2 Kings 19:7

KJV

Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will send {H5414} a blast {H7307} upon him, and he shall hear {H8085} a rumour {H8052}, and shall return {H7725} to his own land {H776}; and I will cause him to fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719} in his own land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will put a spirit in him that will make him hear a rumor and return to his own land; then I will cause him to die by the sword in his own land.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’”

American Standard Version

Behold, I will put a spirit in him, and he shall hear tidings, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 19:7 delivers a powerful divine declaration through the prophet Isaiah, directly to the arrogant King Sennacherib of Assyria. In response to King Hezekiah's desperate prayer concerning Sennacherib's blasphemous threats against Judah and Jerusalem, God promises a supernatural intervention: He will cause Sennacherib to hear a compelling rumor that forces his retreat to his own land, where he will ultimately meet a violent, divinely orchestrated death by the sword. This verse stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, His unwavering protection of His people, and His certain judgment against pride and defiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Judah's history under King Hezekiah. Following Sennacherib's extensive conquests and his siege of Judah's fortified cities, he sends a highly provocative and blasphemous letter to Hezekiah, directly challenging the power of Yahweh and boasting of Assyria's invincibility. Overwhelmed and distraught, Hezekiah takes this letter into the temple, spreading it before the Lord in a profound act of desperate prayer and trust, as recorded in [2 Kings 19:14-19](/2_kings/19-14 "2 Kings 19:14-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer"). Second Kings 19:7 serves as God's immediate and direct prophetic response to Hezekiah's plea, delivered by the prophet Isaiah. It is the divine counter-declaration to Sennacherib's arrogance, setting the stage for the miraculous deliverance that follows, specifically detailed in [2 Kings 19:35-37](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35-37 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes Down the Assyrians").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the formidable Assyrian Empire, known for its brutal military campaigns and effective siege warfare. Sennacherib, one of Assyria's most powerful kings, had already devastated much of Judah, capturing 46 of its fortified cities. Jerusalem, though besieged, remained unconquered. The Assyrians employed psychological warfare, including mocking the gods of conquered nations, a tactic evident in Sennacherib's letter. For Judah, a small kingdom caught between powerful empires, the Assyrian threat was existential. Their only hope lay in divine intervention. Culturally, the challenge to Yahweh was not merely political but deeply religious, a direct affront to Israel's covenant God. The prophecy in [Isaiah 36](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36 - Sennacherib's Invasion") and [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - Hezekiah's Prayer and Sennacherib's Defeat") parallels this account, underscoring the historical veracity and theological significance of the events.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Sovereignty and Protection:** The verse emphatically demonstrates God's absolute control over human affairs, even over the mightiest empires and their proudest kings. Despite Assyria's overwhelming military might, God declares He will directly intervene to protect His covenant people and His holy city, Jerusalem. This highlights God's role as the ultimate defender of Judah, fulfilling His covenant promises and demonstrating that no earthly power can thwart His will, as also seen in [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34-35 "Daniel 4:34-35 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms").
* **Judgment on Arrogance and Blasphemy:** Sennacherib's pride and his direct defiance of the Lord are met with swift and certain divine judgment. God promises to "send a blast upon him," indicating a supernatural intervention that will humble the mighty king. The prophecy foretells a specific, ignominious end for Sennacherib, emphasizing that no one can mock the living God with impunity. This theme resonates with the broader biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction").
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy and Reliability of God's Word:** This verse is a precise prophecy that later finds exact fulfillment. God declares Sennacherib will "hear a rumour" (which causes his return) and ultimately "fall by the sword in his own land." This showcases the reliability of God's word and the certainty of His plans. The subsequent events in [2 Kings 19:35-37](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35-37 - The Angel of the Lord's Intervention and Sennacherib's Death") confirm every detail of this prophecy, reinforcing the trustworthiness of divine revelation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blast (Hebrew, רוּחַ, _ruach_):** This multifaceted Hebrew word can mean "spirit," "wind," or "breath." In this context, it signifies a supernatural force or a terrifying divine influence sent by God. It is not merely a natural phenomenon but a direct, powerful, and unseen intervention from God that will impact Sennacherib's morale and decision-making, compelling him to retreat. It denotes a divine, irresistible power at work.
* **Rumour (Hebrew, שְׁמוּעָה, _sh'mu'ah_):** This word refers to a report, news, or a hearing. While seemingly innocuous, the "rumour" is divinely orchestrated. It implies that the information Sennacherib receives, which prompts his return, is not accidental but part of God's sovereign plan to remove him from Judah. It highlights God's ability to use seemingly ordinary means to achieve His extraordinary purposes.
* **Fall by the sword (Hebrew, נָפַל בַּחֶרֶב, _naphal baḥerev_):** This phrase specifically denotes a violent death by assassination or battle. The precision of God's prophecy—that Sennacherib would die by the sword and in his *own land*—underscores the detailed nature of God's foreknowledge and His sovereign execution of justice. It emphasizes the ignominious end of a king who boasted of his invincibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will send a blast upon him,"**: This opening clause is a powerful declaration of divine initiative and sovereignty. The "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) draws immediate attention to a momentous, certain event. God Himself, the "I," is the active agent, promising a supernatural, unseen force or influence (the "blast" or _ruach_) that will directly impact Sennacherib. This signifies God's direct intervention in human affairs, demonstrating His absolute power over all earthly rulers and armies.
* **"and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land;"**: This clause details the immediate consequence of God's "blast." The divine influence will lead Sennacherib to hear a specific "rumour" or report. This news, divinely orchestrated, will be so compelling and threatening that it will force the mighty Assyrian king to abandon his campaign against Jerusalem and retreat to his homeland. This highlights God's ability to use intelligence or reports to guide events and fulfill His purposes, even against the will of a powerful adversary.
* **"and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land."**: This final clause pronounces the ultimate, specific, and ignominious fate of Sennacherib. Not only will he retreat, but God explicitly states, "I will cause him to fall." This is a direct divine judgment, ensuring that Sennacherib will meet a violent death, not in battle against Judah, but by assassination within his own territory. This precise prophecy, later fulfilled in [2 Kings 19:36-37](/2_kings/19-36 "2 Kings 19:36-37 - Sennacherib's Assassination"), underscores God's perfect foreknowledge and His commitment to executing justice against those who defy Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological impact. Foremost is **Prophecy**, as it is a direct, declarative statement from God through Isaiah, foretelling future events with absolute certainty and precise detail, which is later literally fulfilled. The use of **Divine Fiat** is evident in the repeated "I will" statements ("I will send," "I will cause"), emphasizing God's active, sovereign will as the sole mover of these events, not human effort or chance. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the narrative: the mighty, boastful king who threatened to conquer all nations is not defeated in a grand battle by Judah's army, but is instead compelled to retreat by a mere "rumour" and ultimately assassinated by his own sons in his own land, a humiliating and ignominious end. This serves as a powerful **Contrast** between human arrogance and divine power, highlighting the futility of defying the Almighty. The narrative also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at God's ultimate judgment on all who exalt themselves against Him and His people throughout history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 19:7 is a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It powerfully asserts divine sovereignty, demonstrating that no earthly power, however formidable, can withstand the will of the Almighty. God's response to Hezekiah's prayer underscores the efficacy of faithful intercession and His readiness to defend His name and His people. The verse also serves as a stark warning against hubris and blasphemy, illustrating that divine judgment inevitably awaits those who defy the living God. Ultimately, it reinforces the reliability of God's prophetic word, proving that what He declares will come to pass, strengthening faith in His promises across generations.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 37:36-38](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36-38 - Fulfillment of Sennacherib's Doom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful declaration from God in 2 Kings 19:7 offers profound encouragement and timeless lessons for believers today. In a world often dominated by seemingly insurmountable challenges, overwhelming threats, and the arrogance of human power, this verse reminds us that God remains sovereign over all. Just as He heard Hezekiah's desperate prayer and intervened decisively against Sennacherib, so too does He hear the cries of His people today. We are called to trust in His unfailing power and protection, knowing that no adversary, no crisis, and no human boast can ultimately thwart His divine purposes. This narrative encourages us to bring our fears and challenges before the Lord in prayer, confident that He is actively involved in our lives and in the course of history, always working for the good of those who love Him and for the glory of His name. It also serves as a sobering reminder that while human pride may rise, it will inevitably fall before the majesty of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hezekiah's response to Sennacherib's threat (taking the letter to the temple) inspire your approach to overwhelming challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life or the world do you need to trust more deeply in God's sovereign "blast" against seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **How does the swift and certain judgment on Sennacherib's arrogance challenge any tendencies toward self-sufficiency or pride in your own life?**
* **What specific "rumors" or reports might God be using in your life or in current events to bring about His purposes, even if they seem ordinary?**

