2 Kings 19:26

KJV

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were [as] the grass of the field, and [as] the green herb, [as] the grass on the housetops, and [as corn] blasted before it be grown up.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore their inhabitants {H3427} were of small {H7116} power {H3027}, they were dismayed {H2865} and confounded {H954}; they were as the grass {H6212} of the field {H7704}, and as the green {H3419} herb {H1877}, as the grass {H2682} on the housetops {H1406}, and as corn blasted {H7711} before {H6440} it be grown up {H7054}.

Complete Jewish Bible

while their inhabitants, shorn of power, are disheartened and ashamed, weak as grass, frail as plants, like grass on the rooftops or grain scorched by the east wind.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown.

American Standard Version

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as grain blasted before it is grown up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 19:26 is a pivotal declaration from the Lord, delivered through the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah, assuring the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the overwhelming Assyrian threat under Sennacherib. This verse vividly portrays the impending humiliation and utter powerlessness of the Assyrian forces, contrasting their perceived might with their true insignificance in the eyes of the sovereign God. Through striking agricultural metaphors, it prophesies their swift decay and failure to achieve their destructive aims, underscoring God's absolute control over nations and their destinies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of God's direct response to King Hezekiah's fervent and humble prayer in the face of Sennacherib's blasphemous threats against Jerusalem and the Lord Himself (see [2 Kings 19:14-19](/2_kings/19-14 "2 Kings 19:14-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer")). Following Hezekiah's plea, God sends Isaiah with a message of comfort and a detailed prophecy against the Assyrian king. The preceding verses in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Jerusalem's Deliverance") rebuke Sennacherib's arrogant pride, clarifying that his conquests, though seemingly by his own power, were ultimately orchestrated by God's divine plan, even if Sennacherib failed to recognize the Lord's hand. Verse 26, therefore, serves as a powerful pronouncement of the inevitable downfall and impotence of the Assyrian invaders, painting a stark picture of their coming defeat and shame. This divine promise sets the stage for the miraculous and devastating destruction of the Assyrian army, as dramatically recounted in [2 Kings 19:35-36](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrians"), confirming the Lord's absolute faithfulness to His covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the formidable Assyrian Empire, known for its brutal military campaigns, advanced siege warfare, and policy of mass deportation. King Sennacherib's invasion of Judah in 701 BCE was part of a broader campaign to suppress revolts and consolidate Assyrian control over the Levant. Jerusalem, though fortified, was isolated, and the surrounding cities of Judah had already fallen, creating an atmosphere of intense fear and desperation. The Assyrian army was considered invincible, and their boasts, as recorded in [2 Kings 18:19-35](/2_kings/18-19 "2 Kings 18:19-35 - Rabshakeh's Taunts"), were designed to demoralize the inhabitants of Jerusalem by highlighting their overwhelming military superiority and the futility of trusting in their God. In this context, God's prophetic word through Isaiah was not merely a comfort but a radical counter-narrative, challenging the prevailing perception of power and asserting divine sovereignty over the mightiest empire of the day. The agricultural imagery used in the verse would have been readily understood by an agrarian society, powerfully conveying concepts of transience, futility, and swift destruction.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Sovereignty and Control:** This verse powerfully underscores the theme that despite the seemingly insurmountable power of the Assyrian Empire, God is utterly sovereign over all earthly powers and events. He sees their every move, knows their intentions, and can reduce their strength to nothing with a mere word. This highlights the foundational biblical truth of God's ultimate rule over all nations, kings, and historical trajectories, demonstrating that even the most formidable human might is but a tool or an obstacle in the hand of the Almighty, subject to His will and judgment (cf. [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God Brings Princes to Nothing")).
* **Human Frailty and Transience:** The depiction of the Assyrian inhabitants as "of small power" and likened to "grass of the field," "green herb," "grass on the housetops," and "corn blasted before it be grown up" powerfully conveys the inherent weakness and temporary nature of all human power and glory when confronted by divine will. This imagery resonates deeply with a recurring biblical motif that emphasizes the ephemeral quality of human life and earthly achievements, reminding humanity of its dependence on God and the ultimate futility of pride apart from Him (e.g., [Psalm 103:15-16](/psalms/103-15 "Psalm 103:15-16 - Man's Life is Like Grass")).
* **Divine Judgment and Humiliation:** The terms "dismayed and confounded" speak of a sudden, unexpected, and complete reversal of fortune, leading to profound shame, confusion, and demoralization for the proud Assyrians. The metaphor of "blasted corn" signifies a swift, destructive judgment that prevents them from achieving their full destructive potential against Jerusalem. This theme highlights God's justice in bringing low the proud and delivering His people, demonstrating that those who defy the Lord will ultimately face His righteous indignation and be brought to nothing (cf. [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Small power (Hebrew, _qālal'_):** The Hebrew word *qālal* literally means "to be light," "to be trifling," or "to be insignificant." In this context, it starkly contrasts with the formidable reputation and perceived might of the Assyrian army. It emphasizes that despite their physical strength and vast numbers, in God's sight, they are utterly weightless, easily dismissed, and without any true, enduring power. This divine perspective redefines their strength as weakness.
