2 Kings 19:32

KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} concerning the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}, He shall not come {H935} into this city {H5892}, nor shoot {H3384} an arrow {H2671} there, nor come before {H6923} it with shield {H4043}, nor cast {H8210} a bank {H5550} against it.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore this is what ADONAI says concerning the king of Ashur: 'He will not come to this city or even shoot an arrow there; he will not confront it with a shield or erect earthworks against it.

Berean Standard Bible

So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come unto this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither shall he come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 19:32 presents a profound divine declaration from the LORD, delivered through the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah, assuring Jerusalem's absolute deliverance from the formidable Assyrian siege. This verse precisely details the military actions that the mighty King Sennacherib and his army would be supernaturally prevented from executing: they would not enter the city, nor launch arrows, nor engage in close combat with shields, nor construct any siege ramps. It stands as an emphatic testament to God's sovereign power to protect His chosen people and city, ensuring their miraculous preservation against overwhelming odds without any human military intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration from the LORD is situated at the climax of a severe national crisis for the Kingdom of Judah, specifically Jerusalem. Following Sennacherib's devastating campaign through Judah, capturing many fortified cities, his forces had encircled Jerusalem. The Assyrian envoys, particularly the Rabshakeh, had sent blasphemous messages, mocking Judah's God and demanding surrender, intensifying the psychological warfare (see [2 Kings 18:17-37](/2_kings/18-17 "2 Kings 18:17-37 - The Rabshakeh's Taunts")). In response to this existential threat and the direct challenge to God's honor, King Hezekiah humbled himself, tore his clothes, and sought divine counsel from the prophet Isaiah (see [2 Kings 19:1-5](/2_kings/19-1 "2 Kings 19:1-5 - Hezekiah Seeks Isaiah's Counsel")). Isaiah then delivered God's comforting and resolute message of deliverance, of which 2 Kings 19:32 is a pivotal component, detailing the precise and absolute limitations placed upon the seemingly unstoppable Assyrian army. The verses immediately following describe the miraculous fulfillment of this prophecy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian Empire, under Sennacherib (705-681 BC), was the dominant military power of the ancient Near East, renowned for its ruthless efficiency, brutal siege tactics, and psychological warfare. Their military machine was virtually unrivaled, and their standard practice involved conquering cities, deporting populations, and destroying resistance. Siege warfare was highly developed, involving the construction of massive earthen ramps or "banks" (Hebrew: _solelah_) to breach city walls, as well as the use of battering rams, archers, and close-quarters infantry. Jerusalem, though fortified, was a small city against such a juggernaut, and its fall would have been expected. Sennacherib's own annals, particularly the Taylor Prism, detail his extensive campaign in Judah, boasting of capturing 46 fortified cities and besieging Hezekiah in Jerusalem "like a bird in a cage," but notably omit any claim of conquering the city. This historical silence from the Assyrian side strongly corroborates the biblical account of Jerusalem's miraculous and unprecedented preservation, highlighting the extraordinary nature of God's intervention against the mightiest empire of the day.

