2 Kings 19:31

For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD [of hosts] shall do this.

For out of Jerusalem {H3389} shall go forth {H3318} a remnant {H7611}, and they that escape {H6413} out of mount {H2022} Zion {H6726}: the zeal {H7068} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts{H6635} shall do {H6213} this.

for a remnant will go out from Yerushalayim, those escaping will go out from Mount Tziyon. The zeal of ADONAI-Tzva'ot will accomplish this.'

For a remnant will go forth from Jerusalem, and survivors from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and out of mount Zion they that shall escape: the zeal of Jehovah shall perform this.

Commentary

2 Kings 19:31 delivers a powerful message of divine preservation and assurance in the face of overwhelming threat, forming a key part of Isaiah's prophecy to King Hezekiah during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is found within the narrative of King Hezekiah of Judah, who is facing the formidable Assyrian Empire under King Sennacherib. Assyria had already devastated much of Judah, and Jerusalem was under direct threat. Hezekiah, in desperation, sought guidance from the prophet Isaiah. The prophet, speaking on behalf of the LORD, delivers a message of hope and certain deliverance. This specific verse assures Hezekiah that despite the immense pressure and destruction, a remnant of Judah will survive and flourish, not by their own strength, but by God's direct intervention. The immediate prophecy is fulfilled as the Assyrian army is miraculously defeated, as detailed in 2 Kings 19:35.

Key Themes

  • The Remnant: The concept of a "remnant" is central. It signifies a surviving portion of God's people, preserved through divine grace, often in the midst of judgment or destruction. This theme is prominent throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises even when the majority fall away or face calamity. This idea of a preserved group points to God's ongoing plan for His people.
  • Divine Protection of Jerusalem/Zion: Jerusalem, or Mount Zion, is presented as a place under God's special care. Despite being besieged, it would not fall completely, symbolizing God's commitment to His chosen city and people. This resonates with other scriptures that speak of God's presence and protection over Zion, such as Psalm 46:5.
  • The Zeal of the LORD: This is the driving force behind the prophecy's fulfillment. "The zeal of the LORD [of hosts]" implies God's passionate, intense, and unyielding commitment to His purposes and His people. It's not a passive hope but an active, fervent determination on God's part to execute His will and defend His honor. This divine zeal ensures the fulfillment of His promises, as also seen in the prophecy of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:7.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the zeal of the LORD" (Hebrew: kin'at Yahweh) carries a strong sense of divine passion, protective devotion, and unyielding determination. It signifies God's active commitment to His covenant, His people, and His own glory. The addition of "of hosts" (Tzeva'ot) further emphasizes God's omnipotence as the commander of heavenly armies, underscoring His ability to accomplish His fervent will.

Practical Application

2 Kings 19:31 offers profound encouragement for believers facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. It reminds us that:

  • God is Faithful: Even when circumstances are dire and human efforts seem futile, God remains committed to His plans and promises.
  • Divine Intervention: Our deliverance often comes not from our own strength or strategy, but from God's "zeal" – His passionate and powerful intervention on our behalf.
  • Hope for the Future: The concept of a "remnant" speaks to enduring hope. God always preserves a people for Himself, ensuring His purposes will ultimately prevail. This principle extends to the spiritual "remnant" of believers in every generation, preserved by God's grace, as referenced in Romans 11:5.

This verse stands as a testament to God's sovereign power and His active, passionate involvement in the affairs of humanity, particularly in protecting and preserving His chosen people.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 9:7

    Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

  • Romans 11:5

    Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

  • Isaiah 10:20

    ¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

  • Romans 9:27

    Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

  • Ezekiel 20:9

    But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they [were], in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

  • Jeremiah 44:14

    So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return but such as shall escape.

  • Ezekiel 5:13

    Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.
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