### FAQ
**What was the "blast" mentioned in 2 Kings 19:7, and how did it affect Sennacherib?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "blast" is _ruach_ (רוּחַ), which is a rich term meaning "spirit," "wind," or "breath." In this context, it signifies a supernatural, divine force or influence that God would send upon Sennacherib. It wasn't necessarily a literal gust of wind, but rather a spiritual or psychological impact orchestrated by God that would cause a shift in Sennacherib's plans and morale. This divine "blast" led to Sennacherib hearing a "rumour" (שְׁמוּעָה, _sh'mu'ah_), a report or news, which compelled him to retreat from Judah and return to his own land. While the text doesn't specify the exact nature of the rumor, its effect was divinely guaranteed, illustrating God's ability to use unseen or seemingly mundane means to achieve His sovereign will and protect His people.

**How was the prophecy in 2 Kings 19:7 concerning Sennacherib's death fulfilled?**

Answer: The prophecy in [2 Kings 19:7](/2_kings/19-7 "2 Kings 19:7 - God's Prophecy Against Sennacherib") was fulfilled precisely as God declared. After his forced retreat from Judah, Sennacherib returned to Nineveh, his capital. Years later, while he was worshipping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, assassinated him with the sword. This event is recorded in [2 Kings 19:36-37](/2_kings/19-36 "2 Kings 19:36-37 - Sennacherib's Assassination") and corroborated by extra-biblical historical records. The fulfillment of this prophecy underscores the absolute reliability of God's word and His sovereign control over the destinies of nations and individuals, even the most powerful kings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine intervention against Sennacherib in 2 Kings 19:7, where God promises to send a "blast" and cause the mighty king's ignominious demise, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's Anointed One, Jesus Christ. Just as God protected Jerusalem from an overwhelming earthly foe, Christ, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not merely to deliver a city but to conquer the ultimate spiritual enemies: sin, death, and the devil. The "blast" God sent upon Sennacherib finds its ultimate echo in the spiritual authority and power of Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The "rumour" that caused Sennacherib's retreat pales in comparison to the "good news" of the Gospel, which compels a spiritual return to God. Furthermore, Sennacherib's death by the sword in his own land, orchestrated by God, points to Christ's victory over the one who holds "the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Ultimately, 2 Kings 19:7 is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people and His eventual judgment on all who oppose Him, a judgment fully realized in the righteous reign of the King of Kings, who will one day return to execute final justice and establish His eternal kingdom (as depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). In Christ, we find not just protection from earthly foes, but eternal victory and peace, for He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

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 7:6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

Obadiah 1:1

¶ The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.

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.

Job 15:21

A dreadful sound [is] in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.

Psalms 50:3

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Job 4:9

By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.