* **Key Themes:** Second Kings 19:32 powerfully encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes central to the book of Kings and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, demonstrating God's absolute control over earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to protect His chosen city and people, even when human strength is utterly insufficient. It underscores **God's Faithfulness** to His covenants, particularly His promise to preserve Jerusalem as the city of David and the dwelling place of His name (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The verse is also a direct answer to **The Power of Prayer**, as Hezekiah's desperate plea (recorded in [2 Kings 19:15-19](/2_kings/19-15 "2 Kings 19:15-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer")) immediately precedes this divine promise, illustrating that fervent prayer can invoke miraculous intervention in seemingly impossible situations. Finally, it implicitly foreshadows **God's Judgment Against Arrogance**, as Sennacherib's blasphemous boasts against the LORD are met with a swift and decisive divine rebuke, leading to his army's destruction and his own demise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thus saith the LORD (Hebrew, _koh amar YHWH_):** This powerful introductory phrase is a prophetic formula that unequivocally establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the pronouncement. It signals that the following words are not human conjecture or political analysis, but a direct, infallible decree from the sovereign God of Israel. In a context of overwhelming human power (Assyria) and despair (Judah), this phrase asserts that the ultimate authority and power belong to Yahweh alone.
* **cast a bank (Hebrew, _solelah_):** This term refers to a siege ramp or mound, a crucial and standard engineering tactic in ancient siege warfare. Armies would construct these earthen or rubble ramps to elevate their forces or siege engines to the level of the city walls, enabling direct assault or breaching. The divine prohibition against "casting a bank" is highly significant, as it indicates that the Assyrians would not even be able to initiate the most fundamental and devastating phase of a prolonged siege, underscoring the completeness and supernatural nature of Jerusalem's deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine speaker (the LORD), the recipient of the message (King Hezekiah, via Isaiah), and the subject of the prophecy (Sennacherib, king of Assyria). The "Therefore" links this divine decree directly to Hezekiah's prayer and the Assyrian's blasphemous challenge, indicating God's immediate and decisive response.
* **"He shall not come into this city,"**: This is the overarching, absolute prohibition. The primary objective of any siege—the capture and entry into the city—is unequivocally denied. This is a declaration of complete and utter failure for the Assyrian campaign against Jerusalem.
* **"nor shoot an arrow there,"**: This specifies the first forbidden military action. "Shooting an arrow" represents long-range assault or skirmishing. The Assyrians would not even be able to engage in the initial phase of ranged attack against the city, indicating a complete cessation of hostile action even from a distance.
* **"nor come before it with shield,"**: This prohibition refers to close-quarters combat or the formation of an attacking force. Soldiers would advance with shields interlocked (e.g., in a testudo formation) to protect against defensive fire and assault the walls directly. God declares that this crucial stage of direct engagement would not occur.
* **"nor cast a bank against it."**: This final, specific prohibition targets the most significant siege engineering effort. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," the inability to build a siege ramp meant the Assyrians could not establish a sustained, methodical siege designed to breach the walls. This detail underscores the completeness of God's intervention, preventing even the foundational preparations for a successful siege.

#### Literary Devices
Second Kings 19:32 masterfully employs several literary devices to amplify its message of divine power and protection. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, seen in the repeated use of "nor" ("nor shoot an arrow... nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it"). This repetition creates a powerful cumulative effect, emphasizing the comprehensive and absolute nature of God's prohibition. Each "nor" adds another layer of impossibility to the Assyrian's efforts, building to a crescendo of divine negation. This also functions as a form of **Parallelism**, where each clause reinforces the central idea of Assyrian failure. The verse itself is a **Divine Fiat**, a declaration where God's word alone is the instrument of action, demonstrating His **Omnipotence**. The stark contrast between the overwhelming might of the Assyrian army and the simple, declarative "He shall not" highlights **Irony** and **Anticlimax** from a human perspective; the mightiest army is stopped not by military resistance, but by a divine decree. Furthermore, Jerusalem itself functions as a **Symbol** of God's chosen dwelling place and His covenant faithfulness, making its miraculous preservation a powerful testament to His character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 19:32 stands as a monumental testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It is a vivid demonstration that divine power transcends all earthly might, and that God's word alone is sufficient to accomplish His purposes. This event served as a foundational narrative for Israel, reinforcing their understanding of Yahweh as their ultimate protector and deliverer, particularly in times of national existential threat. It underscored that true security lay not in military strength or political alliances, but in humble reliance upon the LORD. The miraculous nature of Jerusalem's deliverance, achieved without human intervention, became a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness to His city and His people, solidifying the theological truth that He is a God who hears prayer and acts decisively on behalf of those who trust in Him.

