2 kings 19:35 - That night, Yahweh’s angel went out, and struck one hundred eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians. When men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.
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What does "2 kings 19:35" mean?
2 Kings 19:35 describes a pivotal event in the narrative of King Hezekiah of Judah and the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means within its historical and theological context:
The Threat: The Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, was the dominant superpower of the time. They had conquered much of the region and were threatening to besiege and destroy Jerusalem. King Hezekiah, a righteous ruler, turned to God in prayer for deliverance.
"That night, Yahweh’s angel went out...": The verse states that God (Yahweh) sent an angel to intervene. The "angel of the Lord" in the Old Testament is often interpreted as a direct manifestation of God's power or a divine messenger carrying out God's will. The use of the word "angel" doesn't necessarily imply a winged being but more broadly a "messenger."
"...and struck one hundred eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians.": This is the central action of the verse. A massive number of Assyrian soldiers – 185,000 – were killed in a single night. The Hebrew word translated as "struck" implies a decisive and destructive act.
"When men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.": This emphasizes the suddenness and totality of the devastation. The next morning, the survivors found the Assyrian camp littered with corpses. The scale of the destruction would have been utterly shocking and undeniable.
Interpretation and Significance:
Divine Intervention: The primary meaning of the verse is that God directly intervened to protect Jerusalem from the Assyrian army. This event is presented as a miraculous act of deliverance, a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to those who trust in Him.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: In the broader context of the story, the destruction of the Assyrian army fulfills prophecies that God would protect Jerusalem.
Humiliation of Assyria: The death of so many Assyrian soldiers forced Sennacherib to abandon his siege of Jerusalem and return to Assyria in disgrace. It marked a significant setback for the Assyrian Empire.
Theological Message: The story is a powerful example of God's ability to defend those who are faithful to Him. It reinforces the idea that God is sovereign over nations and that He will hear and answer the prayers of His people.
Points to Consider:
Historical Accuracy: The historical accuracy of the number 185,000 has been debated. Some scholars suggest that the number may be exaggerated or symbolic. However, even if the exact number is uncertain, the biblical text clearly indicates a significant and devastating event.
The Nature of the "Strike": The exact nature of the "strike" is not specified. Some theories propose a plague or disease, while others suggest a supernatural event. The text emphasizes divine action rather than providing a natural explanation.
Parallel Accounts: This event is also described in Isaiah 37:36-37 and 2 Chronicles 32:21, offering complementary perspectives on the same historical event.
2 kings 19:35 - That night, Yahweh’s angel went out, and struck one hundred eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians. When men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.
What does "2 kings 19:35" mean?
2 Kings 19:35 describes a pivotal event in the narrative of King Hezekiah of Judah and the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means within its historical and theological context:
The Threat: The Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, was the dominant superpower of the time. They had conquered much of the region and were threatening to besiege and destroy Jerusalem. King Hezekiah, a righteous ruler, turned to God in prayer for deliverance.
"That night, Yahweh’s angel went out...": The verse states that God (Yahweh) sent an angel to intervene. The "angel of the Lord" in the Old Testament is often interpreted as a direct manifestation of God's power or a divine messenger carrying out God's will. The use of the word "angel" doesn't necessarily imply a winged being but more broadly a "messenger."
"...and struck one hundred eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians.": This is the central action of the verse. A massive number of Assyrian soldiers – 185,000 – were killed in a single night. The Hebrew word translated as "struck" implies a decisive and destructive act.
"When men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.": This emphasizes the suddenness and totality of the devastation. The next morning, the survivors found the Assyrian camp littered with corpses. The scale of the destruction would have been utterly shocking and undeniable.
Interpretation and Significance:
Divine Intervention: The primary meaning of the verse is that God directly intervened to protect Jerusalem from the Assyrian army. This event is presented as a miraculous act of deliverance, a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to those who trust in Him.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: In the broader context of the story, the destruction of the Assyrian army fulfills prophecies that God would protect Jerusalem.
Humiliation of Assyria: The death of so many Assyrian soldiers forced Sennacherib to abandon his siege of Jerusalem and return to Assyria in disgrace. It marked a significant setback for the Assyrian Empire.
Theological Message: The story is a powerful example of God's ability to defend those who are faithful to Him. It reinforces the idea that God is sovereign over nations and that He will hear and answer the prayers of His people.
Points to Consider:
Historical Accuracy: The historical accuracy of the number 185,000 has been debated. Some scholars suggest that the number may be exaggerated or symbolic. However, even if the exact number is uncertain, the biblical text clearly indicates a significant and devastating event.
The Nature of the "Strike": The exact nature of the "strike" is not specified. Some theories propose a plague or disease, while others suggest a supernatural event. The text emphasizes divine action rather than providing a natural explanation.
Parallel Accounts: This event is also described in Isaiah 37:36-37 and 2 Chronicles 32:21, offering complementary perspectives on the same historical event.