to "dig and drink strange waters" through military conquest, but to offer "living water" to a thirsty world, a spiritual sustenance that never runs dry ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). Nor did He "dry up all the rivers of besieged places" with the sole of His feet in a show of earthly dominion; rather, He walked through the "strange waters" of human sin and suffering, ultimately conquering the ultimate enemies—sin and death—not through brute force, but through His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Where Sennacherib's boast led to his humbling and demise, Christ's humility led to His exaltation, for "God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Jesus is the true King who effortlessly overcomes all spiritual obstacles, making a way where there was no way, not by human pride, but by divine love and redemptive power, establishing a kingdom that is not of this world but triumphs over all its boasts ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")).

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 15:9

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

2 Samuel 17:13

Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.

Isaiah 19:6

And they shall turn the rivers far away; [and] the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.

1 Kings 20:10

And Benhadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.

Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?