2 Kings 19:27

KJV

But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I know {H3045} thy abode {H3427}, and thy going out {H3318}, and thy coming in {H935}, and thy rage {H7264} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'But I know when you sit, when you leave, when you enter - and when you rage against me.

Berean Standard Bible

But I know your sitting down, your going out and coming in, and your raging against Me.

American Standard Version

But I know thy sitting down, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy raging against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 19:27 presents a profound declaration from Yahweh, delivered through the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah, directly addressing the blasphemous and arrogant threats of the Assyrian king Sennacherib. This verse powerfully asserts God's absolute omniscience and unwavering sovereignty over all human endeavors, revealing His intimate knowledge of Sennacherib's every movement, intention, and, most critically, his defiant "rage" directed against the Almighty Himself. It functions as a divine assurance to Judah and a stark warning to their formidable oppressor, underscoring that no earthly power can escape the all-seeing eye and ultimate control of the Living God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal component of God's direct response to King Hezekiah's desperate prayer in the temple, recorded in [2 Kings 19:15-19](/2_kings/19-15 "2 Kings 19:15-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer"). Faced with the overwhelming military might of Sennacherib and his blasphemous challenge to Yahweh's sovereignty (delivered through the Rabshakeh in [2 Kings 18:17-35](/2_kings/18-17 "2 Kings 18:17-35 - Rabshakeh's Taunts")), Hezekiah had spread Sennacherib's threatening letter before the Lord. God's reply, conveyed by the prophet Isaiah, is a multi-faceted oracle of judgment against Sennacherib and deliverance for Jerusalem. Verse 27, along with the preceding and following verses, forms the core of this divine oracle, explicitly demonstrating God's intimate awareness of Sennacherib's every action and his arrogant defiance, setting the stage for the miraculous deliverance that immediately follows in [2 Kings 19:35-36](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - Angel of the Lord Strikes Assyrians").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was a period dominated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, known for its brutal military campaigns and policy of forced deportation. Sennacherib's campaign against Judah in 701 BCE, following the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE, was a significant event. He had already conquered many fortified cities in Judah, including the strategically important Lachish (depicted vividly on the [Lachish reliefs](/2_kings/18-13 "2 Kings 18:13 - Sennacherib's Campaign against Judah") in the British Museum). The Assyrian taunts, delivered by the Rabshakeh, were not merely military intimidation but a calculated psychological and theological assault, aiming to undermine Judah's faith in their God by comparing Yahweh to the defeated gods of other nations. In this context, God's declaration in [2 Kings 19:27](/2_kings/19-27 "2 Kings 19:27 - God's Knowledge of Sennacherib") directly counters this cultural and religious challenge, reaffirming His unique power and authority over all other deities and earthly rulers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **Divine Omniscience**, as God's declaration "I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in" asserts His comprehensive and intimate knowledge of every detail of Sennacherib's life, movements, and intentions, echoing the psalmist's awe at God's all-knowing nature in [Psalm 139:2-4](/psalms/139-2 "Psalm 139:2-4 - God's Omniscience"). This omniscience is inextricably linked to **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that even the most powerful human kings and empires are ultimately under God's control and serve His purposes, whether wittingly or not, as seen throughout the narratives of the kings of Israel and Judah. Furthermore, the phrase "thy rage against me" highlights the theme of **God's Vindication of His Name and Honor**. Sennacherib's blasphemy was a direct affront to Yahweh, and God's response underscores His commitment to defending His own glory and His covenant people. Finally, for King Hezekiah and the people of Judah, this message served as a profound source of **Comfort and Assurance** in the face of overwhelming odds, reminding them that their God was fully aware of their plight and actively engaged in their deliverance, providing a basis for trust even in dire circumstances, as encouraged in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abode, Going Out, Coming In (Hebrew, _shivteka v'tsetkha uvo'akha'_):** This is a classic Hebrew merism, an idiom that signifies the totality or entirety of a person's activities, existence, or sphere of influence. "Abode" (שִׁבְתְּךָ֙ - _shivteka_) refers to one's sitting, resting, or dwelling place, encompassing one's private life and strategic planning. "Going out" (וְצֵאתְךָ֣ - _v'tsetkha_) refers to one's departure, military campaigns, or public actions. "Coming in" (וּבוֹאֲךָ֔ - _uvo'akha_) refers to one's return, entry into cities, or successful conclusion of ventures. Together, these terms convey God's absolute, comprehensive knowledge of Sennacherib's entire life, from his most secret thoughts and plans to his most public and aggressive military movements. Nothing is hidden from God's sight.
* **Rage (Hebrew, _rogzeka'_):** The Hebrew word רָגְזְךָ֣ (_rogzeka_) denotes a strong, agitated emotion, often translated as "rage," "fury," "indignation," or "restlessness." In this context, it captures Sennacherib's intense, arrogant defiance, his blasphemous anger, and his hostile intent directed specifically "against me" (God). It highlights the personal nature of Sennacherib's affront, not just against Judah, but against the very being of Yahweh. This "rage" is not merely human anger but a rebellious, prideful fury that challenges divine authority, making it a particularly offensive and punishable act in God's eyes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I know thy abode":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's intimate and personal knowledge of Sennacherib. "Abode" refers to Sennacherib's resting place, his private chambers, his strategic headquarters, or even his mental state of dwelling on his plans. God asserts that He is fully aware of Sennacherib's innermost thoughts, his secret strategies, and his place of rest, implying that even in his moments of supposed security or private plotting, he is under divine scrutiny.
* **"and thy going out, and thy coming in":** This phrase expands upon God's knowledge to encompass all of Sennacherib's public actions and movements. "Going out" refers to his military expeditions, his campaigns, his marches against cities and nations. "Coming in" refers to his return from these campaigns, his triumphant entries, or his arrival at his intended destinations. Together, these signify God's complete awareness of Sennacherib's entire sphere of activity, his every move on the battlefield and in his empire. It underscores that no military maneuver, no strategic deployment, no act of conquest goes unnoticed by the Almighty.
* **"and thy rage against me":** This culminating clause reveals the true nature of Sennacherib's opposition and the reason for divine intervention. His "rage" is not merely political ambition or military aggression; it is a direct, blasphemous fury aimed at God Himself. Sennacherib's taunts against Yahweh (as recorded in [2 Kings 18:33-35](/2_kings/18-33 "2 Kings 18:33-35 - Sennacherib's Blasphemy")) are understood by God as a personal affront. This phrase transforms the conflict from a mere geopolitical struggle into a cosmic battle, where God's honor and sovereignty are directly challenged, necessitating a divine response.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Merism** is prominently featured in "thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in," which, as discussed, comprehensively describes all of Sennacherib's activities, emphasizing God's total knowledge. This comprehensive knowledge is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described as "knowing" in a human-like way, yet it simultaneously points to His divine **Omniscience**, an attribute far beyond human comprehension. The declaration is a direct **Divine Speech** or **Oracle**, carrying the weight of God's absolute authority and truth, serving both as a prophecy and a judgment. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony** at play: Sennacherib believes himself to be in control, powerful, and unchallengeable, yet the audience knows, through this divine declaration, that his every move is intimately known and ultimately controlled by the very God he rages against.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical doctrine of divine omniscience and sovereignty. God's declaration that He knows Sennacherib's every move and his "rage" is not merely a statement of fact but a powerful assertion of His active oversight and control over all of creation, including the seemingly independent actions of defiant human rulers. It challenges the notion of human autonomy apart from God, demonstrating that even the most formidable adversaries operate within the bounds of God's overarching plan. This divine knowledge is not passive observation but the basis for righteous judgment and the execution of His redemptive purposes. It assures believers that no enemy, however powerful or malicious, can escape the notice of the Almighty, and that God will ultimately vindicate His name and defend His people against all who rage against Him.