* **Dismayed and confounded (Hebrew, _bōš_ and _ḥāp̄ēr'_):** These two Hebrew verbs are often paired to describe a state of profound shame, humiliation, and utter demoralization. *Bōš* signifies being put to shame, often due to a failure or disappointment, leading to a sense of disgrace. *Ḥāp̄ēr* carries the nuance of being confounded or bewildered, often implying a sudden and unexpected reversal of fortune that leaves one utterly bewildered and without a response. Together, they paint a picture of the mighty Assyrian warriors being stripped of their courage, their confidence shattered, and their minds left in a state of bewildered disgrace.
* **Blasted (Hebrew, _šāḏap̄'_):** This verb means "to blast," "to blight," or "to scorch," often referring to the destructive effect of hot winds on crops. Here, it is used metaphorically for "corn blasted before it be grown up," signifying a sudden and premature destruction that prevents something from reaching its full potential or achieving its intended purpose. It powerfully conveys the idea of a swift, supernatural judgment that renders the Assyrian campaign utterly futile and abortive, preventing them from completing their siege and conquering Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore their inhabitants were of small power,"**: This clause introduces the consequence of God's sovereign judgment. The "inhabitants" refer to the Assyrian soldiers and people, whose perceived might and terror were about to be revealed as utterly insignificant. Their strength, which had brought down nations, was rendered "small" or "light" in the face of divine opposition, stripped of its effectiveness.
* **"they were dismayed and confounded;"**: This describes the psychological and spiritual state of the Assyrians. Their previous arrogance and confidence would be replaced by deep shame, bewilderment, and a complete loss of morale. This is a direct reversal of their earlier taunts and boasts, demonstrating the futility of their pride against the living God.
* **"they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb,"**: This begins a series of similes comparing the Assyrians to ephemeral vegetation. "Grass of the field" and "green herb" symbolize commonness, fragility, and short-lived existence. Just as grass sprouts and quickly withers, so too would the Assyrian power quickly fade and perish, despite its initial appearance of vitality.
* **"as the grass on the housetops,"**: This specific simile further intensifies the imagery of futility and rapid decay. Grass that grows on flat rooftops sprouts quickly in shallow soil but, lacking deep roots and sufficient moisture, inevitably withers and dies even faster than field grass. This vividly illustrates the superficiality and inevitable, swift demise of the Assyrian threat.
* **"and as corn blasted before it be grown up."**: This final simile emphasizes the abortive nature of the Assyrian campaign. "Corn blasted" refers to grain scorched or blighted by a hot wind before it can mature and bear fruit. This signifies a complete failure of potential, a swift and devastating judgment that prevents the Assyrian army from achieving its destructive purpose against Jerusalem, rendering their efforts fruitless and their power nullified before it could fully manifest.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Simile** and **Metaphor**, drawing heavily on agricultural imagery to convey its powerful message. The Assyrians are explicitly compared to various forms of ephemeral vegetation: "grass of the field," "green herb," "grass on the housetops," and "corn blasted before it be grown up." These **Similes** serve to highlight the transience, fragility, and ultimate futility of human power when confronted by divine will. The image of "grass on the housetops" is particularly poignant, acting as a **Metaphor** for superficial growth that lacks depth and is doomed to quick decay, underscoring the lack of true foundation for Assyrian might. The phrase "blasted before it be grown up" employs **Foreshadowing**, predicting the sudden and premature end of the Assyrian threat, preventing them from completing their intended destruction. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophecy** of judgment, delivered with divine authority to reassure Hezekiah and Judah of God's unwavering protection. The contrast between the Assyrians' perceived strength and their actual weakness in God's eyes also creates a strong sense of **Irony**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound message of 2 Kings 19:26 extends far beyond the immediate historical context, offering timeless theological insights into God's character and His relationship with humanity. It is a powerful affirmation of divine sovereignty, demonstrating that no earthly power, however formidable or arrogant, can ultimately thwart the purposes of the Almighty. This verse highlights God's absolute control over history, nations, and the destinies of individuals, serving as a stark reminder that human might is transient and ultimately subject to His will. It underscores the theme of divine judgment against human pride and blasphemy, assuring believers that God will defend His name and His people against all adversaries. Conversely, it offers immense comfort and encouragement to those who trust in the Lord, revealing Him as the faithful deliverer who can effortlessly dismantle the greatest threats to His kingdom. This passage thus calls for humility before God and unwavering faith in His protective power, reminding us that true strength lies not in human might but in reliance upon the Creator of all.

