2 kings 19:26 - Therefore their inhabitants had little power. They were dismayed and confounded. They were like the grass of the field, and like the green herb, like the grass on the housetops, and like grain blasted before it has grown up.

Generated Verse: 2 kings 19:26

What does "2 kings 19:26" mean?


This verse from 2 Kings 19:26 is part of a larger speech delivered by the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah, reassuring him that God will deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian king Sennacherib. The verse itself is a description, almost a poetic observation, about the lack of power and the vulnerability of Jerusalem's enemies (primarily the Assyrians) in the face of God's power. Let's break it down:

"Therefore their inhabitants had little power." This is the core statement. It emphasizes that the people being spoken of, in this context the Assyrians and their allies laying siege to Jerusalem, were not as strong as they appeared. God had already weakened them.

"They were dismayed and confounded." Their initial confidence was shattered. They were confused and panicked by the unexpected turn of events (which the context reveals is God's intervention).

"They were like the grass of the field, and like the green herb, like the grass on the housetops, and like grain blasted before it has grown up." This is a series of similes that highlight their weakness and fleeting existence. Let's look at each comparison:

"Grass of the field" and "green herb": These are plants that are easily cut down, wither quickly, and are relatively insignificant.
"Grass on the housetops": In ancient Israel, roofs were often flat and made of packed earth. Grass might grow there, but it would be thin, shallow-rooted, and easily dried out by the sun. It's a symbol of something weak and unsustainable.
"Grain blasted before it has grown up": This refers to crops that are withered and destroyed before they can mature and provide a harvest. It signifies a premature end, a failure to reach potential.

In essence, the verse means:

God is telling King Hezekiah (and the people of Judah) not to be afraid of the Assyrians because:

They are not truly powerful.
They are experiencing fear and confusion.
They are as vulnerable and fleeting as easily withered plants. Their power is superficial and will not last. They will be cut down (defeated) before they can achieve their goals.

The theological significance is clear: God is in control, and human power is ultimately insignificant compared to divine power. This verse is designed to inspire faith and trust in God's ability to protect his people.

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