* [Psalm 139:1-6](/psalms/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-6 - God's Omniscience and Omnipresence")
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the Lord are Everywhere")
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges and seemingly insurmountable opposition, 2 Kings 19:27 offers immense comfort and a sobering warning. For the believer, this verse is a profound reminder that when facing personal trials, spiritual attacks, or societal injustices, God is not distant or unaware. He intimately knows every detail of our circumstances, every move of those who oppose us, and every word spoken in defiance of His truth. This divine omniscience should cultivate a deep sense of peace and trust, knowing that our sovereign God is fully engaged and will ultimately act on behalf of His children. It empowers us to pray with confidence, knowing that He hears and sees all. Conversely, this verse serves as a stark and timeless warning to those who, in their pride and arrogance, rage against God or His people. No scheme, no act of rebellion, no blasphemous word goes unnoticed. God's intimate knowledge implies ultimate accountability and certain judgment for those who defy His authority. It calls all to humility and repentance, recognizing that true power and ultimate destiny rest solely in the hands of the all-knowing and sovereign Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's intimate knowledge of your adversaries or challenges bring you comfort and peace?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to act as if God is unaware, and how does this verse challenge that perspective?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more consistently in light of God's comprehensive omniscience and sovereignty?**
* **How does Sennacherib's "rage against me" illuminate the true nature of rebellion against God, and what does this imply for our own attitudes?**

### FAQ
**What does "abode, going out, and coming in" truly mean in the context of God's knowledge?**

Answer: This phrase is a Hebrew idiom known as a merism, meaning it uses two contrasting or complementary parts to refer to a whole. "Abode" (sitting/dwelling), "going out," and "coming in" together comprehensively describe every aspect of a person's life, activities, and movements. It signifies God's complete and intimate knowledge of Sennacherib's entire existence – his private thoughts and plans, his public actions and military campaigns, his departures and his arrivals, his resting and his working. It emphasizes that absolutely nothing about Sennacherib, from his most hidden intentions to his most visible displays of power, was unknown to God. This highlights God's perfect omniscience, where all things are laid bare before Him, as seen in [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things are Naked and Open to God").

**What was the ultimate outcome for Sennacherib after this declaration?**

Answer: Following God's declaration in [2 Kings 19:27-28](/2_kings/19-27 "2 Kings 19:27-28 - God's Judgment on Sennacherib"), the Lord acted decisively. That very night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp ([2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes Down the Assyrians")). Sennacherib, humiliated and defeated, was forced to withdraw from Judah and return to Nineveh. Years later, while worshipping in the temple of his god Nisroch, he was assassinated by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer ([2 Kings 19:36-37](/2_kings/19-36 "2 Kings 19:36-37 - Sennacherib's Assassination")). This outcome perfectly fulfilled God's prophetic word, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over even the most powerful earthly rulers.

**Does God's knowledge of Sennacherib's "rage" imply that God causes evil or rebellion?**

Answer: No, God's knowledge of Sennacherib's "rage" does not imply that God causes or instigates evil. Instead, it affirms God's perfect omniscience and sovereignty, meaning He is fully aware of all human actions, including sinful ones, and retains ultimate control over their outcomes without being the author of sin. Sennacherib's rage was a product of his own pride, ambition, and defiance, freely chosen. However, God, in His sovereignty, can permit, limit, and even use the evil actions of humanity to accomplish His own righteous purposes, as illustrated in the story of Joseph in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Forgiveness and God's Plan"). God's knowledge is exhaustive, and His control is absolute, but human beings remain morally responsible for their choices.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth of God's omniscience and sovereignty over Sennacherib finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Father knew Sennacherib's every move and his "rage," so too does the Son, who is God incarnate, possess infinite knowledge of all things. Jesus demonstrated this divine omniscience repeatedly during His earthly ministry, knowing the thoughts and intentions of people ([Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knows Their Thoughts")), the past of the Samaritan woman ([John 4:17-19](/john/4-17 "John 4:17-19 - Jesus Reveals the Woman's Past")), and even the location of a specific fish with a coin in its mouth ([Matthew 17:27](/matthew/17-27 "Matthew 17:27 - The Coin in the Fish's Mouth")). More significantly, Christ's victory over the "rage" of spiritual adversaries and the powers of darkness far surpasses God's judgment on Sennacherib. The forces that raged against God and His Anointed One ultimately led to the crucifixion, yet this act of human and demonic rage was precisely God's sovereign plan for redemption ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Plan")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), demonstrating His ultimate authority over all earthly and spiritual dominion. Therefore, 2 Kings 19:27 foreshadows the comprehensive knowledge and absolute triumph of the Lamb of God, who reigns supreme over every foe, and whose kingdom will have no end ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Victorious Rider")).

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

Isaiah 37:28

But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.

Isaiah 37:29

Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

Jeremiah 23:23

[Am] I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?

Jeremiah 23:24

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

Psalms 139:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known [me].

Psalms 139:11

If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

Psalms 121:8

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.