2 Kings 19:6

KJV

And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Isaiah {H3470} said {H559} unto them, Thus shall ye say {H559} to your master {H113}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Be not afraid {H3372} of {H6440} the words {H1697} which thou hast heard {H8085}, with which the servants {H5288} of the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} have blasphemed {H1442} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

he said to them, "Tell your master that this is what ADONAI says: 'Don't be afraid of the words you heard the servants of the king of Ashur use to insult me.

Berean Standard Bible

who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me.

American Standard Version

And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith Jehovah, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 19:6, the prophet Isaiah delivers a pivotal divine oracle to King Hezekiah, who is facing an existential threat from the Assyrian Empire. This verse marks a dramatic shift from human despair and the overwhelming military and psychological warfare waged by Sennacherib's forces to a direct, comforting, and authoritative word from the LORD. It assures Hezekiah that he should not fear the blasphemous and taunting words of the Assyrians, as their insults are not merely against Judah but are a direct affront to God Himself, who will personally intervene to defend His honor and His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of King Hezekiah's reign, specifically within the account of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah (2 Kings 18-19). Immediately preceding this verse, King Hezekiah, overwhelmed by the Assyrian Rabshakeh's taunts and blasphemies against the LORD (as detailed in [2 Kings 18:17-37](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Sennacherib's Invasion")), tears his clothes, covers himself with sackcloth, and sends his chief officials to the prophet Isaiah to inquire of the LORD. This act of humility and seeking divine counsel sets the stage for Isaiah's immediate and authoritative response in [2 Kings 19:6](/2_kings/19-6 "2 Kings 19:6 - Isaiah's Prophecy to Hezekiah"). The verse functions as God's direct answer to Hezekiah's distress, providing the divine perspective and promise that will lead to the miraculous deliverance described later in [2 Kings 19:35-37](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35-37 - The Angel of the LORD Destroys the Assyrian Army").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Kings 19:6 unfold around 701 BC, during the peak of the Assyrian Empire's power under King Sennacherib. Assyria was notorious for its brutal military campaigns, psychological warfare, and forced deportations. They had already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) in 722 BC and had swept through much of Judah, capturing fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem. The Rabshakeh's speech, delivered outside Jerusalem's walls, was a common Assyrian tactic: demoralizing the enemy by highlighting their overwhelming might, scoffing at their gods, and offering terms of surrender that were ultimately deceptive. The blasphemy against Yahweh was particularly potent, as it struck at the heart of Judah's identity and faith, challenging the very sovereignty of their God in a polytheistic world where the strength of a nation's god was often measured by its military success.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Kings and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly empire is subject to the will of the LORD, who defends His own name and people. Secondly, it highlights the **Power and Authority of God's Word** delivered through His prophets, showcasing Isaiah as a true messenger whose "Thus saith the LORD" carries ultimate weight and brings about miraculous intervention. Thirdly, the command "Be not afraid" introduces the theme of **Divine Assurance and Comfort** in the face of overwhelming fear and human helplessness, a recurring motif throughout Scripture (e.g., [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Help and Uphold")). Finally, it emphasizes **God's Zeal for His Holy Name**, as the Assyrian blasphemy is taken as a personal affront, prompting God to act not just for Judah's sake, but for the vindication of His own glory (cf. [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God Acts for His Holy Name")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blasphemed (Hebrew, _gâdaph'_):** This verb signifies to revile, reproach, or speak contemptuously. It is a strong term indicating not merely insult but a deliberate act of treating something sacred with utter disdain and disrespect. In this context, it signifies the Assyrians' extreme insolence in equating the Most High God with the powerless idols of other nations, directly challenging His unique power and divine nature. It implies a direct assault on God's honor and character, which God takes personally.
* **Be not afraid (Hebrew, _ʾal-tîrāʾ'_):** This imperative is a common divine injunction throughout the Bible, often appearing at moments of great crisis or divine revelation. It is a command to cease fear, implying that the basis for fear has been removed or is illegitimate in light of God's presence and promise. Here, it directly counters the psychological warfare of the Assyrians and the natural human response to such overwhelming threats, shifting Hezekiah's focus from the enemy's might to God's sovereign power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Isaiah said unto them,"**: This establishes Isaiah as the divine messenger, receiving and relaying God's direct response to Hezekiah's delegation. It underscores the prophetic office as the conduit for God's authoritative word.
* **"Thus shall ye say to your master,"**: This is a direct instruction from Isaiah to Hezekiah's officials, indicating the precise message they are to deliver back to the king. It highlights the formality and authority of the prophetic communication.
* **"Thus saith the LORD,"**: This is the classic prophetic formula, emphasizing that the words that follow are not Isaiah's own opinion or counsel, but the very word of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It lends absolute authority and certainty to the message.
* **"Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard,"**: This is God's direct command to Hezekiah, addressing the king's natural fear and the psychological impact of the Rabshakeh's taunts. It is a divine counter-command to the fear that the Assyrians sought to instill.
* **"with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me."**: This clause reveals the core reason for God's intervention: the Assyrians' words were not just insults against Judah, but a direct, personal affront to God Himself. The "servants" (Rabshakeh and his retinue) are identified as instruments of Sennacherib's blasphemy, and God takes personal offense at their contemptuous disregard for His unique deity and power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent, as God speaks directly to Hezekiah through Isaiah, using the imperative "Be not afraid." This creates a sense of immediacy and personal engagement. The repeated phrase "**Thus saith the LORD**" functions as a powerful **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the prophetic message and underscoring its divine origin. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the fear-inducing words of the Assyrians and the fear-dispelling word of God, highlighting the superior power of divine assurance over human intimidation. Finally, the statement "blasphemed me" demonstrates **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like emotional response (taking offense) to God, thereby emphasizing the personal nature of the affront and God's zealous commitment to His own honor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 19:6 is a profound declaration of God's active sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His own glory and the protection of His people. It teaches that even when human power seems overwhelming and divine power is openly mocked, God is not distant or indifferent. He takes personal offense at blasphemy against His name and will intervene decisively to vindicate His honor. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the true battle is often spiritual, and God's word is the ultimate weapon against fear and the boasts of the wicked. It foreshadows God's ultimate victory over all who oppose Him and His kingdom.

* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise of Help")
* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13 "Exodus 14:13-14 - Stand Firm and See the Salvation of the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often filled with overwhelming challenges, intimidating voices, and outright hostility towards faith, 2 Kings 19:6 offers timeless encouragement. It reminds us that our greatest battles are not merely against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces and the lies they propagate. When we encounter situations that incite fear, whether personal anxieties, societal pressures, or direct opposition to our faith, the divine command "Be not afraid" rings true. Our focus should shift from the magnitude of the threat to the majesty of our God, who is greater than any adversary. Just as Hezekiah sought the LORD's word, we too are called to anchor ourselves in Scripture and prayer, trusting that God takes personal offense at any attempt to diminish His glory or harm His children. His word dispels fear and guarantees His ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "words" or circumstances in your life are currently causing you to be afraid, and how might God be calling you to "be not afraid" in response?**
* **In what ways do you see God's name or character being "blasphemed" in the world today, and how does this verse encourage you about God's response?**
* **How does seeking God's word through prayer and Scripture help you overcome fear and trust in His sovereignty during times of crisis?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Assyrians "blaspheming" God?**

Answer: The Assyrians' "blasphemy" (Hebrew: *gâdaph*) was highly significant because it was a direct challenge to the unique power and sovereignty of Yahweh, the God of Israel. In the ancient Near East, military victories were often attributed to the superior power of a nation's god. By claiming that Yahweh was no different from the defeated gods of other nations (as Rabshakeh did in [2 Kings 18:33-35](/2_kings/18-33 "2 Kings 18:33-35 - Rabshakeh's Taunts")), the Assyrians were not just insulting Judah, but directly reviling God's holy name and divine nature. This was an act of extreme contempt against the sacred, which God took as a personal affront, prompting Him to intervene decisively to defend His own honor and demonstrate His unparalleled power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Kings 19:6, with its declaration of divine assurance against blasphemous enemies, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "Thus saith the LORD," the very Word of God incarnate, through whom God's definitive message of salvation and victory is delivered to humanity (cf. [John 1:1-14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as God commanded Hezekiah "Be not afraid" in the face of a physical enemy, Jesus repeatedly speaks words of comfort and peace to His disciples, commanding them not to fear earthly threats or spiritual opposition (e.g., [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Do Not Fear Those Who Kill the Body") and [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). The Assyrian blasphemy against God's name foreshadows the ultimate blasphemy of humanity's sin and rebellion against God, which Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came to atone for. Through His death and resurrection, Christ decisively defeats the spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—who continually "blaspheme" God's holiness and seek to instill fear. His victory ensures that those who trust in Him need not fear any earthly or spiritual foe, for He has overcome the world (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and guarantees God's ultimate vindication and the deliverance of His people.

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 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.

2 Kings 18:35

Who [are] they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?

Isaiah 37:6

And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

Isaiah 37:38

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 20:15

And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle [is] not yours, but God's.

2 Kings 18:30

Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

Deuteronomy 20:1

¶ When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.