What does 2 Kings 19:37 mean?
"And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esar-haddon his son reigned in his stead." - 2 Kings 19:37
The verse 2 Kings 19:37 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead."
This verse is part of a passage that describes the downfall of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, who was ultimately assassinated by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer. It takes place in the historical context of the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and focuses on the power struggles and political turmoil of the time.
The story of Sennacherib's assassination is a complex and multi-layered narrative that has several themes and symbolic elements. One of the main themes is the concept of divine retribution. Sennacherib, as a pagan king, was known for his arrogance and his defiance of the God of Israel. He had besieged and threatened the kingdom of Judah, and even mocked the power of the Israelite God. In the verse immediately preceding 2 Kings 19:37, it is recounted how the Angel of the Lord decimated Sennacherib's army, causing him to retreat to his own land, where he is eventually killed by his own sons. This can be seen as a form of divine justice, as Sennacherib's own hubris and violence ultimately led to his downfall, in accordance with biblical principles of righteousness and justice.
Another significant theme in this verse is the concept of loyalty and betrayal. Sennacherib's own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, are depicted as the perpetrators of his assassination. This act of betrayal, especially within the context of family relationships, highlights the themes of power struggles and the corrupting influence of power. It also reflects the instability and treachery that often characterized the political landscape of ancient kingdoms. It serves as a warning against the dangers of putting trust in human power and ambition, and the consequences of turning against one's own kin.
The mention of the Assyrian god Nisroch in this verse also carries symbolic significance. Sennacherib is depicted as being in the house of Nisroch, possibly seeking protection or guidance from his deity. This can be seen as a contrast to the Israelite kings who sought guidance and protection from the God of Israel. The assassination taking place within the house of Nisroch can be interpreted as a symbol of the powerlessness of false gods and the futility of seeking protection from idols. It underscores the theme of the ultimate power and sovereignty of the God of Israel, who ultimately brings judgment and justice upon those who oppose Him.
Overall, 2 Kings 19:37 is a verse that carries deep symbolic and thematic significance within the larger narrative of the Bible. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of arrogance, betrayal, and the corrupting nature of power. It also reinforces the biblical principles of divine justice and the ultimate sovereignty of God. As such, it continues to resonate with readers, providing timeless lessons about the complexities of human nature and the importance of faith and obedience to a higher, righteous authority.
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2 Kings 19:37 - "And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esar-haddon his son reigned in his stead."
"And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esar-haddon his son reigned in his stead." - 2 Kings 19:37
2 Kings 19:2
2 Kings 19:2
2 Kings 19:2
2 Kings 15:37 - "In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah."
Daniel 2:37 - "Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory."
2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"
2 Kings 23:37 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done."
2 Kings 9:37 - "And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel."
2 Kings 4:37 - "Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out."
2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 3:16-19
2 Kings 16:19 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 19:5 - "So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah."
Genesis 19-37
2 Kings 17:37 - "And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods."
2 Kings 19:36 - "So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh."
2 Kings 19:13 - "Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?"
2 Kings 18:37 - "Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh."
Joshua 19:37 - "And Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor,"
2 Kings 19:11 - "Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shalt thou be delivered?"
2 Kings 19:2 - "And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz."
2 Kings 19:34 - "For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake."
"Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands," - 2 Kings 19:17
2 Kings 24:19 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done."
2 Kings 17:19 - "Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made."
Genesis 37:19 - "And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh."
1 Kings 2:37 - "For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head."
2 Kings 19:33 - "By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD."