2 Kings 19:4

KJV

It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up [thy] prayer for the remnant that are left.

KJV (with Strong's)

It may be {H194} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} will hear {H8085} all the words {H1697} of Rabshakeh {H7262}, whom the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} his master {H113} hath sent {H7971} to reproach {H2778} the living {H2416} God {H430}; and will reprove {H3198} the words {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath heard {H8085}: wherefore lift up {H5375} thy prayer {H8605} for the remnant {H7611} that are left {H4672}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Maybe ADONAI your God will hear all the words of Rav-Shakeh, whom his master the king of Ashur has sent to taunt the living God, and will rebuke the message which ADONAI your God has heard. So pray for the remnant that is left."

Berean Standard Bible

Perhaps the LORD your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to defy the living God, and He will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives.”

American Standard Version

It may be Jehovah thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to defy the living God, and will rebuke the words which Jehovah thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 19:4, King Hezekiah, facing the imminent threat of the Assyrian army and the blasphemous taunts of Rabshakeh, sends a desperate plea to the prophet Isaiah. This verse encapsulates Hezekiah's profound distress and his humble, yet fervent, hope that the "living God" will hear the Assyrian's reproaches and vindicate His own name, thereby delivering the beleaguered remnant of Judah. It is a pivotal moment that underscores the power of intercessory prayer and God's sovereign response to those who trust in Him amidst overwhelming adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Judah's confrontation with the Assyrian Empire under King Sennacherib. Following Sennacherib's successful conquest of many fortified cities in Judah, he sends Rabshakeh, his field commander, to Jerusalem with a message of intimidation and psychological warfare. In [2 Kings 18:17-37](/2-kings/18-17 "2 Kings 18:17-37 - Rabshakeh's Taunts"), Rabshakeh delivers a speech designed to undermine the morale of Jerusalem's inhabitants and, more significantly, to blaspheme the God of Israel by equating Him with the defeated gods of other nations. Hezekiah's immediate response, as described in [2 Kings 19:1-3](/2-kings/19-1 "2 Kings 19:1-3 - Hezekiah's Distress"), is one of profound grief and humility: he tears his clothes, covers himself with sackcloth, and enters the house of the LORD. His sending of messengers to Isaiah in verse 4 is a direct consequence of this distress, seeking divine counsel and intervention, recognizing the spiritual nature of the Assyrian challenge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the Assyrian Empire, known for its brutal military campaigns, psychological warfare, and policy of deporting conquered peoples. King Sennacherib's invasion of Judah (c. 701 BCE) was part of this broader expansionist agenda. Rabshakeh's speech was a common Assyrian tactic: demoralize the enemy, sow disunity, and present surrender as the only rational option, often by mocking the enemy's gods and leadership. For Judah, a nation whose identity was intrinsically linked to their covenant God, the taunts against Yahweh were not merely insults but direct challenges to their very existence and the efficacy of their faith. The concept of "reproaching the living God" would have been understood as an act of ultimate defiance against the one true deity, demanding a divine response to preserve His honor and the integrity of His people.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Kings and the broader prophetic literature. Central is the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Vindication**, as Hezekiah expresses hope that God will "reprove" the words spoken against Him, demonstrating His unique power over all other deities and nations, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 37:21-29](/isaiah/37-21 "Isaiah 37:21-29 - God's Message to Sennacherib"). Another key theme is the **Efficacy of Prayer and Prophetic Intercession**, highlighting the belief that God hears and responds to the earnest prayers of His people, particularly through His chosen prophets, as seen in the subsequent divine intervention in [2 Kings 19:35-36](/2-kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - The Angel of the LORD Strikes"). The mention of "the remnant that are left" introduces the **Theme of the Remnant**, a recurring concept in biblical prophecy (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Will Return")), referring to the small, faithful portion of Israel preserved by God's grace amidst judgment or overwhelming odds, emphasizing divine preservation and hope.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _ḥāraph'_):** This verb carries the strong connotation of taunting, defying, or blaspheming. It implies a direct, scornful insult aimed at dishonoring someone, in this case, God Himself. Rabshakeh's words were not just political threats but a direct assault on the character and power of Yahweh, aiming to undermine the trust of His people.
* **Living God (Hebrew, _ʾĕlōhîm ḥayyîm'_):** This powerful phrase emphasizes God's active, dynamic, and life-giving nature, standing in stark contrast to the lifeless, impotent idols worshipped by the Assyrians and other pagan nations. Hezekiah's use of this term highlights the unique, personal, and intervening character of Israel's God, who is not a mere statue but an active participant in history.
* **Reprove (Hebrew, _yākaḥ'_):** This verb means to rebuke, correct, or judge. In this context, it signifies God's intention to respond to the taunts of Rabshakeh by demonstrating His justice, power, and authority. It implies a divine act of vindication, where God will prove His supremacy by nullifying the enemy's boasts and delivering His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh":** Hezekiah expresses a humble hope, not a demand, that God will take notice of the Assyrian's blasphemous speech. This phrase reflects a deep trust in God's attentiveness and justice, even in a seemingly hopeless situation. It is a plea for divine recognition of the gravity of the insult.
* **"whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God;":** This clause clarifies the nature of Rabshakeh's offense: it is a direct "reproach" or blasphemy against Yahweh, the "living God." Hezekiah emphasizes that the insult is not merely against Judah but against the divine King Himself, underscoring the spiritual dimension of the conflict.
* **"and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard:":** Hezekiah's hope extends to God's active response. He anticipates that God will "reprove" or rebuke these words, demonstrating His power and sovereignty by disproving Rabshakeh's claims. This is a plea for God to defend His own honor and character against those who mock Him.
* **"wherefore lift up [thy] prayer for the remnant that are left.":** This is Hezekiah's direct request to Isaiah. Recognizing Isaiah's prophetic authority and closeness to God, Hezekiah asks for intercessory prayer. The phrase "the remnant that are left" highlights the dire situation of Judah, reduced to a small, besieged population, emphasizing their desperate need for divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is evident in the depiction of God "hearing" and "reproving" words, attributing human-like actions to the divine to emphasize His active engagement and responsiveness to human affairs and blasphemy. **Contrast** is powerfully utilized through the phrase "the living God," which implicitly contrasts Yahweh with the lifeless idols of the Assyrians, highlighting His unique, active, and powerful nature. The entire context of Rabshakeh's speech, leading to this verse, functions as a form of **Intimidation** and **Psychological Warfare**, designed to break the spirit of the besieged. Hezekiah's response, however, counters this with an appeal to a higher power, demonstrating the **Power of Prayer** as a spiritual weapon against overwhelming physical and psychological threats. The term "remnant" also carries **Symbolic** weight, representing not just the surviving population but also a theological concept of God's faithful preservation of a core group.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the theological principle that God is actively involved in human affairs and is supremely jealous for His own name and honor. Rabshakeh's blasphemous taunts are not merely political rhetoric but a direct challenge to the "living God," necessitating a divine response. Hezekiah's plea for God to "reprove" these words reflects a deep understanding of God's character as one who will ultimately vindicate Himself against all opposition. This moment underscores the profound reliance on divine intervention when human resources are exhausted, emphasizing that true hope lies in God's sovereign power and faithfulness to His covenant. It also highlights the critical role of intercessory prayer, particularly from those with prophetic authority, as a conduit for God's action on behalf of His beleaguered people.