* [Isaiah 40:6-8](/isaiah/40-6 "Isaiah 40:6-8 - All Flesh is Grass")
* [Psalm 37:2](/psalms/37-2 "Psalm 37:2 - Like Grass They Soon Wither")
* [Psalm 129:6](/psalms/129-6 "Psalm 129:6 - Grass on the Housetops")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often dominated by seemingly insurmountable challenges, whether personal, societal, or global, 2 Kings 19:26 offers profound encouragement and a vital shift in perspective. It reminds us that no earthly threat, no matter how overwhelming or intimidating its appearance, is beyond the sovereign control of God. Just as He effortlessly rendered the mighty Assyrian army powerless, reducing their formidable strength to the fragility of withered grass, so too is He able to defend His people and bring down those who oppose His will or threaten His children. This verse challenges us to re-evaluate our fears and anxieties, inviting us to place our trust not in human strategies or fleeting earthly powers, but in the omnipotent hand of God. It calls us to cultivate a faith that sees beyond the immediate crisis, recognizing that God's perspective on our adversaries is often vastly different from our own, viewing them as ultimately weak and transient in comparison to His eternal power. This passage encourages us to pray boldly, confident that the Lord hears and acts, and to live with an unshakable hope rooted in His unfailing faithfulness and ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "grass of the field" and "blasted corn" challenge your perception of human power and ambition in your own life or in the world today?**
* **What seemingly overwhelming "Assyrian threats" are you facing currently, and how might remembering God's sovereignty in 2 Kings 19:26 encourage you to trust Him more fully?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm God's faithfulness to His people, and how can you apply this assurance to your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the agricultural imagery in 2 Kings 19:26?**

Answer: The agricultural imagery in [2 Kings 19:26](/2_kings/19-26 "2 Kings 19:26 - The Humiliation of Assyria") is highly significant, serving as a powerful set of similes to describe the swift and complete humiliation of the Assyrian army. Comparing them to "grass of the field," "green herb," and "grass on the housetops" emphasizes their commonness, fragility, and ephemeral nature. Just as grass sprouts quickly but soon withers and dies, especially grass on shallow rooftops, so too would the seemingly invincible Assyrian power quickly fade and perish. The final image of "corn blasted before it be grown up" is particularly potent. It signifies a sudden, premature destruction that prevents the crop (in this case, the Assyrian campaign) from reaching its full potential or achieving its destructive purpose. This imagery would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society, powerfully conveying the message that despite their initial impressive growth and destructive potential, the Assyrians were ultimately destined for a swift, divinely ordained end, their efforts rendered futile and their might reduced to nothing. It highlights God's absolute control over all life and power, demonstrating how easily He can bring down the proud and mighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prophetic declaration in [2 Kings 19:26](/2_kings/19-26 "2 Kings 19:26 - The Humiliation of Assyria"), while immediately fulfilled in the destruction of the Assyrian army, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The transient nature of earthly power, vividly depicted by the perishing grass and blasted corn, points to the eternal kingdom established by Christ, which will never fade or be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Just as God effortlessly dismantled the might of Sennacherib, so too did Christ, through His death and resurrection, disarm and triumph over the far greater spiritual powers of darkness, rendering them "of small power" and "dismayed and confounded" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). The pride and blasphemy of Sennacherib, which met divine judgment, foreshadow the ultimate judgment that will be meted out by Christ, the righteous King, against all who oppose God and His people ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Warrior King")). Furthermore, the deliverance of Jerusalem from a seemingly overwhelming foe prefigures the spiritual deliverance and salvation offered to all humanity through Christ, who is the true Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the temporary victory in Judah points forward to the eternal victory won by Jesus, establishing His unshakable kingdom and demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all earthly and spiritual dominion.

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.