What does 2 Kings 18:20 mean?
"Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?" - 2 Kings 18:20
The verse 2 Kings 18:20 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?"
This verse comes from the historical book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament, and it is part of a passage where the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, is sending his field commander to deliver a message to King Hezekiah of Judah. The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its full meaning and significance within the broader narrative of the Bible.
In this passage, Sennacherib's field commander is taunting and threatening King Hezekiah, questioning his trust in God and challenging his rebellion against the Assyrian empire. The verse reflects the arrogance and pride of the Assyrian king and his army, as they boast about their military might and attempt to intimidate the people of Judah into surrendering.
The verse also brings to light the underlying theme of trust and faith in the face of adversity. King Hezekiah is being asked, "On whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?" This question challenges Hezekiah's reliance on God's strength and protection in the midst of a seemingly overwhelming enemy. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of placing our trust in God, even when faced with daunting circumstances and powerful adversaries.
Furthermore, the symbolism in this verse lies in the contrast between the worldly strength of the Assyrian empire and the spiritual strength of those who trust in God. The Assyrian king and his army represent the pride and arrogance of human power, while King Hezekiah and the people of Judah stand for humble reliance on God's guidance and protection.
In a broader sense, this verse speaks to the universal struggle between good and evil, faith and doubt, and the sovereignty of God versus the powers of this world. It serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance, and a call to place our trust in God alone.
The historical context of this verse is also significant. The Assyrian Empire was a dominant force in the ancient Near East, known for its military prowess and expansionist policies. The threat posed by Sennacherib and his army to the kingdom of Judah was very real, and the people of Judah were facing a moment of great uncertainty and fear. In this context, the verse serves as a message of encouragement and reassurance, urging the people to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God, despite the overwhelming odds against them.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 18:20 from the King James Version of the Bible conveys a powerful message about trust, faith, and reliance on God in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the contrast between human strength and divine strength, and the importance of placing our trust in God alone. The verse also provides a window into the historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East, shedding light on the real-life struggles and challenges faced by the people of Judah. Ultimately, this verse carries a timeless and universal significance, speaking to the enduring human experience of grappling with fear, doubt, and the quest for faith and hope in the midst of difficult circumstances.
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2 Kings 18:20 - "Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?"
"Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?" - 2 Kings 18:20
2 Kings 20:18 - "And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon."
2 Chronicles 20:18
2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
1 Kings 18:20 - "So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel."
2 Kings 20:2 - "Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,"
2 Kings 1:18 - "Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
1 Kings 20:18 - "And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive."
2 Kings 2:20 - "And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him."
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 10:20 - "And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it."
1 Kings 2:18 - "And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king."
2 Kings 25:20 - "And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:"
2 Kings 8:18 - "And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD."
2 Kings 18:18 - "And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder."
1 Kings 18:2 - "And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria."
2 Kings 18:15 - "And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house."
2 Kings 18:36 - "But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
"And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." - 2 Kings 20:18
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
2 Kings 20:21 - "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 21:20 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did."
2 Kings 13:20 - "¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year."
2 Kings 20:7 - "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."
2 Kings 11:20 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house."
2 Kings 8:20 - "¶ In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves."
"And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" - 2 Kings 14:18
2 Kings 3:18 - "And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand."