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2 Kings 18:35

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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?

Who are they among all the gods {H430} of the countries {H776}, that have delivered {H5337} their country {H776} out of mine hand {H3027}, that the LORD {H3068} should deliver {H5337} Jerusalem {H3389} out of mine hand {H3027}?

Where is the god of any country that has saved its country from my power, so that ADONAI might be able to save Yerushalayim from my power?'"

Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”

Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of my hand, that Jehovah should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?

Commentary

Context

This verse is spoken by Rabshakeh, the chief field commander of the Assyrian King Sennacherib, during Assyria's siege of Jerusalem in the late 8th century BC. Having already conquered many surrounding nations, Sennacherib's army stood at the gates of Jerusalem, threatening its destruction. Rabshakeh's speech, delivered in Hebrew so the people on the wall could understand, was a psychological tactic designed to demoralize King Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Judah. He challenges their faith in the LORD, arguing that if the gods of other nations could not save their people from Assyrian might, neither could the God of Israel deliver Jerusalem from Sennacherib's hand. This direct challenge is a culmination of his earlier taunts, found in 2 Kings 18:28-34, where he attempts to undermine their trust in God and their king.

Key Themes

  • Blasphemous Arrogance: Rabshakeh's words are a profound act of blasphemy, directly challenging the unique sovereignty and power of the LORD by equating Him with the impotent idols of conquered nations. This reflects the Assyrian worldview, where military might was seen as proof of a nation's god's superiority.
  • False Equivalency: The core of Rabshakeh's argument is a false comparison. He places the living God of Israel on the same level as the dead, man-made deities of other lands, failing to comprehend the infinite difference between the Creator and creation.
  • Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Power: The verse highlights the clash between Sennacherib's seemingly irresistible human power and the ultimate, unchallenged power of the LORD. Rabshakeh's question, though intended to inspire fear, sets the stage for a dramatic demonstration of God's true might.
  • Challenge to Faith: For the people of Jerusalem, this was a direct test of their faith. Would they succumb to fear and surrender, or would they trust in the LORD despite the overwhelming odds? Their response, and Hezekiah's subsequent prayer, are pivotal to the narrative.

Linguistic Insights

The name "LORD" in this KJV text refers to the Hebrew personal name of God, Yahweh (יהוה). Rabshakeh uses this covenant name, indicating he was aware of the God Israel worshipped, but his use is dismissive and mocking, reducing the incomparable God to merely one among many local deities. His phrase "gods of the countries" (אֱלֹהֵי הָאֲרָצוֹת, elohay ha'aratzot) underscores his polytheistic worldview, contrasting sharply with the monotheistic faith of Israel.

Practical Application

Rabshakeh's challenge resonates through history. Today, we often face "Rabshakehs" – voices or circumstances that question God's power, His ability to deliver us, or His relevance in a world dominated by human achievements and perceived challenges. This verse reminds us:

  • God is Unique: The God of the Bible is not merely one option among many spiritual paths or philosophies. He is the unique, sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things, incomparable to any idol or human construct.
  • Trust in Adversity: When faced with overwhelming odds or intimidating voices that seek to undermine our faith, this passage encourages us to stand firm in our trust in God. Just as Hezekiah prayed for God's honor, we too can appeal to His character and power.
  • God's Ultimate Deliverance: The historical outcome of this challenge (see 2 Kings 19:35) serves as a powerful reminder that God is indeed able to deliver, often in ways humanly impossible, demonstrating His glory and faithfulness.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 3:15 (3 votes)

    Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

  • Psalms 2:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

  • Psalms 2:2 (2 votes)

    The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],

  • Isaiah 10:15 (2 votes)

    Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? [or] shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake [itself] against them that lift it up, [or] as if the staff should lift up [itself, as if it were] no wood.

  • Isaiah 37:23 (2 votes)

    Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? [even] against the Holy One of Israel.

  • Isaiah 37:29 (2 votes)

    Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:15 (2 votes)

    Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?