2 Kings 19:35

KJV

¶ And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass that night {H3915}, that the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} went out {H3318}, and smote {H5221} in the camp {H4264} of the Assyrians {H804} an hundred {H3967} fourscore {H8084} and five {H2568} thousand {H505}: and when they arose early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, behold, they were all dead {H4191} corpses {H6297}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That night the angel of ADONAI went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of Ashur. Early the next morning, there they were, all of them, corpses - dead.

Berean Standard Bible

And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

American Standard Version

And it came to pass that night, that the angel of Jehovah went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 19:35 records the dramatic and miraculous divine intervention that delivered Jerusalem from the overwhelming Assyrian threat during the reign of King Hezekiah. In a single night, the Angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers encamped around the city, utterly annihilating Sennacherib's formidable army. This climactic event, a direct answer to Hezekiah's fervent prayer and a fulfillment of God's prophetic promise, powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over nations, His faithfulness to His covenant people, and His swift judgment against human arrogance and blasphemy, ensuring Jerusalem's salvation and affirming His unique power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the stunning climax to the narrative of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah, detailed in 2 Kings 18-19. It immediately follows the prophet Isaiah's divine oracle of deliverance, given in response to King Hezekiah's desperate and humble prayer before the Lord. Hezekiah had spread Sennacherib's blasphemous letter before God in the temple, appealing to God's honor and reputation among the nations [2 Kings 19:14-19](/2_kings/19-14 "2 Kings 19:14-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer"). God, through Isaiah, promised to defend Jerusalem and turn Sennacherib back [2 Kings 19:20-34](/2_kings/19-20 "2 Kings 19:20-34 - God's Answer through Isaiah"). The preceding verses describe Sennacherib's arrogant taunts and blasphemies against the God of Israel, setting up the dramatic contrast with God's swift and decisive action in verse 35. This event directly fulfills God's promise and sets the stage for Sennacherib's ignominious return and eventual assassination [2 Kings 19:36-37](/2_kings/19-36 "2 Kings 19:36-37 - Sennacherib's Retreat and Death"). The narrative emphasizes God's direct intervention as the sole source of Judah's salvation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Kings 19:35 are set during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah (c. 715-686 BC) and the Assyrian King Sennacherib (705-681 BC). Assyria was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, renowned for its brutal military campaigns and effective siege warfare. Their empire stretched from Mesopotamia to Egypt, and they had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel (722 BC) and numerous cities in Judah. Sennacherib's campaign against Judah in 701 BC is well-attested in both biblical and extrabiblical sources, including Sennacherib's own prism inscription, which boasts of besieging Hezekiah in Jerusalem "like a bird in a cage," though it notably omits any mention of the city's fall. The Assyrian army was a professional, highly disciplined force, and their encampment of 185,000 soldiers would have represented an overwhelming and seemingly unstoppable threat to Jerusalem, a city with limited defenses against such a massive force. The cultural context includes the widespread belief in national gods, where military victories were attributed to the power of a nation's deity. Sennacherib's taunts were thus not merely political but theological, challenging the supremacy of Yahweh, which made God's intervention all the more significant.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human history and His willingness to intervene miraculously to save His people, even against overwhelming odds. This reinforces the theme that "salvation belongs to the Lord" [Psalm 3:8](/psalm/3-8 "Psalm 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the Lord"). Secondly, it underscores the **Power of Prayer and Faith**, as Hezekiah's humble and fervent petition is met with immediate and dramatic divine action, illustrating God's responsiveness to the cries of His faithful. Thirdly, the event serves as a vivid portrayal of **Divine Judgment against Arrogance and Blasphemy**. Sennacherib's prideful defiance and contempt for Yahweh are met with swift and devastating retribution, a recurring theme throughout Scripture concerning those who oppose God [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Finally, it reaffirms **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, particularly His promise to protect Jerusalem as His chosen city and the dwelling place of His name [Psalm 48:1-8](/psalm/48 "Psalm 48 - God's Protection of Zion"). The miraculous nature of the defeat emphasizes that God acts for His own name's sake, not merely for human merit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel of the LORD (Hebrew, _mal'akh Yahweh'_):** This highly significant phrase denotes a divine messenger who often acts with the authority and power of God Himself, frequently understood as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ or a unique divine agent. In this context, the Angel is not merely a messenger but the direct executor of God's judgment, demonstrating divine omnipotence and immediate intervention. The use of this specific title emphasizes that the destruction was not a natural disaster or a human act, but a direct, supernatural act of God.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** The verb "smote" is a strong and decisive term, indicating a forceful, destructive blow. It is used throughout the Old Testament to describe God's judgment, often in the context of inflicting plagues or military defeat (e.g., God striking Egypt in [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - God Strikes Egypt")). Here, it conveys the suddenness, completeness, and overwhelming power of the divine action, leaving no room for human resistance or survival.
* **Dead corpses (Hebrew, _pagarim'_):** This term specifically refers to dead bodies, often those that are left unburied or are the result of a great slaughter. The repetition and starkness of "all dead corpses" emphasize the totality of the destruction. It highlights the absolute finality of God's judgment and the utter helplessness of the Assyrian army, who, despite their vast numbers and military might, were rendered lifeless and inert by a single divine act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass that night":** This phrase immediately establishes the timing of the miraculous event. The deliverance was not a gradual process or a prolonged battle, but a sudden, overnight act, emphasizing the immediacy and supernatural nature of God's intervention. It highlights that while humans slept, God was actively at work, fulfilling His promise.
* **"that the angel of the LORD went out":** This identifies the divine agent of destruction. The "angel of the LORD" is God's direct representative, acting with His full authority and power. "Went out" signifies a deliberate, purposeful mission from the divine presence, directly engaging with the enemy.
* **"and smote in the camp of the Assyrians":** This specifies the target and location of the divine judgment. The blow was directed precisely at the heart of the Assyrian military threat, their encampment, demonstrating God's precise aim and comprehensive reach. It was not a random act but a targeted strike against the blasphemous invaders.
* **"an hundred fourscore and five thousand":** This precise number, 185,000, underscores the immense scale of the destruction and the magnitude of the miracle. It was not a small skirmish but the annihilation of a vast army, a number that would have been virtually impossible for the small forces of Judah to overcome. The specificity lends historical weight and emphasizes the overwhelming nature of God's power.
* **"and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses":** This concluding clause vividly portrays the aftermath and the discovery of the miracle. The phrase "when they arose early in the morning" implies the expectation of renewed hostilities, only to be met with a shocking reality. "Behold" draws the reader's attention to the astonishing sight. The repetition of "all dead corpses" emphasizes the completeness and finality of the destruction, leaving no survivors from the targeted force. The Assyrian threat was utterly neutralized, not by human might, but by divine decree.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 19:35 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its theological message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, or perhaps more accurately, **Divine Magnification**, where the immense number of casualties (185,000) underscores the extraordinary scale of God's power and the completeness of His victory, far beyond any human capability. The stark contrast between the overwhelming Assyrian might and the single, silent act of the Angel of the LORD creates a profound sense of **Irony**: the seemingly invincible army is rendered utterly helpless by an unseen force. The suddenness of the event, occurring "that night," and the immediate discovery "early in the morning," creates a dramatic **Juxtaposition** of anticipation and shocking reality, amplifying the miraculous nature of the deliverance. Furthermore, the phrase "all dead corpses" serves as a powerful **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, leaving no doubt about the totality of the destruction and the finality of God's judgment. The entire scene functions as a **Theophany** (or Christophany, if the Angel of the LORD is seen as pre-incarnate Christ), where God's presence and power are made manifest through a direct, supernatural act, serving as a powerful demonstration of His sovereignty and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem in 2 Kings 19:35 stands as a profound theological statement about the nature of God. It affirms His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. This event demonstrates that God is not merely a distant observer but an active, intervening deity who defends His people and His honor. It highlights the futility of human arrogance and reliance on military might when arrayed against the Almighty. The immediate and overwhelming nature of the judgment against Sennacherib's army serves as a powerful testament to God's justice and His commitment to His chosen city and people. This narrative reinforces the biblical truth that true security and salvation come from the Lord alone, not from human strength or political alliances. It is a foundational account illustrating divine omnipotence and the efficacy of humble, believing prayer.

* [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - Parallel Account of Assyrian Defeat")
* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge in Trouble")
* [Exodus 12:29-30](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29-30 - The Tenth Plague in Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the Assyrian defeat in 2 Kings 19:35 offers timeless lessons for believers today. In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges, threats, and a sense of helplessness, this narrative serves as a powerful anchor for faith. It reminds us that no enemy, no matter how vast or formidable, is beyond the reach of God's sovereign power. When we face "Assyrian armies" in our lives—whether they be personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual attacks—this passage encourages us to emulate King Hezekiah's response: to humble ourselves, bring our petitions before the Lord, and trust in His ability to deliver. It is a call to abandon self-reliance and place our complete confidence in God, knowing that He hears the cries of His people and acts decisively on their behalf. Furthermore, it serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and blasphemy, urging us to walk in humility and reverence before the Lord. Ultimately, this passage cultivates a deep sense of awe for God's power and a profound assurance in His unwavering faithfulness to those who call upon His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most overwhelmed, and how can the account of 2 Kings 19:35 encourage you to trust God with those seemingly insurmountable challenges?**
* **How does Hezekiah's example of bringing his impossible situation before the Lord inspire your own prayer life when faced with great difficulties?**
* **What "Assyrian armies"—whether fears, anxieties, or external pressures—are you tempted to rely on your own strength to overcome, rather than seeking God's miraculous intervention?**
* **How does this passage deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty over nations and His commitment to His people?**

### FAQ
**Was the number 185,000 literal, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While some modern critical scholars debate the precise historicity of the number, the biblical text presents 185,000 as a literal figure, emphasizing the immense scale of the miraculous destruction. From a theological perspective, the exact number underscores the magnitude of God's power and the completeness of His intervention. Whether precisely 185,000 or a very large number, the narrative's intent is to highlight that the defeat was not a minor skirmish but the annihilation of a vast, formidable army by divine power, an event so significant that it is also recorded in parallel in the book of Isaiah [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - Parallel Account"). The focus is on the divine act, not on a precise census.

**Who was the "angel of the LORD"?**

Answer: The "angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: _mal'akh Yahweh_) is a significant figure throughout the Old Testament. This designation often refers to a divine messenger who acts with the authority and power of God Himself, sometimes even appearing to be God. Many theologians interpret these appearances as Christophanies—pre-incarnate manifestations of Jesus Christ. Regardless of whether it was a created angel acting on God's behalf or a direct manifestation of God, the key theological point is that the destruction of the Assyrian army was a direct, supernatural act of God, not a natural event or human military action. This figure is consistently depicted as an agent of divine judgment and salvation, as seen in other contexts like the Passover in Egypt [Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "Exodus 12:23 - The Destroyer at Passover").

**Why did God intervene so dramatically in this specific instance?**

Answer: God intervened so dramatically in 2 Kings 19:35 for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it was a direct answer to King Hezekiah's humble and fervent prayer, demonstrating God's responsiveness to the faith of His people [2 Kings 19:15-19](/2_kings/19-15 "2 Kings 19:15-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer"). Secondly, it was to defend His own honor and reputation. Sennacherib had openly blasphemed Yahweh, comparing Him to the defeated gods of other nations [2 Kings 19:10-13](/2_kings/19-10 "2 Kings 19:10-13 - Sennacherib's Blasphemy"). God's intervention was a powerful vindication of His unique sovereignty and power. Thirdly, it was to fulfill His covenant promises to protect Jerusalem and His chosen people, ensuring the continuation of the Davidic line from which the Messiah would come [2 Kings 19:34](/2_kings/19-34 "2 Kings 19:34 - God's Promise to Defend Jerusalem"). This event served as a clear demonstration that Yahweh is the one true God, sovereign over all earthly kingdoms and their rulers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic deliverance of Jerusalem in 2 Kings 19:35, orchestrated by the Angel of the LORD, finds its ultimate and infinitely greater fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Angel of the LORD struck down a physical enemy to save God's people, so Jesus, the true [Angel of the Covenant](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - Messenger of the Covenant"), came to confront and conquer humanity's ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil. The vast Assyrian army, a seemingly insurmountable threat, foreshadows the overwhelming power of spiritual darkness that holds humanity captive. Yet, through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ achieved a decisive victory, disarming the powers and authorities [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers"). The "dead corpses" of the Assyrians point to the spiritual death from which only Christ can deliver, offering new life to all who believe [Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Dead in Sins, Made Alive in Christ"). Moreover, just as God defended His earthly city, Jerusalem, Christ establishes and protects His spiritual city, the Church, against which the gates of hell will not prevail [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock"). The miraculous intervention in 2 Kings 19:35 is a powerful testament to God's saving power, a power fully and finally revealed in the person of Jesus, who delivers us not from an earthly army, but from eternal condemnation, bringing us into His eternal kingdom [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Light").

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 Chronicles 32:21

And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

2 Chronicles 32:22

Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all [other], and guided them on every side.

2 Samuel 24:16

And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

Exodus 12:29

¶ And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

Exodus 12:30

And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for [there was] not a house where [there was] not one dead.

Psalms 76:5

The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.

Psalms 76:7

¶ Thou, [even] thou, [art] to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?