* [Psalm 74:10-11](/psalm/74-10 "Psalm 74:10-11 - How long will the enemy scoff at God?")
* [Isaiah 37:6-7](/isaiah/37-6 "Isaiah 37:6-7 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Deliverance")
* [Psalm 50:15](/psalm/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call upon Me in the day of trouble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our own lives, we often face "Rabshakehs"—voices of intimidation, doubt, and despair that mock our faith, challenge our trust in God, or seem to overwhelm our circumstances. These may come from external pressures, societal narratives, or even internal struggles. Like Hezekiah, our immediate and most potent response should be to turn to God in humility and earnest prayer, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His intervention. This verse reminds us that when God's name is reproached, or His truth is challenged, He is not indifferent. Our hope is rooted in His character—He is the "living God" who hears, sees, and acts to vindicate His honor and deliver His people. Furthermore, Hezekiah's request for Isaiah's intercession underscores the vital importance of communal prayer and seeking the prayers of others, especially those mature in faith, when we feel overwhelmed. We are called to pray not only for ourselves but also for the "remnant"—those who are vulnerable, persecuted, or facing desperate circumstances, trusting that God hears and responds to the cries of His faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Rabshakehs" or voices of intimidation are you facing in your life that seem to mock your faith or God's power?**
* **How does Hezekiah's immediate response of turning to God in prayer challenge your typical reactions to overwhelming problems?**
* **In what ways can you actively "lift up prayer for the remnant that are left" in your community or the world today?**
* **How does the concept of God "reproving" the words of His enemies strengthen your trust in His ultimate vindication and justice?**

### FAQ
**Why did Hezekiah send messengers to Isaiah instead of praying directly to God himself?**

Answer: While Hezekiah certainly prayed directly to God (as evidenced in [2 Kings 19:15-19](/2-kings/19-15 "2 Kings 19:15-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer")), sending messengers to Isaiah was a common and significant practice in ancient Israel, especially during times of national crisis. Isaiah was a prophet of the LORD, a divinely appointed intermediary through whom God often communicated His will and delivered His messages. Hezekiah's action demonstrates his humility, his recognition of Isaiah's prophetic authority, and his desire to seek a definitive word from God through His chosen messenger. It highlights the importance of seeking spiritual counsel and prophetic guidance, acknowledging that God often works through His servants to bring comfort, direction, and assurance to His people, as Isaiah indeed does in [2 Kings 19:6-7](/2-kings/19-6 "2 Kings 19:6-7 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Sennacherib's Retreat").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate plea of Hezekiah for God to "reprove the words" of Rabshakeh finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Rabshakeh's taunts against the "living God" foreshadow the ultimate reproach and blasphemy leveled against God's Son, Jesus, during His earthly ministry and, supremely, at His crucifixion. Just as Hezekiah sought God's vindication against an earthly accuser, so too does Christ represent God's definitive answer to the ultimate accuser, Satan, who continually reproaches God's character and humanity. Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly endured the ultimate reproach and suffering on the cross, not to be "reproved" by God, but to bear the reproaches of sin for humanity. His resurrection, however, is God's ultimate "reproving" of the powers of darkness and death, vindicating Christ's perfect obedience and establishing Him as [Lord over all](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"). Furthermore, Hezekiah's call to "lift up prayer for the remnant" points to Christ, who is our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our High Priest"), continually interceding for His church, the spiritual remnant, before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). In Christ, God not only hears the reproaches against His people but has decisively defeated the source of all reproach, securing eternal deliverance for all who believe.

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 16:12

It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

Ezekiel 36:37

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet [for] this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do [it] for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.

James 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:17

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

Joshua 14:12

Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims [were] there, and [that] the cities [were] great [and] fenced: if so be the LORD [will be] with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.

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:

2 Kings 18:17

¶ And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which [is] in the highway of the fuller's field.