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Isaiah 37:33-35](/isaiah/37-33 "Isaiah 37:33-35 - Prophecy of Sennacherib's Retreat")
* [Zechariah 12:2-3](/zechariah/12-2 "Zechariah 12:2-3 - Jerusalem a Burdensome Stone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine promise in 2 Kings 19:32 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's power and faithfulness are not confined to ancient history but are eternally relevant. In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges—whether personal anxieties, spiritual battles, or societal pressures—this narrative calls us to shift our trust from human capabilities or conventional solutions to the unfailing power of God. Like Hezekiah, when faced with seemingly insurmountable "Sennacheribs" in our lives, our first and most effective response should be humble prayer and reliance on God's word. This verse assures us that God can, and often does, intervene in ways that defy human logic and military might, bringing about deliverance when all hope seems lost. It encourages us to cultivate a radical dependence on Him, confident that His protective hand is sovereign over all circumstances, and that His purposes for His people will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account challenge our natural tendency to rely on human strength, resources, or strategic planning when facing overwhelming difficulties?**
* **In what areas of your life or community do you feel under siege, and how might the truth of God's sovereign protection in 2 Kings 19:32 encourage you to trust Him more fully?**
* **What does Hezekiah's response—humbling himself, seeking God's counsel through Isaiah, and praying fervently—teach us about the posture we should adopt when facing our own "Sennacheribs"?**

### FAQ
**Did Sennacherib's historical records confirm this event?**

Answer: Yes, Sennacherib's own historical annals, such as the Taylor Prism, describe his extensive campaign against Judah, detailing the capture of many fortified cities and the siege of Hezekiah in Jerusalem, whom he claimed to have "imprisoned... like a bird in a cage." However, significantly, his records conspicuously omit any claim of conquering Jerusalem or entering the city. This silence from the boastful Assyrian king, whose annals meticulously listed his victories, provides powerful external corroboration for the biblical account of Jerusalem's miraculous preservation and the divine intervention described in [2 Kings 19:32](/2_kings/19-32 "2 Kings 19:32 - God's Promise to Protect Jerusalem").

**What happened to the Assyrian army after this prophecy?**

Answer: The prophecy was fulfilled with astonishing precision and dramatic speed. That very night, after Sennacherib's blasphemous messages and God's prophetic response, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp (as recounted in [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the LORD Strikes the Assyrian Army")). This devastating blow forced Sennacherib to immediately withdraw from Jerusalem and return to his capital, Nineveh. Later, while worshipping in the temple of his god Nisroch, Sennacherib was assassinated by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, further fulfilling the prophecy concerning his ultimate fate (see [2 Kings 19:36-37](/2_kings/19-36 "2 Kings 19:36-37 - Sennacherib's Retreat and Death")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem in 2 Kings 19:32, where God's word alone utterly vanquishes an overwhelming enemy, serves as a profound Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate victory achieved through Jesus Christ. Just as Jerusalem, the city of God, was supernaturally protected from a physically superior foe, so too are God's people in the New Covenant protected by Christ from spiritual enemies far more formidable than any earthly army: sin, death, and the devil. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, embodying arrogant power and blasphemous opposition to God, foreshadows Satan, the "prince of this world" (see [John 14:30](/john/14-30 "John 14:30 - The Prince of This World")). Yet, Christ, through His crucifixion and resurrection, disarmed these spiritual principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers")). He entered the stronghold of death and emerged victorious, ensuring that the "gates of Hades shall not prevail" against His church (see [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hades Shall Not Prevail")). The promise that Sennacherib would not "come into this city" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eternal security of believers in Christ, whom no one can snatch from His hand (see [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Eternal Life and Security")), and in the ultimate triumph of the Lamb of God over all His enemies (see [Revelation 12:10-11](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10-11 - The Accuser Cast Down")).

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

2 Samuel 20:15

And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that [were] with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.

Isaiah 8:7

Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, [even] the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.

Isaiah 10:24

¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt.

Isaiah 10:25

For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.

Ezekiel 21:22

At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to appoint captains, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint [battering] rams against the gates, to cast a mount, [and] to build a fort.

Isaiah 10:28

He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages: