2 kings 19:31 - For out of Jerusalem a remnant will go out, and out of Mount Zion those who shall escape. Yahweh’s zeal will perform this.

Generated Verse: 2 kings 19:31

What does "2 kings 19:31" mean?


This verse, 2 Kings 19:31, is part of a message of hope delivered by the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah during the siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrian king Sennacherib. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the historical context and the key elements of the verse:

Historical Context: King Sennacherib of Assyria had conquered many cities in Judah and was threatening to completely destroy Jerusalem. King Hezekiah prayed for deliverance, and Isaiah received a prophetic message from God reassuring him that Jerusalem would be spared.

Key Elements and Their Meaning:

"For out of Jerusalem a remnant will go out..." This refers to a surviving group of people who will emerge from Jerusalem. The "remnant" signifies that not everyone in Jerusalem will perish; a portion will be preserved. This is a common theme in the Old Testament, where God promises to preserve a faithful remnant even in times of judgment. This is not suggesting people leave Jerusalem but rather that a remnant comes from the city.

"...and out of Mount Zion those who shall escape." Mount Zion is a synonym for Jerusalem, emphasizing its importance as the holy city and the location of the Temple. This phrase reinforces the idea that a group will be delivered or escape from the destruction. "Those who shall escape" indicates that there is danger and a need for deliverance.

"Yahweh’s zeal will perform this." This is the crucial point. "Zeal" refers to God's intense passion, commitment, and protectiveness for His people and His own reputation. The verse states explicitly that the preservation of this remnant is not due to human strength or ingenuity, but solely because of God's zealous commitment to His promises. God's zeal for His name (because Jerusalem was His city, the location of His Temple) and for His covenant with David (to preserve a line of kings) motivates Him to act.

Overall Meaning:

The verse is a promise of hope and deliverance. It assures King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem that, despite the overwhelming odds and the threat of the Assyrian army, a remnant of people will survive the siege. This survival is not a matter of chance, but a direct result of God's passionate commitment and power. God's zeal for his own name and promises guarantees the deliverance of Jerusalem.

Theological Implications:

God's Sovereignty: The verse highlights God's sovereignty and His control over events. He can intervene in history to protect His people and fulfill His purposes.
God's Covenant Faithfulness: The survival of the remnant demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to David and to His people.
Hope in Judgment: Even in times of judgment and hardship, there is always hope for those who trust in God.
Divine Motivation: God acts not arbitrarily, but out of a deep-seated commitment rooted in His character and promises.

In summary, 2 Kings 19:31 is a powerful statement of hope and assurance. It underscores the idea that God, in His zeal, will preserve a remnant of His people, demonstrating His sovereignty, faithfulness, and the enduring power of His promises. It is a message of encouragement to trust in God even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

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