2 kings 19:16 - Incline your ear, Yahweh, and hear. Open your eyes, Yahweh, and see. Hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to defy the living God.

Generated Verse: 2 kings 19:16

What does "2 kings 19:16" mean?


This verse is a powerful prayer from King Hezekiah of Judah in the face of a grave threat. It essentially means:

"Incline your ear, Yahweh, and hear. Open your eyes, Yahweh, and see.": This is a plea for God's attention. It's not that Hezekiah believes God cannot hear or see, but it's an urgent request for God to actively and attentively listen to his prayer and witness the situation. It's a way of emphasizing the dire need for divine intervention. The repetition of "Yahweh" underscores the personal relationship and reliance on the covenant God of Israel.

"Hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to defy the living God.": Hezekiah is asking God to consider the content of the messages from Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. These messages are not just political threats, but blatant blasphemies and challenges to God's power and authority. Sennacherib is defying "the living God," meaning a God who is actively involved in the world, not some powerless idol.

In summary, the verse is a desperate call for God to pay attention to the dire situation and to acknowledge the blasphemous and challenging words of Sennacherib. Hezekiah wants God to understand that this is not merely a political or military crisis, but a direct attack on God's very being and authority. It sets the stage for Hezekiah to ask God to defend His own name and power.

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