2 Kings 19:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.'

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 19:31 presents a powerful prophetic declaration from the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah, assuring divine preservation and certain deliverance for Jerusalem amidst the overwhelming Assyrian siege. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, proclaiming that a surviving remnant will emerge from the besieged city, not by human might, but by the passionate and unyielding "zeal of the LORD of hosts" Himself. It serves as a testament to God's sovereign power to protect His chosen city and fulfill His purposes, even in the direst circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of King Hezekiah's reign, specifically during the Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib (2 Kings 18-19). Having already devastated much of Judah, the Assyrian army had Jerusalem under direct threat. Sennacherib sent blasphemous letters to Hezekiah, mocking the God of Israel and demanding surrender. In response, Hezekiah, in an act of profound faith and humility, took these letters to the temple and spread them before the LORD, crying out for divine intervention ([2_kings/19-14](/2_kings/19-14 "2 Kings 19:14 - Hezekiah's Prayer")). Isaiah's prophecy, including this verse, is God's direct and comforting answer to Hezekiah's desperate prayer, assuring him that Jerusalem would not fall and that the Assyrians would be supernaturally defeated. The immediate fulfillment of this prophecy is vividly described in [2 Kings 19:35-36](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - The Angel of the LORD Strikes the Assyrian Camp"), where an angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib's retreat.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the formidable Assyrian Empire, known for its brutal military campaigns, mass deportations, and psychological warfare tactics. Their policy was to utterly destroy resistance and assimilate conquered peoples, often removing them from their land. Jerusalem, as the capital of Judah and the site of the Temple, represented the last bastion of Judahite independence and the center of Yahweh worship. The surrounding nations had already fallen to Assyria, making Jerusalem's survival against such an overwhelming force historically unprecedented and seemingly impossible. The cultural understanding of divine protection for a capital city, especially one considered sacred like Jerusalem (Mount Zion), was deeply ingrained, but the Assyrian boasts challenged this very notion, making God's intervention a direct vindication of His unique power and covenant faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational biblical themes. The concept of "the remnant" is central, signifying a surviving portion of God's people, preserved through divine grace amidst judgment or destruction. This theme, prominent throughout the prophetic books, particularly in Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel")), highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises even when the majority fall away or face calamity. Secondly, the "Divine Protection of Jerusalem/Zion" is emphasized, presenting Jerusalem (Mount Zion) as a place under God's special, unwavering care. Despite being besieged, it would not fall completely, symbolizing God's commitment to His chosen city and people, a theme echoed in many Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 46:5](/psalms/46-5 "Psalm 46:5 - God is in the Midst of Her")). Lastly, "The Zeal of the LORD" is presented as the ultimate driving force behind the prophecy's fulfillment. This phrase implies God's passionate, intense, and unyielding commitment to His purposes and His people, ensuring the execution of His divine will and the defense of His honor, as also seen in the prophecy of the Messiah in [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Zeal of the LORD of Hosts Will Perform This").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remnant (Hebrew, _sh'ar_):** This term refers to a surviving portion, a small group that remains after a larger destruction or judgment. In biblical theology, especially in the prophets, the "remnant" is not merely a statistical survival but a theological concept: those whom God, by His grace, preserves for the continuation of His covenant purposes. It signifies divine faithfulness in the midst of human failure or overwhelming external threat, ensuring the continuity of God's people and His redemptive plan.
* **Zeal (Hebrew, _qin'ah_):** This word conveys a strong sense of passionate, fervent, and often jealous devotion. When applied to God, it describes His intense commitment to His own glory, His covenant, and His people. It is not a volatile human emotion but an unyielding, active determination to uphold His righteousness and fulfill His promises. God's zeal is the driving force behind His protective actions and His judgments, ensuring that His will is accomplished.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _YHWH Tzeva'ot_):** This divine title emphasizes God's omnipotence and supreme authority. "Hosts" refers to heavenly armies or celestial bodies, signifying God as the commander of all creation, both visible and invisible. The combination of "LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant name) and "of hosts" underscores that the covenant-keeping God is also the all-powerful, sovereign ruler of the universe, capable of executing His fervent will against any earthly power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant":** This clause declares God's promise of preservation for a portion of His people. Despite the Assyrian siege and the apparent hopelessness of their situation, God assures that a surviving group, a "remnant," will not only remain but will "go forth," implying a future of flourishing and expansion beyond the immediate crisis. This highlights God's sovereign power to protect and sustain His people.
* **"and they that escape out of mount Zion":** This phrase serves as a powerful parallel to the preceding clause, reinforcing the concept of the remnant and emphasizing the miraculous nature of their survival. "Mount Zion" is synonymous with Jerusalem, specifically the temple mount, signifying the spiritual heart of the nation. The idea of "escaping" from a city under such an oppressive siege underscores that their survival is not due to their own strength or strategy, but entirely to divine intervention.
* **"the zeal of the LORD [of hosts] shall do this":** This climactic statement identifies the ultimate agent and motivation behind this miraculous deliverance. It is not human effort, military might, or political maneuvering, but the passionate, unyielding, and determined commitment ("zeal") of the Almighty God ("the LORD of hosts") that will bring about this salvation. God's character and His fervent devotion to His covenant and His glory are the guarantees of His promise.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine certainty and power. **Parallelism** is evident in the phrases "out of Jerusalem" and "out of mount Zion," which are synonymous terms used to reinforce the identity of the preserved people and the specific location of God's intervention. This **repetition** underscores the divine focus on His chosen city. The phrase "the zeal of the LORD [of hosts] shall do this" utilizes **personification**, attributing an active, causative agency to God's zeal, as if it were a distinct force performing the action. This emphasizes that God's passionate commitment is the direct and effective cause of the deliverance. The entire verse functions as a **prophetic declaration**, a divinely inspired utterance that foretells a future event with absolute certainty, demonstrating God's sovereign control over history. Furthermore, it contains an element of **divine fiat**, a declaration of God's will that inherently brings about its own fulfillment, highlighting the unshakeable nature of His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 19:31 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. It reveals that even in the face of overwhelming human power and seemingly insurmountable odds, God remains committed to His promises and purposes for His people. The preservation of a "remnant" underscores His grace, demonstrating that He will always maintain a faithful people through whom His redemptive plan will unfold, regardless of the broader context of judgment or apostasy. The "zeal of the LORD" is the active force ensuring this, portraying God not as a passive observer but as a passionately engaged deity who intervenes decisively to defend His honor and protect His own. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's character and His active intervention are the ultimate guarantees of hope and deliverance for His people across all generations.

