The Hebrew word Hênaʻ, represented by H2012, is the name of a place, Hena, which was apparently located in Mesopotamia. Believed to be of foreign derivation, this name appears 3 times in 3 unique verses within scripture.
In the biblical narrative, H2012 appears exclusively within the context of a taunt from a high-ranking Assyrian official. As the Assyrian army threatens Jerusalem, their spokesman lists Hena among a group of cities that have already been conquered to demonstrate the futility of resistance. He rhetorically asks where the gods of the captured cities are, including Hena 2 Kings 18:34. This challenge is repeated, asking about the fate of the kings of these defeated lands, "Where is the king H4428 of the city H5892 of Sepharvaim H5617, of Hena H2012, and Ivah H5755?" (2 Kings 19:13; Isaiah 37:13). In all instances, Hena serves as an example of a nation whose leadership and deities were unable to save it from Assyria's power.
Several related words appear alongside Hena, providing context for the Assyrian challenge:
- H774 ʼArpâd: Meaning spread out; Arpad, a place in Syria. Arpad is consistently listed with Hena in the taunt to emphasize the scope of Assyrian conquest 2 Kings 19:13.
- H5755 ʻIvvâh: This refers to Ivvah or Avva, a region of Assyria. Like Arpad, Ivah is always mentioned with Hena, reinforcing the list of defeated nations whose gods and kings failed Isaiah 37:13.
- H4428 melek: This word for a king is central to the challenge. The Assyrian spokesman specifically asks about the whereabouts of the king of Hena and the other cities, implying their defeat and powerlessness 2 Kings 19:13.
- H5337 nâtsal: Meaning to snatch away... deliver. This verb is used to mock the gods of the conquered lands, questioning if they have delivered Samaria from the Assyrian hand H3027 2 Kings 18:34.
The theological weight of H2012 is found entirely in the context of its use as a rhetorical device.
- The Impotence of Idols: The primary function of naming Hena is to contribute to a list of places whose gods H430 were powerless. The question, "Where are the gods H430 of... Hena H2012?" is designed to highlight the failure of these deities to protect their followers 2 Kings 18:34.
- Futility of Human Power: By also asking for the location of the king H4428 of Hena, the narrative underscores that earthly rulers and their kingdoms are ultimately unable to provide security against overwhelming forces Isaiah 37:13.
- Contrast with God's Sovereignty: The fall of Hena and its neighbors sets the stage for the Lord's dramatic deliverance of Jerusalem. The failure of Hena's gods and king serves to magnify the power of the God of Israel, who alone can deliver H5337 His people.
In summary, H2012 Hênaʻ is significant not for its own history but for its role within a specific biblical account. It is consistently named as one of several conquered cities in an Assyrian boast. This mention serves a theological purpose: to exemplify the failure of both human kings and false gods, thereby magnifying the unique sovereignty of the God of Israel, who proves He alone holds the power to save.
TRV