* [Isaiah 37:32](/isaiah/37-32 "Isaiah 37:32 - The Parallel Prophecy of the Remnant and God's Zeal")
* [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Zeal of the LORD in Messianic Prophecy")
* [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - Paul's Application of the Remnant Theme")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges, societal pressures, and personal trials, 2 Kings 19:31 offers profound and enduring encouragement. It reminds us that even when circumstances appear dire and human efforts seem futile, God's faithfulness and His passionate commitment to His purposes remain unshakeable. This verse calls believers to a deeper trust in divine intervention, recognizing that our deliverance and preservation often come not from our own strength or strategic planning, but from God's "zeal"—His fervent, powerful, and active determination on our behalf. The concept of a "remnant" speaks to an enduring hope: God always preserves a people for Himself, ensuring His ultimate purposes will prevail. This principle extends to the spiritual "remnant" of believers in every generation, preserved by God's grace, assuring us that God's church will endure, even against the gates of hell. We are invited to rest in the certainty that the same zeal that protected Jerusalem will also work in our lives to accomplish His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "zeal" challenge or expand your understanding of His character and His active involvement in the world?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the broader church do you need to trust in God's "remnant" principle, believing He will preserve what is His despite overwhelming odds?**
* **How does the historical fulfillment of this prophecy in 2 Kings strengthen your faith in God's promises for your own future and the future of His people?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the remnant" in biblical theology?**

Answer: The "remnant" is a crucial theological concept found throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books like Isaiah. It refers to a small, surviving portion of God's people who are preserved by divine grace, often in the midst of widespread judgment, apostasy, or destruction. This preservation is not accidental but purposeful; the remnant is chosen by God to carry forward His covenant promises and redemptive plan. It signifies God's faithfulness even when the majority fail, ensuring the continuity of His people and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes. In the New Testament, Paul applies this concept to the believing Jews in his day, showing that God has always preserved a remnant according to the election of grace ([Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant According to the Election of Grace")), ultimately pointing to the church as the true spiritual remnant.

**How does God's "zeal" relate to His other attributes like love or justice?**

Answer: God's "zeal" (Hebrew: _qin'ah_) is not a volatile human emotion but a profound, intense, and unyielding commitment to His own glory, His covenant, and His people. It is the active expression of His character. God's zeal is intrinsically linked to His love, as it drives His passionate devotion and protective care for those He has chosen and covenanted with. For instance, His zeal for His people leads Him to defend them fiercely, as seen in [Isaiah 63:15](/isaiah/63-15 "Isaiah 63:15 - God's Zeal and Compassion"). Simultaneously, His zeal is an aspect of His justice, as it compels Him to act against anything that dishonors His name or violates His holiness. He is a "jealous God" ([Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God as a Jealous God")) whose zeal burns against idolatry and unrighteousness, ensuring that His righteous standards are upheld and His covenant is vindicated. Therefore, God's zeal is a unified expression of His holy love and righteous justice, ensuring the accomplishment of His divine will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Kings 19:31, with its powerful declaration of a preserved remnant and the active "zeal of the LORD," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the immediate prophecy concerned the physical preservation of Jerusalem, its deeper theological currents flow directly to the spiritual reality established by the Messiah. Jesus himself embodied the zeal of the LORD, demonstrating a passionate commitment to God's house and His redemptive purposes, as when He cleansed the temple ([John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Jesus' Zeal for the Temple")). He is the one through whom the true, spiritual remnant is gathered—not a physical lineage, but all those who believe in Him, forming the church, His body. The "Jerusalem" and "Mount Zion" from which this remnant escapes are ultimately transformed in the New Covenant into the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of God, which can never be besieged or destroyed ([Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - You Have Come to Mount Zion, the City of the Living God")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ ensures the eternal preservation of His people, overcoming the ultimate enemy, sin and death. The zeal of the LORD, which saved Jerusalem from Sennacherib, is the same divine passion that drove Christ to the cross, accomplishing salvation for the world and establishing an indestructible kingdom, ensuring that the gates of Hades will not prevail against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hades Shall Not Prevail")). Thus, the promise of a preserved remnant, secured by divine zeal, culminates in the person and work of Jesus, the foundation of the eternal, spiritual Zion.

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 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.